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Gianna’s POV
The sound of Matteo’s laugh lingered in the air, softer now that the rain had eased up. I wasn’t sure how we’d gone from an awkward check-in mix-up to this—sitting cross-legged on the carpet in a hotel room, laughing over a game of cards like old friends. It felt…unusual. Disarming.
I leaned back against the couch, watching as Matteo shuffled the deck with a confidence that bordered on cocky. The guy had been full of surprises this entire trip. He wasn’t just quick on his feet in meetings; he was adaptable in ways I hadn’t expected. That resourcefulness, paired with his natural charisma, made him someone you couldn’t easily ignore. Not that I’d admit that out loud.
“Ready for another round?” he asked, arching an eyebrow.
“You’ve won the last three. I’m starting to thi
