Alessia Mancini
The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. I caught Riley's eyes widening slightly, and I realized I'd revealed more than I meant to. The room suddenly felt too warm, too close, the scent of coffee and freshly baked cookies cloying in my nostrils.
Riley broke the tension with a burst of laughter. "God, that reminds me of university," she said, her eyes dancing with mischief.
I couldn't help but snort, memories of our wild college days flooding back. "When Elena set that bag of cannabis on fire in the kitchen, you mean?" I asked, grateful for the distraction.
"Yep," Riley grinned, popping the 'p' sound. "Took us weeks to get the smell out."
I felt Giovanni's grip on my hand tighten almost imperceptibly. His thumb traced slow circles on my palm, a subtle reminder
