No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 43

"This was a terrible idea," Alessio mutters to me, looking at the three drunk people in front of us.

Lea and Issy are giggling on the couch together, talking about something or other. They keep looking at me and then Vincenzo, evil smiles on their faces.

Vincenzo is sitting on the other end of the couch to his sister and cousin, a half empty bottle in his hand as he stares blankly at the ground.

"Time to get them to bed?" I ask, feeling grateful that Alessio also chose against drinking tonight.

"I'd say so," he sighs, pushing himself off the wall we're leaning against. "Do you want to take the girls or Enzo?" he asks.

"I'd rather look after one person than two," I say sheepishly, the strong smell of alcohol making me uneasy.

"I'll look after the girls then," he smiles, walking over to his sister and cousin and crouching beside them.

"You got Enzo?" Alessio asks, looking over to me briefly as he gently helps Lea and Issy stand up.

I nod as I crouch down in front of Vincenzo, taking the half empty bottle away from him as he gives me a lazy grin.

"Love birds," Lea hiccups, giggling like a maniac as she leans against Alessio. "Alright Lea, let's get you into bed," Alessio chuckles, putting his arm around his sister before giving me 'good luck' look.

I wait until they leave the room before I sit down, sighing as I look at Vincenzo. "I think we should get you into bed, hey?" I ask softly.

"I think we should stay here a little longer," he drawls, his hand coming up to tuck my hair behind my ear.

I hum in response, "Why's that?" I ask.

"It's nice," he grins,

"Nice?" I repeat,

"Yes, very," he says, nodding his head firmly,

"And why's it nice?" I ask, amused at his drunk personality,

"Be-because I can spend time with you," he says, grinning widely as I chuckle.

"Well you can spend time with me when I help you get to your room," I say,

He frowns at me, "You're right," he says, narrowing his eyes at me. "Let's go then, only because you asked,"

"Only because I asked huh?" I ask, raising an eyebrow at him as I stand up.

"I would do anything you ask sweetheart," he smiles, standing up beside me.

"Aren't you just grand," I mutter, putting an arm around him as he leans against me.

"You think so?" he asks, his tone hopeful as I raise an eyebrow at him.

"Very much," I say cautiously,

"I like that," he says, nodding his head decidedly,

"Like what?" I ask,

"That you think I'm grand," he says, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world,

"You care what I think?" I ask, slightly taken aback,

"I care what everyone thinks of me, people's thoughts about you define your reputation," he explains, and I'm impressed by the level of thought behind his words.

"And what reputation have people given you then?" I ask, knowing full well the answer.

"I'm a jerk, but I'm good at leading my Mafia because of it," he says,