Chapter 45 - Mariano (1)

Between the party last night and tonight—throw in the busy week, the flight, and the whole day's activities, I'm exhausted.

I could get up and join the De Lucas who are networking—which I did earlier—but I can't find the energy to kiss people's asses at the moment. Not that I would even if I had the energy to. Moreover, I don't kiss ass; it's my ass to be kissed. And New York isn't my scene. It's theirs.

Glancing to my right, Riri sits close to me quietly, our arms touching. She has been silent since Mika left for home with Alessandro and Aurora a few minutes ago. I asked if she wanted to go too, but she said she wanted to stay a little longer.

A few strands of hair fall to the side of her face and I catch sight of her slightly parted lips. Those lips that I still feel on mine. They're plump and sexy, and I imagine my teeth sinking into them multiple times. I rotate my neck to relieve some tension.