A Dinner Turned Cold
A Dinner Turned Cold
Diamond leaned forward in her seat, her face pressed lightly against the tinted glass as Gabriele’s car rolled to a smooth stop before a massive set of iron gates. They swung open with the kind of quiet efficiency that screamed money—old money, powerful money. The driveway alone could have been mistaken for a private road, long and lined with tall, sculpted cypress trees that framed Alessandro’s estate.
When the house finally came into view, Diamond’s lips parted. The villa sprawled wide and low, all clean lines and pale stone, modern yet unmistakably Italian in its grandeur. Glass walls gleamed against the evening light, reflecting the shimmer of an Olympic-sized pool that stretched alongside the house, its surface rippling from the soft hum of an underlit waterfall feature.
She barely waited for the car to come to a full stop before she was pushing the door open and stepping out onto the gravel drive. The cool evening air carried the faintest trace of chlorine from the pool and the heavier scent of expensive cologne—guards were stationed at discreet intervals around the grounds, their dark suits and vigilant eyes impossible to miss.
“Pick up your jaw, bella,” Gabriele drawled as he shut his door, grinning at her expression. “It’s practically on the floor.”
Diamond scoffed, folding her arms over her mini dress. “I’m not that obvious.”
“Oh, you are.” His smirk deepened.
Before she could fight back, a familiar voice carried across the courtyard.
“Finally,” Alessandro’s rich, warm baritone drew her attention. She turned to see him descending the patio steps, his sleeves rolled up, a fitted white shirt clinging to his broad chest. A smile spread across his face, as his eyes flickered between her and Gabriele.
Diamond and Gabriele moved toward him, Alessandro meeting them halfway. He leaned in, wrapping an arm around her in a hug that was firm without being suffocating, the scent of expensive cologne clinging to him.
“Bella,” he murmured, his lips brushing her temple as he released her. “Welcome to my humble abode.”
Diamond’s brows shot up as she stepped back to take him in. “Humble? Alessandro, this place is anything but humble.”
Alessandro’s smile widened. “If you think this is much, just wait until you see Gabriele’s.”
Her head whipped toward Gabe so fast he nearly laughed. “Excuse me?”
Gabriele raised his hands innocently. “What?”
“You never invited me over!” she accused, smacking his chest with the back of her hand. “Why not?”
He blinked, caught off guard. “Honestly? It never crossed my mind.”
“Never crossed your mind?” Diamond repeated. “That’s the best excuse you could come up with?”
Alessandro chuckled low under his breath, clearly entertained as he slid his hand gently to Diamond’s waist and guided them toward the door.
Inside, the house opened into a grand living room with vaulted ceilings, polished marble floors, dark leather seating arranged in perfection. Modern art hung against pale walls, subtle lighting glowing from recessed fixtures. The space radiated both wealth and quiet, masculine elegance.
Diamond spun slowly, taking it in. “You can literally fit another house inside this living room.”
Sandro’s mouth curved. “Come. The dining room awaits.”
The dining room was already prepared—mahogany table gleaming under a chandelier, plates set with silver cutlery and crystal glasses, a bottle of chilled, deep red wine resting at the center. Alessandro excused himself briefly, disappearing into the kitchen, and returned moments later carrying a steaming dish. He placed it down gently.
“Dinner is served,” he said simply, pride in his voice. “Spaghetti and meatballs, alla Mamà.” (The way mother makes it)
Diamond leaned forward, her hazel eyes widening at the sight of the glossy sauce and the perfectly browned meatballs nestled into the nest of pasta. “That looks so good.”
Beside her, Gabriele muttered, “Let’s just hope it tastes half as good as it looks.”
Alessandro arched a brow, feigning offense. “Of course it does. It’s Mamà’s recipe.”
Diamond giggled. “I smell jealousy.”
“I’m not jealous,” Gabe groaned, running a hand through his brown curls.
“Jealous of what?” Sandro asked, genuinely curious.
“Because I may have mentioned that you and Adriano are better cooks than him,” Diamond admitted with a teasing grin.
Alessandro smirked knowingly. “Well, she didn’t lie.”
“Oh, come on!” Gabriele leaned back in his chair, exasperated. “At least I can take you being better, but Adriano? Nope. Not a chance.”
Diamond rested her chin on her hand, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “I don’t know, Gabe… maybe you’re just at the bottom of the food chain.”
Sandro chuckled, pouring wine into her glass. “Diamond, can I tell her the story?”
Diamond perked up immediately. “Yes please.”
“Years ago,” Alessandro began smoothly, “Gabriele offered to cook one of our father's favorite dishes for him. Lasagne alla Bolognese. Our proud little chef here was so confident he could outdo Nonna’s recipe.”
“No,” Gabriele cut in, already groaning. “Do not listen to him, Diamond.”
She grinned wickedly. “Go on, Sandro.”
“The dish looked edible enough,” Sandro continued despite his brother’s protests, eyes glinting with amusement. “But right after dinner, our father ended up in a hospital bed. The doctor said he got food poisoning.”
Diamond gasped, then burst out laughing. “What?!”
Alessandro was laughing too now, shaking his head. “I swear to God, if Gabriele weren’t his own blood, Padré would’ve assumed La Rosa Nera sent him to assassinate him.”
Diamond clutched her stomach, laughing so hard tears fell from her eyes. Gabriele dragged a hand down his face. “That was ten years ago. I was eighteen!”
“My cheeks hurt from laughing so much,” Diamond wheezed between laughs. “Let’s eat already before the food gets cold.”
Sandro, ever the gracious host, served the pasta onto their plates and poured generous glasses of wine. Diamond twirled a forkful, took a bite, and her hazel eyes fluttered close in delight. “Oh my God… Sandro, this is insane. The sauce, the flavors, the way you seasoned these meatballs—perfect. And this wine? It’s like they were made for each other.”
Alessandro sipped his wine with a sly smirk. “Careful, or Gabe might get pissed again.”
“I’m not pissed,” Gabriele muttered, though the twitch at the corner of his lips betrayed him. “The both of you are insufferable.”
Diamond giggled, savoring another bite. “So,” she said after swallowing, “tell me about what it was like growing up.”
Gabriele waved a hand. “I’m sure you’ve heard enough of that from Adriano. We don't wanna bore you.”
“No, actually,” Diamond said, her tone softening. “Adriano hasn’t told me much at all. Other than… well.” She hesitated. “He’s told me about how much your father hates him. How he’s told he’s never good enough. Always compared to you two. He said your father thinks he’s a disgrace to the family name.”
The clink of silverware on plates came to a sharp half.
Both brothers went quiet, their forks lowering. Diamond felt the air shift, the warmth of moments ago leeching away into something taut, heavy.
“Oh,” she whispered, glancing between them. “I–I didn’t mean to ruin the mood. I’m sorry.”
Alessandro shook his head, voice low but steady. “No, it's okay. You don’t have to apologize.”
Gabriele exhaled, eyes fixed on his wine glass. “Papà doesn’t hate Adriano.” He paused. “At least not for the reason Adri thinks. And hate… hate is such a strong word don't you think?”
“Then what is it?” Diamond asked softly. “Why does he treat him that way?”
Silence stretched.
The brothers exchanged a look, a silent standoff neither seemed eager to break. Finally, Alessandro set his glass down and turned his gaze on her, sharp and unflinching.
“Because,” he said, voice flat, “Adriano is the reason our mother got kidnapped by La Rosa Nera.”
Diamond froze, her fork slipping out of her hand and clattering against the marble floor. Her chest tightened, breath caught between disbelief and dread
“What?” she gasped, her voice barely above a whisper.
Gabriele sighed heavily.
“He’s the reason she ended up dead.”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Bet you didn't see that coming, huh? 😏. Anyways I've unveiled the cover of my upcoming book on Twitter, and will be sharing little teasers and spoilers for His Stripper, Their Obsession and my new work. Once it goes live, I promise you'll be HOOKED. Head over to Twitter @AmoreLovelace to check it out. Have a nice day, stay tuned!