Chapter 76

“Come on, dolcezza, we’re going to be late.” Jake is harassing me from outside the bathroom door. It’s been a day of lazing in bed, food, and movies, but now he’s rushing me to get dressed up to meet friends for his brother’s birthday. The plan is to meet up at a nightclub called Top of the Standard, apparently one of the most exclusive clubs in New York City. It didn’t take much for Jake to swing entry for two dozen of Arrick’s friends and closest family members.

“Well, since you gave me zero warning, I’m doing the best I can,” I pout, finally emerging in a black, strapless cocktail dress that is tight and short, gold high heels, and a gold clutch. I’ve made up my face with nude lips and a smoky dark eye shadow that Leila showed me when we were on the yacht. My hair is in its usual loose, tousled waves in a side parting.

“Wow, si è assolutamente sorprendente, Bambina,” he exclaims, the look on his face telling me that it’s most definitely a compliment. He swoops down to