chapter 6

Matteo's POV

*Christ, what time is it?*

I rolled over, squinting at the digital clock on the nightstand. 6:47 AM. *I should be getting home soon.*

Calista's warm body pressed against my back, her fingers already trailing along my spine in that way she knew drove me crazy.

"Mmm, morning, handsome," she whispered against my neck, her breath sending shivers down my spine.

I pulled away from her touch, swinging my legs over the side of the bed.

"Easy there," I said, reaching for my shirt. "Tomorrow is my anniversary with Sloane. Keep it quiet and don't cause me any trouble. I don't have the energy to juggle both of you right now."

Honestly, I was exhausted. Managing two relationships was like running two separate companies, and I needed Calista to understand that some things took priority.

Behind me, I heard the sharp intake of her breath. Then the sound of bare feet hitting the hardwood floor.

"Matteo." Her voice had that edge to it that meant trouble. "Look at me."

I turned around to find her standing there, completely naked, hands on her hips, fire blazing in those green eyes. Even pissed off, she was gorgeous. Hell, especially when she was pissed off.

"I said look at me," she repeated, stepping closer. "Not at your fucking phone."

I hadn't even realized I'd picked it up. Force of habit.

"Cal, I don't have time for drama right now—"

"Drama?" She laughed, "I'm carrying your child, Matteo. Your child. And you're talking to me like I'm some inconvenient side piece you picked up at a bar."

*She's not wrong.* The thought hit me unexpectedly, and I felt a flicker of something that might have been guilt. But then I looked at her standing there, all righteous fury and wounded pride, and I felt that familiar pull. *Damn it, she's beautiful when she's angry.*

"Come here," I said, my voice softer now.

She hesitated, then moved toward me with that deliberate sway she knew I couldn't resist. When she was close enough, I reached out and pulled her against me.

"I'm sorry," I murmured into her hair. "You know I didn't mean it like that."

Her anger seemed to melt away instantly, replaced by that soft vulnerability that always got to me. She pressed her face against my chest, and I felt her shoulders relax.

"I just want you to spend time with me," she whispered. "With us." She took my hand and placed it on her still-flat stomach. "I won't compete with Sloane, I promise. I just want... I want you to make a little time for me too."

*God, she's good at this.* Part of me recognized the manipulation, but the larger part of me was already giving in.

"You know what your problem is?" I said, tilting her chin up so she had to look at me. "You never learned to be as composed as Sloane. Always with the emotions, the demands."

A small smile played at her lips. "Would you rather I was like her?"

"No," I admitted, pulling her closer. "I like you exactly how you are, little sister."

The nickname made her breath catch, and I saw that familiar heat flicker in her eyes. *Christ, even pregnant she drives me crazy.*

"Matteo," she whispered, her fingers trailing down my chest. "Stay with me today. Please?"

I should say no. I should check on Sloane, play the devoted husband. But Calista was looking up at me with those big eyes, her hand on my chest, and I could feel my resolve crumbling.

"The anniversary isn't until tomorrow," she continued, pressing closer. "You and Sloane have your whole lives together. Can't you spare one more day for me? For us?"

*She's right.* The thought came easily, almost automatically. *Sloane and I have decades ahead of us. What's one more day?*

I remembered Sloane mentioning she was staying at her parents' place for a few days before the anniversary. She probably wouldn't even notice if I came home or not.

"Alright," I said, feeling the familiar warmth of having made the decision.

Calista's face lit up. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed me, soft and grateful.

"Thank you," she whispered against my lips. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," I said automatically, the words as natural as breathing.

We settled back onto the bed, Calista curled up against my side like a cat. I reached for my phone, thinking I should at least check in with my assistant, maybe send Sloane a good morning text.

But when I opened our message thread, something made me pause.

The last message between us was from three days ago. Nothing since then.

*That's... unusual.*