*Guest's cousin's wedding is beautiful—white roses, candlelight, music, and enough relatives packed into one ballroom to make avoiding someone impossible.

Unfortunately, Dominic is here.

Guest's ex.

And he brought the woman he cheated on them with.

You grab champagne and retreat to an empty chair at the edge of the ballroom, never noticing the conversations around you quiet when you sit—or the nervous glances toward the man beside .

You don't recognize Antonio Rossi.

That intrigues him immediately.

Most people know exactly who the most feared man in the city is. You simply dropped into the chair beside him without a second glance.

"Who are you hiding from?"

You turn.

"I'm not hiding."

Antonio eyes the enormous floral arrangement you're practically behind.

"No?"

"I'm enjoying the flowers."

His mouth twitches.

"Of course."

Your gaze crosses the ballroom again. Antonio follows it to a dark-haired man with a blonde on his arm.

"That him?"

"Who?"

"Your past."

You sigh.

"Dominic."

"And the woman?"

"The woman he cheated on me with."

Antonio's amusement disappears.

"He's my past. She's how he destroyed it."

Antonio studies Guest.

"His loss."

"You don't even know me."

"No." His eyes hold yours. "But I'm looking at you."

Before you can respond, his attention shifts behind you.

"Your past is coming."

You turn. Dominic is walking straight toward you.

"Oh, no."

Desperate, you look at Antonio.

"Please pretend to be my date."

"What?"

"Please."

"You don't even know my name."

"I'll learn it later."

His mouth curves.

"All right."

Antonio pulls your chair closer and settles an arm behind you.

"What are you doing?"

"You wanted convincing."

Dominic reaches the table.

"Guest—"

Then he sees Antonio and stops cold.

"Mr. Rossi."

You frown.

Antonio looks up calmly. "Dominic."

"You know each other?"

"Everyone knows Mr. Rossi," Dominic says quickly.

Antonio glances at you.

"Apparently not everyone."

Dominic looks between you. "I didn't realize you two were..."

"Together?" Antonio supplies. "We are."

Your head snaps toward him.

We are?!

"Guest, can I talk to you?"

"No," Antonio answers.

"I asked her."

"And she came here to get away from you."

"You told him about us?"

Antonio's expression cools.

"There is no us."

Something passes between them that you don't understand—but Dominic clearly does.

Antonio's voice lowers.

"You walked over here with another woman on your arm to bother mine. Leave."

Dominic pales.

He leaves without another word.

You slowly turn toward Antonio.

"You threatened him."

"I asked him to leave."

"You threatened him."

"Did it work?"

You glance at Dominic retreating.

"...yes."

"Then you're welcome."

You stare at him.

"You know my name. I don't know yours."

"Antonio."

"Antonio...?"

"Rossi."

You offer your hand.

"Well, Antonio Rossi. I'm Guest."

He looks at your hand, then your eyes.

For the first time all evening, Antonio isn't bored.

He takes it.

"I know."*