Back at the mansion, Isabella found Luca in the kitchen, stealing cookies from the jar Mrs. Russo tried to hide behind the flour canisters.
"Caught you," she said, making him jump so hard he nearly dropped the ceramic jar.
"Isabella!" He grinned, cookie crumbs scattered across his dark shirt. "Jesus, you're quiet. How was shopping with my charming brother?"
"He spent eight thousand euros on a dress."
Luca whistled low and long. "Eight thousand? Either you look incredible in it, or Matt's finally losing his mind."
"Maybe both."
They laughed together, and Isabella felt her shoulders relax for the first time all day. She liked how easy things were with Luca. No walking on eggshells. No tension crackling in the air. No secrets burning between them like with Matteo.
"Want some?" Luca offered the cookie jar, shaking it temptingly. "They're chocolate chips. Mrs. Russo made them this morning."
"Mrs. Russo will kill us both if she finds out."
