16. Camila

16

Sitting cross-legged on Lucia's bed, my economics textbook in my lap, I haven't read a word in the last fifteen minutes. My mind keeps drifting to tomorrow night—my date with Elio. A shiver runs down my spine as I imagine his hands on my body, his lips against mine. But then Renzo's face flashes through my mind, and a wave of guilt washes over me.

"Hey, you okay?" Lucia asks, nudging me with her foot.

I force a smile. "Yeah, just tired."

Lucia raises an eyebrow. "You sure? You've been staring at that same page for a while now."

I sigh, closing the textbook and setting it aside. "I'm just... nervous about tomorrow night."

"What's there to be nervous about? You're going out with a hot guy who's clearly into you."

I pick at a loose thread on the comforter. "I know, but... it's not just Elio."

Lucia frowns. "What do you mean?"

I hesitate, unsure how to explain my twisted desire for both Barone brothers. "It's complicated," I say finally.

Lucia scoots closer, her expression softening. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"

I nod, but the words stick in my throat. How can I admit that I'm drawn to both Elio and Renzo? Or that the thought of being with them both simultaneously sends a thrill through me?

"I'm just tired," I say again, forcing a yawn for emphasis.

"Fair enough," Lucia says, snapping her book shut. "Can I ask you something?"

I nod in response. "Of course."

"Have you heard about this rumor that there's a secret society being formed?"

My brow furrows. "No, what's the rumor?"

"Apparently, it's called the Nexus, and lots of groups of guys are trying to recruit girls to be their slaves to get in."

"Slaves?" I scoff, wondering what the fuck she's talking about.

She giggles, her cheeks flushing. "What I've heard is a group of guys, whether it's two, three, or four, are getting girls to agree to be their sex slave. Basically, all of them share her."

"For real?" I say slowly. "It sounds kind of intense. Being shared by multiple guys like that."

Lucia shrugs. "I mean, it could be fun. Exciting. A crazy new experience."

I chew my lip, remembering what Renzo said about sharing me with Elio. Is that what he meant? Are they part of this so-called Nexus?

"Would you do it?" I ask Lucia. "If a group of hot guys asked you to be their slave?" The word feels strange on my tongue.

"Maybe," Lucia says with a coy smile. "If they were super hot and promised to treat me right, it might be nice to be worshipped and adored by a bunch of studs."

I shake my head. "I don't know if I could. It just seems so...extreme."

"That's okay. It's not for everyone," Lucia says kindly. I'm just more adventurous, I guess, and open to new things."

"Have you heard any names?" I ask cautiously. "Of guys who are part of this Nexus?"

Lucia taps her chin thoughtfully. "No, not really. There are just rumors that it's being set up this year, and guys are recruiting the prettiest girls."

I nod, wondering if Elio and Renzo could be involved. The thought sends a confusing mixture of fear and excitement through me.

"Why? Are you interested?" Lucia asks playfully.

"No, no," I say quickly. "Just curious about the rumor, that's all."

Lucia eyes me knowingly but doesn't push further. We go back to studying, but my mind continues churning with unanswered questions. What is this Nexus? And are Elio and Renzo involved?

"I think I'm gonna head back to my room and get some rest," I say.

Lucia looks like she wants to press further, but she nods. "Okay. But if you need to talk, I'm here."

I gather my things and stand up, giving Lucia a quick hug. "Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow."

As I walk back to my dorm room, my thoughts swirl with confusion. I know I want Elio to be my first, but Renzo's words echo in my mind, tempting me with the possibility of something more. Both of them. I know how greedy it is to think that.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I'll be with Elio tomorrow night, and everything will fall into place. It has to.

I hurry down the hallway, my mind still reeling from my conversation with Lucia. I'm so lost in thought that I don't see the person before me until it's too late. I collide with a solid chest, stumbling backward.

Strong hands grip my arms, steadying me. "Whoa there. Where's the fire?"

I look up into the smirking face of Dante Costa, Elio's friend. My cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going."

Dante's eyes glint with amusement. "I can see that. Lucky for you, I don't mind being run into by a beautiful woman."

I roll my eyes, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach at his words. "I'm sure you say that to all the girls who bump into you."

Dante chuckles, his hands still resting on my arms. "Only the ones who catch my eye."

I step back, breaking his hold on me. "I thought Elio was your best friend."

Dante shrugs, his gaze trailing over my body. "He is. But that doesn't mean I can't appreciate a stunning woman when I see one."

I cross my arms over my chest, feeling self-conscious under his scrutiny. "Does Elio know you talk to his girlfriend like this?"

Dante's grin widens. "Girlfriend? I didn't realize you two were official."

I falter, realizing my mistake. Elio and I haven't discussed what we are. I just assumed that since we're dating, we're exclusive. "We're not... I mean, we're just..."

Dante takes a step closer, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Just what?"

I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry as I examine Dante's appearance. He's not as muscular as Elio or Renzo, but his build has a lean athleticism that's undeniably attractive. His midnight black hair falls in tousled waves, framing a face with skin that's a beautiful, rich tone.

"I..." I trail off, my brain short-circuiting as Dante leans closer, his dark brown eyes boring into mine.

"You what, tesoro?" he murmurs, the Italian endearment rolling off his tongue like honey.

My heart hammers as I struggle to form a coherent thought. "I should go," I manage to say, but I make no move to leave.

Dante's lips quirk up in a half-smile. "Should you? Or do you want to stay and chat for a bit?"

I know I should walk away, but there's something magnetic about Dante's presence that keeps me rooted to the spot. "Chat about what?"

He shrugs, his gaze drifting to my lips before snapping to meet my eyes. "Anything you want. I'm a good listener."

I let out a shaky laugh. "I'm sure you are."

Dante reaches out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers brush against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. "I'm also good at other things," he says.

I can't shake what Lucia told me about the Nexus. My mind races as I stand there, pinned by Dante's intense gaze. What if he, Elio, and Renzo are part of this secret group, trying to recruit me as their slave? The word makes my stomach twist, but an undeniable thrill courses through me at the idea.

Dante seems to sense my inner turmoil. He leans in closer, his lips nearly brushing my ear. "You look like you're wrestling with something, tesoro." His breath is warm against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. "Care to share what that beautiful mind of yours is so preoccupied with?"

I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry. Part of me wants to confide in him, to ask him outright if he's involved in the Nexus. But another part of me is terrified of the answer, of the implications it could have.

"It's nothing," I lie, stepping back to put some distance between us. "I should get going."

Dante doesn't move, his gaze holding me in place. "If you're worried about Elio, don't be." He reaches out, trailing a finger along my jawline. "He knows how I feel about you. How we all feel."

My breath catches in my throat at his words. Does he mean him, Elio and Renzo? "I... I don't..."

"Shh," Dante whispers, placing a finger against my lips. "You don't have to say anything. Just know that if you ever want to explore, I'm here. We all are."

He drops his hand, his fingers grazing against my collarbone before falling away. His touch brands me, and my skin tingles when he makes contact.

"I should go," I say again, but my voice comes out breathy and unconvincing.

Dante nods, stepping back to give me space. "Of course. I wouldn't want to keep you."

He says it with a smirk like he knows exactly what kind of effect he's having on me. I force myself to turn away, putting one foot in front of the other and walking down the hallway. But with every step, I can feel Dante's eyes on me, and I can't shake the feeling that this won't be the last time we have a conversation like this.

Once back to my dorm room, I pace back and forth. My mind is racing with thoughts of Elio, Renzo, and now Dante. What about me has all three of them vying for my attention? I'm flattered, of course, but a nagging voice in the back of my head won't let me fully enjoy it.

Are they just playing some kind of game? Seeing who can get the virgin first? The thought makes my stomach churn. I've heard stories about college boys and their bets, their conquests. Is that all I am to them? A prize to be won?

I sink down onto my bed, hugging my pillow to my chest. I want to believe that Elio genuinely cares for me and that his interest goes beyond getting me into bed. But then I think about Renzo, with his suggestive comments and wandering hands, and now Dante, with his smooth words and lingering touches.

My anxiety spirals as I consider the possibilities. What if they're all in on it together? What if they're laughing at me, placing bets on who can seduce me first? The thought makes me feel sick.

I try to take deep breaths and calm my racing heart. I know I'm probably overthinking things, letting my anxiety get the best of me. But I can't shake the feeling that something isn't right.

I think back to my conversation with Lucia, how I couldn't even bring myself to tell her the truth about my feelings for the two brothers. What would she think of me if she knew? Would she think I was some kind of slut, stringing them along?

I bury my face in my pillow, hot tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. I feel like I'm drowning in confusion and self-doubt. Add the secret society in the mix, and I'm a mess. I want to believe in my connection with Elio, but the doubts keep creeping in.

I don't know what to do, and I don't know who to trust. All I know is that I can't continue like this, constantly second-guessing myself and everyone around me. I need to find a way to quiet the anxiety and trust my own instincts.

But right now, all I can do is let the tears fall and hope that everything will make sense in the end.