Primo Luchenko wasn't a religious person. But meeting Amara Luciano had made him believe in angels.

After his mother had died, he never thought his life would get better. But his mother's long-lost cousin had adopted him. On top of that, his new mom was a saint. He had a great family that gave him everything he wanted.

Except during holidays and family gatherings. His mom would fill the mansion with orphans, giving them a home for weeks. It was his mom's big heart at work. He couldn't blame her. But it was during those times that he felt the pain of not being their son.

He wasn't good at sharing.

That's why he liked Amara the most. She was loyal and honest. Especially to him.

Primo thought he could see that same trait in Natasha. She was kind and sweet and beautiful. He hoped she was loyal too.

"Is something wrong?" he asked when he noticed that she had gone quiet. Primo frowned. "Do I make you uncomfortable?"

"No, no." Natasha sighed as she ate her ice cream. "I just... Can I be honest?"

"Yeah. I'd like that."

Natasha sat straight. She set her spoon down and took a deep breath. "I think you're handsome and admirable with the way you treat Amara. It's just... I just-"

Primo's phone rang. "Sorry." He tapped at the stop button. "My alarm."

"For what?"

He scratched at his temple. "Amara's curfew."

Natasha let out a dainty laugh. "She has a curfew? She's really like a princess."

Primo texted Elijah about the curfew. A few minutes later, his friend sent him a picture. The angle was weird but it showed Amara glaring at Elijah with desserts in front of her.

'She'll bite if I tell her to go home now'

He chuckled that caused Natasha to shot him a questioning look. He showed her the photo.

"Looks like they're enjoying their time together," she muttered.

Primo raised an eyebrow. He stared at the picture again and wondered where she got that conclusion. Elijah liked teasing Amara at every turn. That was their relationship.

"Why are you saying that?" he asked.

Natasha shrugged. "It's not far fetched, right? Amara is likable. And they're both single."

Primo didn't think of that when he set them up. He tapped his fingers and waved for the waiter. Shit. He didn't like the thought of them together.

"We're going?" Natasha asked aloud as he hurriedly left his payment.

"Yeah." Primo grabbed his take-out which he had placed earlier and escorted Natasha to the exit. "What were you saying earlier?"

"Oh, that." Natasha took another deep breath. Her thick lashes fluttered as she grasped for words.

"Sorry," Primo said, rubbing his nape as he noticed her distress. "This date is not going in the direction I want it to. You don't like me, do you?"

Natasha reached for his hand. Her snowy cheeks turned crimson. "I told you it's not that."

"Then, what?" He gripped her hand tight. "Is this too fast? I can adjust, you know."

For the first time this night, she smiled. Primo felt his heart stop at the pretty sight.

"Thanks, Primo." Her other hand tapped at their clasped hands. "But you're right. This is too fast for me. So, maybe we should start as friends."

Primo withdrew his hand back. Ugly feelings of rejection clawed at his chest. "Fine. That's okay."

They walked to where the dessert shop was and he marched ahead of Natasha. He could see them by the entrance. He was about to call out when Elijah leaned closer to the girl.

What the fuck?

"Elijah!" he yelled, slipping his hands into his pockets. He glared at his friend. "What the fuck are you doing?"

Elijah stepped back. He ducked his head, refusing to meet his convicting stare as Amara sauntered towards him. The dress she wore exposed her slender arms and elegant neck. Not to mention, the long legs she displayed for Elijah's eyes.

"Are you cold?" His voice was thick as he caressed her form with his icy gaze.

Amara shrugged with a smirk. "Why?"

"I'm thinking that's the reason you and Elijah looked so cozy." Primo met her eyes. "Right?"

She rolled her eyes and directed her attention at Natasha. "Have a good time?"

Primo gritted his teeth. "Princess, come on. I'll take you and Natasha home."

"That's okay. I can-"

He glowered at Elijah before he could finish his sentence. The rejection from Natasha and his annoyance over Elijah's actions made the night worse. Things weren't going well for him.

"I'll take care of them," he muttered before they went to his car.

The girls sat in the backseat and exchanged small talk. Primo's mind was elsewhere. His feelings were in turmoil.

He stopped the car in front of Natasha's house. It was a quiet neighborhood for newcomers. He never went to this area before but he knew NYC's layout because his dad and Amara's uncle was in charge of real estate.

After all the gang disputes, they had let other businesses enter the city, and eventually, people also flocked to the place. But of course, it didn't change the fact that the city was still under the influence of one family.

"Have a good night," Amara called out. Her stormy eyes locked with his on the rearview mirror. "Walk her to the door."

"I don't want to," he grumbled, fingers tapping on the wheel.

"Primo, you promised."

He cursed before exiting the car and jogged to reach Natasha. He was already in a bad mood and the last thing he wanted was to fight with Amara.

They reached the patio. Natasha had her fingers on the doorknob when she jerked her head at him. The soft light illuminated her somber expression.

"Primo, I'm..." Her free hand fiddled with the strap of her silver dress, letting out a heavy sigh. "I changed my mind."

"What?"

"I look forward to the second date!" she exclaimed and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Natasha went inside her house while Primo remained frozen. His best friend was a girl and that had given him an advantage at times. But Natasha made his knowledge crumble.

He was certain that the girl didn't like him as much as he did.

"Damn." He raked his fingers through his hair. "Girls are complicated."

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