Chapter 203

"Not compatible? How exactly?" June huffed, rolling her eyes so dramatically she almost gave herself a headache.

Elio looked like he was about to lose it. "In every possible way! Please, I'm begging you, just leave me alone!"

"Oh, come on. This is because I hooked up with a couple of your buddies, isn't it? Don't forget, I introduced you to my best friends too. Vanessa, Selina, Dolly, and

Elio looked like he might actually pass out. He lunged forward, slapped a hand over her mouth, and practically yelled, "Stop! Don't make stuff up! I never even touched them!"

Lucie just stood there, completely stunned. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was this real? Did couples actually sleep with each other's friends and somehow not end up hating each other?

"Mmph!" June bit down on Elio's hand without warning. At the same time, her other hand shot out and went straight for his most sensitive spot.

"Ah-damn it!" Elio yelped, hopping around in pain, veins popping on his forehead.

June put her hands on her hips, glaring. "What, you trying to smother me now? You can dish it out but you can't take it? I haven't even started on your mess, and you're already looking down at me! What about your yacht parties? You'd bring a whole boatload of models. Did I ever say a word about it?"

She turned to Lucie, demanding backup. "Lucie, seriously, you tell me who's the bigger player? Him or me?"

Lucie just stared, her face burning. She had no idea what to say. She felt like her entire worldview was being shattered.

Elio was done. His face was beet red, and he looked absolutely furious. He grabbed June by the collar. “June, don't push me. I don't hit women, but you seriously need to get out of here."

He shoved her, not exactly gently.

June stumbled, nearly falling, and crashed straight into Lucie's arms. "Ahh! Lucie, save me!"

Lucie steadied her, frowning. "Elio, what's wrong with you? You can't just shove a girl like that!"

Elio's eyes were wild. "She's not a girl, she's insane! Get out, or I swear I'll throw you out myself."

He went for her again, clearly at the end of his rope. June immediately latched onto Lucie, suddenly looking small and helpless. "Lucie, please, help me!"

Lucie pulled June behind her, putting herself between them. "Elio, stop it. She's a lady. Don't be so rough."

"Lucie, don't believe a word she says! She's completely nuts!" Elio protested.

"You're the crazy one!" June yelled from behind Lucie.

Lucie couldn't help it—she almost laughed, but mostly she was exasperated. "Guys, enough. You're

both my office now so let's just in Sit down, have some tea, and stop yetting, okay?"

Elio let out a long, frustrated sigh and shot June a glare. "I'm only calming down

because of Lucie. Don't push your luck."

"Like I'm scared of you," June shot back.

"Seriously both of you, cut it out," Lucie said, her tone firm. "Sit. We're going to talk about this like adults. I

just got some amazing new tea. Let me make you a cup."

She quickly guided them over to the coffee table, doing her best to keep things civil. She was honestly terrified they'd break something priceless if they kept going.

They glared at each other but finally, grudgingly, sat down.

A full set of exquisite tea ware sat on

the table. Lucie hurried to boil some water, then opened her best tin of premium black tea and started.

making them each a cup hoping a

ttle caffeine might calm everyone down. sŵnovels