“Yes,” I say, emphasizing my response with a firm nod. “This isn’t going to work.”
Violetta rears back like I slapped her face. “So you fucked me like...six hours ago and now you’ve decided you’re done with me?”
“Watch how you speak to me,” I warn. “I’m doing this for your own good because you’re too young to know what you want or what to watch out for. A few years from now you’ll have enough life experiences to make a decision and it won’t be one you regret a decade from now. Trust me, this is for the best.”
“I see.” She laughs, but it’s tinged with bitterness, creating a sour taste in my mouth. “How kind of you to give me the experience of sexual intercourse, that way I’ll have a basis going forward. You’ve also been gracious to provide first-hand knowledge of what a narcissistic man can be like and how much of an idiot I’ve been these last couple days. Believe me when I say I do trust you. I trust you to be a self-serving asshole who’s worse than my father, which is pretty fucking bad.”
Violetta spins on her heel and I admire the currents of anger she leaves in her wake, even as they cut me. From that second, until we climb into the vehicle and leave for the air strip, I remind myself I’ve done what’s best for us both.
I might be a good enough liar when it comes to Violetta.
But I can’t fool myself.
Violetta
I’ve lost Tristano.
He hasn’t spoken for several hours and based on that, plus the pinched expression on his face, he won’t anytime soon. This situation with him has turned me into the biggest hypocrite. I was silent for almost two years, battling my demons and shutting out the world, but I’m angry with him for doing the same thing. I know something was said to trigger such a drastic change in him, but he wouldn’t tell me what it was and I suspect he never will.
It would seem impossible to simultaneously love and hate someone, but I do.
My heart beats steadily as though I’m not slowly dying inside, which annoys me to no end. However, my anger is more than enough to keep me going. Never underestimate the power of spite.
Beni bumps me lightly with his shoulder. “You up for a game ofTetris?”
I shake my head.
“He’ll come around, Violet.”
My answer is a shrug.
“Want me to shoot him?”
My lips twitch once and then the mirth disappears. I shake my head and then avert my gaze to stare out the window, signaling I’m done with the conversation.
From the corner of my eye I catch Beni sending a glare in Tristano’s direction and it warms my wounded soul a little. “If you change your mind aboutTetris, or about me shooting his dumb ass, just let me know.”
The rest of the flight is uneventful and so is the drive back to Tristano’s residence. He makes a point to sit in the front passenger’s seat, as if he can’t stand to be near me. When I gave myself to him I knew it wasn’t a guarantee for us to be together, but I didn’t think he’d go from worshiping my body to acting as if I didn’t exist.
This type of pain is deep, stabbing me more with each passing hour.
The only silver lining in this entire affair is when we pull up in front of the house and I spot Carina waiting by the front door. She makes a beeline for me and once I’m out of the vehicle she envelops me in a hug. I wrap my arms around her and close my eyes, soaking in the familiarity of her, as well as the strength she exudes. It’s a balm to my battered emotions and I’m so relieved to be reunited with her.
I open my eyes when she pulls away from me, holding onto my shoulders. Rafael stands not too far away with his dark gaze focused on us. “I’m so glad you’re back, safe and sound,” Carina says. Her gaze flickers to Tristano, and it narrows infinitesimally before returning to me. “We have a lot to talk about, but let’s get you settled first.”
She takes my hand in hers as though we are little girls again and then leads me inside. The butler dips his head in acknowledgement as we pass by and I obediently follow my sister, not caring about where she’s taking me.
As long as Tristano isn’t there, I’ll be fine.
After a shower, a meal—forced down my throat because of my sister’s threats—and fresh clothing, the two of us sit on the bed in the guest room I’ll be sleeping in. Carina stares at me expectantly.
I’ve opened my mouth several times, only to close it. I’m not sure where to start or what to say that’ll help her understand my decisions, but also not judge me for them. What should I keep a secret and what can I tell her without causing problems between us and the Silvestris?
“You had sex with him, didn’t you?”
I gasp and stare at my sister as though she’s grown a second head.
She waves a hand in dismissal and then rolls her eyes. “I fucking knew it. I didn’t trust the way he looked at you the night we showed up on his doorstep, but I wasn't sure and I didn’t have time to confirm. Besides, how was I supposed to know he’d put you on a plane destined for another country within an hour? I’ll hand it to them, these Silvestri men move fast as shit.”
