My finger hovers over the send button. My mind goes back and forth, trying to make the correct decision. I hover over it and almost press send, but then my phone buzzes with a notification.
Mama:Hey baby girl, just went on my first run today. The meds are working and I’m feeling great.
“Oh God,” I choke out, unable to hold back the flood that threatens to escape my eyes. “Mama.”
And just like that, whatever boldness I had to reach out to Matteo fades.
I can’t do it.
Her life is dependent on how I behave when it comes to Giacomo. I can’t afford to be blinded by emotions that could risk her care.
I shut my phone off and walk to my room, kicking off my heels with a clumsy clatter. I close the door behind me, my heart heavy with sadness and resignation.
I crawl into my bed and curl up under the covers, dress still on. I don’t have the strength to take anything off. I leave the lights on to keep the darkness at bay while I try to sleep the heartache away.
“It’s okay, Bea. You will get through this.” I try to ease myself, but the words do nothing to calm my heart. “You will make it.”
For a split second, I almost wish I’d taken that step and gone over the ledge.
11
MATTEO
Istare at my coffee mug in disdain. She is only a few feet away from me, but I can’t even get to her. I’ve tried my best to keep my distance, to let her come to me when she’s ready, but the waiting is agony.
I should not be around this woman. Especially now that I know the truth of who she is and what she represents.
Going after her will only start a war—but I don’t care. I don’t care if I have to incite bloodshed.
I want her.
I sigh and look over my shipment orders once more before heading out my door. I’m locking it when I hear the door across the hall open. A thick, heavy laugh follows, and I freeze.
He’s here.
I don’t need to turn to know who it is. I would know that cackling witch laugh anywhere.
“I need to go now,cara. I have things I need to attend to.” His laugh is sharp—like nails on a chalkboard.
I turn slowly, just in time to see Giacomo lean in to kiss her—but Beatrice shifts at the last second, angling her face so his lipsbrush her cheek instead. Her gaze finds mine as he pulls back, lingering for a beat before she turns to say her goodbye.
She mumbles something under her breath and retreats inside, not bothering to look my way again. When the door shuts, I know I should move, but I hold steady, glaring at the man who has the one thing I want.
Giacomo stands by the door and turns to face me with a smug smile playing at his lips. He fiddles with his cuffs, taking his time, reveling in the fact that I caught them.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the neighbor.” He starts walking toward me like he owns the place. He’s relaxed, confidence oozing from his stride. “What a wonderful morning it is, isn’t it?”
I ball my fists at my sides. Fury builds in my chest, but I push it down, not wanting to cause a scene right outside her door.
But then the door opens again.
A soft waveof lavender drifts into the hallway.
She steps out barefoot, wearing a black pajama set that shows off her legs. I try my best not to ogle her—but it’s hard.
Her hair is a mess, like hands have been running through it relentlessly, and I can only pray it’s her own. Her expression is unreadable, but the blush on her cheeks tells me she knows I’m here, and that my presence is affecting her.
Good.
