Malik moved toward the foot of the bed, his expression shifting to something softer as he smiled at Emily. “This is wonderful news! Rosie needs a playmate and a friend.”
Dr. Tarantino pulled back the covers and gently palpated Emily’s abdomen. “You’ll need rest, Miss Emily. Rest and good nutrition.” He nodded to himself. “I’d estimate you’re about three months along. May I ask—where is the father?”
Emily’s eyes welled with unshed tears.
“He’s not the man I thought he was,” she whispered. Turning away from all of us, she rolled onto her side, her back a silent barrier. “Can you all please leave? I need to be alone.”
Malik’s gaze flicked to mine, concern deepening the lines on his face.
I mirrored his worry. I was furious that Marcellius had turned to the dark side, but more than that, I was bewildered. How had we been so thoroughly deceived?
Saying nothing, Dr. Tarantino, Malik, and I quietly left the room, descending the grand, curving staircase.
At the bottom, I lingered in the foyer while Malik stepped outside to see the doctor off.
When he returned, I moved toward him—but before I could speak, Giulia hurried toward us, her movements quick and practiced.
She curtsied. “Master, if I may.”
Malik’s expression hardened. “What is it?” His voice was sharp, impatient.
Giulia kept her gaze lowered to the tiled floor. “A gentleman came to see you yesterday.”
Malik’s nostrils flared. “What, gentleman? Who was it?”
She hesitated, then said, “He said his name was Roman Alexander, sir.”
The air between us stilled, thick with something unspoken.
Roman was here.
A rush of emotion slammed into me so hard my knees nearly buckled. My beloved husband, after all this time, was finally here, in Italy, at the same moment as I was. I had to press myself against the wall to keep from collapsing.
“Where is he?” Malik’s eyes blazed with intensity.
Giulia shifted uncomfortably. “He’s gone, sir. I told him you’d return in two days.”
Silence.
Then—
“You what?” Malik’s voice was a dangerous growl, the veins in his neck bulging. “Why didn’t you put him up? That’s what I told you to do! Where did he go?”
I sagged against the wall, too stunned to speak. Did she send Roman away?
Giulia’s voice warbled. “He was with another man. They rode in a fine carriage. When I told him you weren’t here and wouldn’t return for two days, he said he would return and then departed. He didn’t seem upset.”
Malik’s seemed to bubble with fury. “Whether he seemed upset or not is missing the point. You had one job, Giulia—to greet the man I told you was coming and offer him my hospitality.”
Giulia swallowed hard. “B-b-but, sir,” she stammered. “I didn’t think you’d want a stranger?—”
“I don’t pay you to think!” Malik thundered. “I hired you because you follow orders. And if you don’t like it, there are plenty of fresh road apples to plow.”
He pointed to the door, his expression like carved stone. “Get out! You’re no longer under my employment!”
Giulia gasped, her hands trembling as she clasped them together.
“B-b-but, sir. My family?—”
