"Marina—"
"No, Sophia. I'm already walking into some mafia compound to see you. That's enough crazy for one day. I'll take my own transportation, thank you very much."
Despite everything, I almost smile. Marina's stubborn streak is exactly what I need right now.
"Fine. I'll tell him."
"Good. I'll get ready and come. And Sophia?"
"Yeah?"
"We're going to figure this out, okay? All of it. The Lorenzo thing, the marriage thing, everything. You're not alone in this."
Tears prick my eyes again. "I know."
"And bring tissues. We're going to eat ice cream and trash talk every man in that house if necessary."
"I don't know if they have ice cream here."
"Then we'll order some. I doubt the mob is going to stop a Dairy Queen delivery."
This time I do smile, even though it's watery. "I love you."
"Love you too. See you soon."
She hangs up, and I'm left staring at my phone. Lorenzo's messages are still on the screen.She can stay as long as you need her.
I throw the phone on the bed and head to the bathroom to wash my face.
The man is impossible. Hot and cold, tender and distant, protective and dismissive. He holds me like I'm precious then tells me I'm just an obligation. He gives me what I need without question, but won't give me what I want.
Him.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Lorenzo
Iknock on Pietro's office door, keeping my expression neutral. Business as usual.
"Come in."
Pietro sits behind his desk with Nora perched on his lap, her fingers tracing patterns on his chest while he reviews something on his phone.
"Marina's coming to visit Sophia," I say, like I'm reporting a shipment arrival. "Should be here within the hour."
Pietro sets his phone down, his dark eyes studying me. "Nora, give us a minute."
She smiles, pressing a kiss to his jaw before sliding off his lap. "I'll be in Vittoria's room if you need me."
The door clicks shut behind her. Pietro leans back in his chair, fingers steepled.
"Speak."
"I just told you. Marina's visiting?—"
"Cut the shit, Lorenzo. What's going on with you and Sophia?"
I keep my face blank. "Nothing's going on. We're maintaining the arrangement as discussed."
