What I do is an insult to the music. I just hit notes out of rhythm—jumbled like my brain, off key like my heartbeats, broken like my soul. The white and black keyboard doesn’t make sense anymore, as if I’ve forgotten how to play and I’m trying to remember in vain.
It’s Calla. She doesn’t give up. My sister-in-law is a bulldozer. I love her. I truly do, but she has no notion of personal space.
“My brother will be cranky that you spend so much time with me.”
She waves me off. “He can handle it.”
I arch a brow. “Sure?”
A small blush colors her cheeks. “I’ll make it worth his patience.”
I shudder. “Ick. Stop gloating.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispers and sits down next to me on the bench.
“My brother is no better. Tough love. You either go after what you want, or you won’t get it. It’s that simple. And if you want him, tell him. End both your misery.”
All I hear is that he’s not well. “What’s wrong?”
She worries her lip. “He’s not a big talker, but now he’s even more withdrawn, and Enzo told me all he does is work, fight, and drink. No pause.”
We should be together. Everything makes sense then. The distance is what’s messing with us.
He needs a clear head. I should pack my things and leave already. He can’t continue like that, risk everything he’s worked for because of me. But I can’t. I told Tristan I won’t go anywhere. I informed my agent that she’s free from her contract if Reno isn’t enough for her.
I made the biggest mistake, and I need to fix it. The how has been keeping me from going to him.
Fuck my brother and fuck the entire world if they disapprove or try to end our love story. Because if he kills Mika, I will never forgive him. I am crazy in love with Mika, and Enzo should not test me.
“You love him. Great love feels like the biggest risk.”
I nod. “I’ve loved him all my life, but not being able to love him is hard.”
She offers me a soft smile. “He loves you too.”
“So selfish of me...” Not to say it could end up in tragedy.
She shrugs. “I’m all for selfishness. It’s healthy.”
A small smile arches the corners of my mouth. “I wish I could be more like you.”
She slaps her palms on my shoulders, shaking me. “You’re perfect just as you are. We women can’t afford to break. That’s a luxury not given to us. From our pain, we draw strength. From our ashes, we build something fiercer. From our despair, we rule the world.” Her eyes bore into me with unwavering belief. “And especially not us. If we break, chaos will ensue. We’re the matriarchs of the Ferrara and Morozov families, and we don’t crack. Ever. Now, put that damn crown on your head as dented, chipped, crooked as it might be and take your rightful place. Enzo and I felt impossible at one time too.”
These two literally bled for each other.
“So, what will you do?”
Yeah, what will I do?
“I need to know if he’s okay. Keep my brother away. Enzo can’t know I won’t be home tonight.”
“Dahlia, just tell him, preferably when I am around,” her voice softens, almost pleading. “Secrets found out later rather than confessed on time cause even more harm.”
“Please…”
She shakes her head at me. “The things I do for you.”
I lunge at her, hugging her in gratitude.
