It’s a rare occasion when I admit that I’m wrong, but in this case, Mariella’s observations were…accurate. As much as it frustrates me to no end, it’s not unsurprising that Abella wouldn’t trust me with her secrets. Particularly when I’ve given her no reason to believe they’d be safe with me.
This revenge arc no longer feels satisfying when this is the consequence. I wanted Abella to suffer, and she has. But it’s not a victory when all I’ve won are her tears. I can have retribution, or I can have her, but it’s become brutally obvious that I can’t have both.
Letting go of her betrayal feels like a weakness, and I don’t even know who I am if I don’t have vengeance to keep me warm. But having her in my arms isn’t the worst thing that could happen. In fact, I can grudgingly admit that making her whole again might taste even sweeter than settling the score.
Annoyed with both myself and her, I kiss her a little too roughly, swallowing her shocked exhalation as I thread my fingers through her hair. What I really want to do is roll her on her back, bury myself between her thighs, and fuck these uncomfortable feelings right out of me.
“I’m still right here,” Mariella mutters.
Jesus, I forgot she was even in the room.
I release Abella’s mouth reluctantly as Nonna’s voice carries down the hall, and she makes an appearance a second later.
“Coming through!” She barges in with a tray in her hands. “Oh, isn’t this nice?” She smiles when she sees Abella and me in bed together. “I make magic soup for you,tesoro.”
Abella lifts her head, and I help her sit up.
“Pastina?” She brightens.
“Yes, of course,” Nonna answers. “Your favorite.”
“Thank you, Nonna.” Abella glances at the tray eagerly when I take it and set it over her lap.
“And Ace juice.” Nonna points at the glass.
“You’re the best.” Abella’s voice hitches, and it grabs me by the throat.
Nonna blows her a kiss, then holds up her finger. “I have breakfast for you too,caro.”
Mariella rolls her eyes as Nonna wanders back down the hall and returns a moment later with another tray for me. This one has apple cake, fruit, and a cappuccino.
“Thank you, Nonna.” I kiss her on the cheek when she leans down.
“You spoil him,” Mariella calls after her as Nonna heads for the door.
“Nonsense.” Nonna gestures. “Yours will be at the table outside.”
After Nonna disappears, Mariella settles her gaze on my wife.
“Abella, I thought we could have our appointment on Friday, if that works for you.”
Abella shifts beside me. “That should be okay.”
“For what?” I ask.
“I just want to do a checkup.” Mariella shrugs. “She hasn’t had one in a while. It wouldn’t hurt for you to do one too.”
“I’m fine,” I tell her. “But I’ll bring her on Friday.”
“No need,” Mariella says. “I have the day off, so I can take her to my office and bring her back when we’re done.”
When I glance at Abella, she seems to be fine with that plan, so I let it go. I trust Mariella not to let her overexert herself.
“Alright, I’m off.” Mariella eases the door closed as she backs out of the room. “Abella, let me know if you need anything else in the meantime.”
“I will,” Abella assures her.
After Mariella leaves, we eat our breakfast, and I shoot off a quick text to the head housekeeper, requesting fresh bedding. I help Abella into the shower and wash both of us before I get her changed into a clean set of pajamas.
