I curl up on my side and stroke Coco’s soft fur as she nestles into my side. She’ll get too hot soon and move, but for now, it’s amazing having her back. I can’t thank Fina enough for finding her, even if it means there’s no way I can leave without her and Felix.
Angelo sits at the kitchen table eating toast and sipping coffee when I finally drag myself downstairs the following morning. Every bit of me aches, and I can barely move without wincing.
There is a small bottle of painkillers on the table with my name on it.
“My doctor prescribed these for you. Take them for the next few days until the pain eases.”
“Thanks.” I don’t have the energy to argue with him; the pain is too bad. He watches as I pop the cap and dry swallow two pills.
“Drink coffee. It will help the pills work faster.” I pray he’s right as he stands and makes me an espresso, adding some creamer and sugar.
Who is this man, and what’s he done with my grouchy husband? I debate asking him but then think better of it. Pissing off Angelo isn’t on my bingo card for today. I plan to lie by the pool and make the most of the sun while reading a trashy novel.
After yesterday, I’m not in the mood for much else.
There’s no sign of Kane, which is a relief. I’m not sure I can look him in the eye without blushing, and if I act weird, Angelo will notice.
There’s still no sign of Luka either. I’d ask Angelo, but I doubt he’d tell me anything. After he punched Luka, I have a feeling their relationship is on the outs.
“I’ll need you to accompany me tomorrow night,” Angelo says as he tucks his phone away and prepares to leave.
Going to a dumb social event is the last thing I feel like doing, and I groan loudly.
“I’m not well.”
“I’m sorry, but you’ll have to grin and bear it for a few hours.” He seems genuinely regretful, which surprises me. I guess he hasn’t viewed last night’s camera footage.
“Where are we going?”
“A gala event. I’d hoped to avoid it, but an important investor is in town, and I need to be there.”
“Can’t I be sick or something?” God knows it wouldn’t be a lie.
“No. As my wife, your presence is mandatory. It will look odd if you’re not there.”
How dumb does he think I am? He must have managed just fine while I was pulling pints for truckers and eating ramen noodles for a year.
“Whatever.” I’m not in the mood for an argument.
“Good. I’ll organize an outfit for you.”
“Can’t wait.” Angelo’s jaw tightens with irritation, and I wonder how long the ceasefire will last this time.
48
Chiara
“No bullshit tonight, Chiara,” Angelo warns as our driver approaches the venue. Kane has gone ahead to check the security or whatever. I didn’t ask.
“I’ll be on my best behavior.” He doesn’t look convinced by my sweet smile, but thanks to the high-strength painkillers I popped before we left, I’m high as a kite and chill as fuck.
Not even Angelo can piss me off, although I expect that to change once the pills wear off.
“You better be,” he mutters before the car glides to a halt outside some fancy building.
Once inside, Angelo drags me around the room as he greets people he knows. It isn’t until we stop for a breather while my husband orders a drink for himself that I spot Vivian.
The man she’s with has his back to us, but I assume it’s her new husband. The third one, by my calculations. I wonder if this dude knows his days are numbered given husbands one and two died prematurely.
