But his stupid phone continues to buzz and chime and make a general nuisance out of itself.
“Damiano.”I tap his shoulder.“It sounds important.”
“It can wait.I want to finish you, first?—”
I sigh and scoot away from him, up the table.I’m going to have to wash the tablecloth, but that was already on my to-do list as soon as I got naked and sat here.“The mood’s ruined.Just—go take care of your emergency, okay?”
He gives me a hurt look, but the buzzing of his phone has completely gotten under my skin.I’m still aroused, but my patience has dried up.
“Bella.”He kisses my knee.“Please, I can stay.”
I give a pointed look toward his jacket, where his phone continues to chime and buzz in the inner pocket.“Just go, okay?”
“Yes.”He stands up and kisses me, perfunctory.“I am sorry.”
I stay where I am, waiting until I hear the sound of the door closing after him.I get up, shaking with dwindling lust, and put on my clothes.
2
DAMIANO
Alessia is taking over my life.This is not at all what I planned.If I could stop her constant grasping while keeping her safe, that would be ideal.
Damiano, he’s here.I know he’s here.
Why aren’t you answering me?I’m in danger.I need you, and I think you need me, too.
Luckily, she has slowed down with her attempts to get me in bed with her.But this last text is getting dangerously close.
If you’re scared, I write back,stay in the building.The security is excellent and nobody will get into your apartment without your permission.I’ll have groceries delivered if you’re hungry.
She doesn’t write back, so I know she’s miffed.
So is Madison, after I had to leave her last night.I’m winning with women this week.
Five minutes later, Alessia knocks on my door.I groan.Bad enough I had to return to the building to check the “emergency” she thought was happening last night—which turned out to be a guy having a drink in the lobby downstairs where Alessia was hanging out.An innocent guy, who has absolutely no connection to her ex.
I open the door, but stand in the way so she can’t force herself in.“Alessia.What is it?”
“You don’t have to sound so mad about it, Damiano.”She shakes back her wavy, black hair.“It’s not like I chose to be here.”
She chose to date Francesco—while I was still in prison and we were still married—despite the warnings of every family member and friend we had.I don’t want to blame her because she is a victim, but at the same time, she made many bad choices to get her to this point.
“I’m tired, Alessia.Let’s not fight.”
“Good, because I brought you dinner.”She holds up a bag I hadn’t noticed.“My mama’s recipe…”
The scents of tomato, cheese, and spices reach my nose, tempting.But this is just another one of her tactics to win me over.
“I already ate, but thank you.”I start to close my door.
Her light brown eyes fill with tears.“You can’t keep shutting me out—I’m your wife.”
“No, you divorced me.While I was in prison?—”
“It was a mistake.”Her words catch on a sob.“I told you I wanted to reverse it when you were released.”
“And you were still with Francesco.You aren’t here to rekindle our relationship.You’re here to escape him.”I take a breath to say more, but she’s already whirling around and marching toward the elevator.
