But mostly, I’d sneak out to meet him. I was always a model child. I obeyed my parents and never caused trouble. That was only one of the many reasons why Leander resented me. My good behavior won me some freedom. My father trusted me because I never rebelled like Leander. I kept my mouth shut and did what I was told to do. My father would let me go out without a guard as long as I respected the curfews he imposed.
So I told them I was going to Jazz’s house, which was in the same neighborhood. Dante would always wait for me just around the corner. He’d follow me to where he’d parked his car a few blocks down the road because he liked to make sure I was safe. Even when it was freezing cold, he’d never wait in his car. He’d always be right there, like my own shadow.
We’d drive to a restaurant in a borough where the chances were slim that someone would recognize me. Or we’d make out in the back of a movie theater. On warm days, we’d go for a swim in the sea in a secluded spot, and he’d made love to me right there on the beach, our cold, wet bodies rocking together in the warm sand.
Dante suddenly speaks in front of me. “Tatiana?”
I give a start, not having realized he’s crossed the floor. “What?”
“You can’t hide from it forever.”
I swallow. “I’m not hiding.”
“Then let’s go.” He turns toward the door. “I’ll tell Jazz so she can keep an eye on Noah.”
I take a rushed step forward. “She’s sleeping.”
His mouth lifts in one corner. “I’m sure she won’t mind if I wake her up.” He checks his watch. “It’s nearly four o’clock. If she naps too long, she won’t get much sleep tonight.”
He leaves without waiting for a reply.
Confused, I simply stand there for a moment. First, he took everything away from me, and now he wants me to fetch my old make-up and clothes?
Why?
Dante never does anything without a good reason. He said so himself. Does he think returning my personal belongings will make swallowing the pill of confiscating my inheritance less bitter? Or does he think going back there will force me to face the old ghosts?
Jazz comes downstairs a moment later, looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. “I had a wonderful dream.”
“Did you?”
“It involved driving over Reino with that sexy red truck of his.”
I motion at Noah. “Jazz!”
“Sorry.” She grins, not looking sorry at all. “Dante said you needed me to watch Noah because you have something important to do. Is there anything I can help with?”
My fingers tremble as I untie the apron at my back. “He’s taking me to the condo.”
Her eyes flare. “Why?”
“He said I could take whatever I wanted from my old stuff.”
“Shit.” She glances at Noah. “Sorry.” She drops her voice to a whisper. “But I mean, shit.”
I shrug. “It will be fine. It’s just an apartment.” With memories I can’t bear.
“Do you want a shot of whisky? There’s a bottle in the study. You’re not driving.”
That makes me smile. I give her a quick hug. “You always know how to make me feel better.”
“You’re stronger than anything.” She tightens her arms around me before letting me go. “Just remember that.”
Despite her reassuring words, her worried gaze follows me as I walk from the kitchen.
Dante waits in the entrance with my bag and a cardigan that matches the baby-blue fitted dress I’m wearing. After the incident with the heels, he bought me a collection of ballerina flats in every color under the sun.
I get into the car with trepidation. As usual, Dante sits next to me. Ulysses is behind the wheel. I’ve learned that the blond guy is called Kent. He made it clear he doesn’t like me, so when he’s on guard duty, we avoid each other. However, I’ve come to appreciate Ulysses. Despite being distant, he always treats me with respect, and he watches Noah in the garden when I’m busy in the house.
