"I will. Thank you."
"For what?"
"For being you."
He's quiet for a second. "Always, Nell. Always."
I hang up and switch to Bruno's call.
"Hello?"
"You need to be downstairs in ten minutes." Bruno's voice is clipped. Businesslike. "My mother's car just passed the front gate."
"Okay."
"Wear something nice. She notices everything."
"I know how to dress myself, Bruno."
A pause. Then: "I didn't mean—" He stops. Starts again. "Just be ready."
"I will."
He hangs up without saying goodbye.
I stare at the phone for a moment. Then I move.
I grab a simple grey dress. Fitted but modest.
I change quickly. Run a brush through my hair. Apply minimal makeup. Mascara. A touch of lip gloss.
I slip on low heels and head for the door.
The hallway is quiet.
I take the stairs slowly.
Voices drift up from the foyer. Bruno's low rumble. A woman's voice. Sharp. Commanding.
His mother.
I pause at the top of the stairs. Take a breath.
Giulia's words echo in my head.Maybe he'll destroy you trying to push you away.
Maybe.
But I've survived worse than Bruno Sartori's walls.
I can survive his mother.
I hope.
Another breath. Then I start down the stairs.
The foyer comes into view. Bruno is near the door. His posture is rigid. Tense. He's wearing a dark suit. His hair is combed back. He looks like he's preparing for battle.
Next to him stands a woman.
