"Probably not, but he's up and about and causing chaos as usual." There's obvious affection for the younger Volante brother in her voice.
"You've known the family for a long time."
"Yes, since they were small boys, Elio and Riccardo too. They grew up together in Rome." Curiosity must show on my face because Lina shakes her head. "And no, I won't be sharing any secrets."
I laugh. "I wouldn't expect you to."
Lina pats my shoulder affectionately. "Enjoy your breakfast. They'll be leaving within the hour so you'll be safe to come out after that."
Safe?I doubt I'll ever be that now Damiano's set his sights on me.
Though she doesn't intend to, Lina makes me feel foolish for hiding out in my room. Perhaps I'll try to explore the house while Damiano is gone. I enjoyed spending time in the sitting room the other night before he and Olivia came home. I'd also love to check out the gardens, unless that's prohibited.
As I take a bite of my Danish pastry and wash it down with a sip of coffee, there's another knock at the door. This one is sharper than Lina's gentle tap.
"Come in." I sit up straighter, my heart racing as I expect Damiano to walk in.
A strange sense of disappointment sweeps over me when it's Olivia who enters. I choose not to examine that too closely.
I'd rather not consider the reasons I hoped Damiano would come to me, so I focus my attention on Olivia as she closes the door behind her.
Dressed in navy trousers and a cream silk blouse, she looks incredible. Her makeup is flawless and her hair is tied in a ponytail at the nape of her neck. Sitting here in mypajamas, I can't help being intimidated by the younger woman's sophistication.
"So, this is where you've been hiding," she teases.
"I didn't think anyone would notice I was missing."
She smiles. "We noticed. Trying to stay out of the war zone, were you?"
"Is it still a war zone?"
"No. Damiano and I have called a truce. He's not the one I'm angry with."
She sits on the edge of the bed. In this light, her makeup doesn't completely conceal the slight puffiness around her eyes.
"Are you okay?"
"With marrying Piotr?" She shrugs. "Yeah, it'll be fine."
"Olivia." I don't know her well, but I can tell she's trying to put a brave face on things.
"It's fine," she says. "And anyway, I didn't come up here to talk about me. I wanted to see how you're doing."
"I'm okay."
"Really?"
I look down into my half-empty coffee cup. "I will be."
"Well, I bring good news." Olivia furrows her brow as she considers what she just said. "At least I hope it's good. Damiano says you can go back to work tonight."
I look up at her, wondering why Damiano didn't come to tell me that himself.
"Oh?"
"Yes. Damiano assigned someone to look after you. He'll drive you to and from the club but other than that, I guess it's business as usual."
I smile weakly.
