I didn’t like it.
Tino was the only person in the whole world I should be afraid of. The only man I needed protection from. He’d hurt me in ways no one else did. But I woke up alone in his bed and the first thought that came to my mind was that I couldn’t bear the emptiness on his bedside. I needed him back here.
Where the hell was he? Did he leave again without telling me? Did he leave my side to sleep with Arancia? Was he with her now?
I yelled their names, tugging at the handcuffs, until footsteps scurried outside. Then a red head popped in from the door. She stared at my half naked body—I was only in my panties, and only because I was on my period—and cleared her throat. “Yes, Angelina?”
I didn’t give a shit about her seeing me cuffed and naked like that. I’d been humiliated much more aggressively. “Where’s Tino? Is he in your room?”
“No,” she answered so casually as if it was okay for anyone to ask this question, and the answer would be a simple yes or no without any need for further explanation or any sort of guilt or shame.
I gave the chain another tug. “Then where is he?”
“Fishing. He’ll be back in an hour or two.” She pointed at his pillow. “He left you a note.”
When I looked to the side, I saw the folded piece of paper. Then I saw a small jewelry box and a dress lying next to me. A white wedding dress.
I stared at them for long minutes without even opening the note. I was scared of what might have been written inside.
“Do you need to use the bathroom?” She waved at my wrist. “I have the key.”
I just nodded.
She used her key and walked me to the bathroom. She wanted to go inside with me.
“Don’t be ridiculous and wait outside. I’m not gonna run away. There’s nowhere to go.” This was a fucking island. Tino didn’t have a boat here for me to steal, and I wasn’t Noah or Tom Hanks. Even if I knew how to build a raft or a boat or whatever, how was I supposed to keep it from Tino and his guards? Would I just jump in the sea and swim for a hundred miles, hoping a ship would find me or I’d find the next island or town? The bodyguards were everywhere. They’d have caught me before I’d made it to the deep waters. Even if I did make it, the chances were sharks would find me way faster than a boat would.
There was no way out of here except by plane, which Tino flew himself, and I knew nothing about how to fly it. My chances to escape were limited to two miracles. I either stole a gun and threatened one of the bodyguards at gunpoint to fly me away—assuming they wouldn’t incapacitate me in a couple of seconds because they were trained for this shit—or I found Tino’s satellite phone and called for help.
However, my mind was occupied by another matter. The note on the bed, what was inside the box and the fucking white dress.
As I got out of the bathroom, the nuptial collection on the bed taunted me. I snatched the note and unfolded it.
Buongiorno, my sweet Angel.
Don’t worry. I know you don’t like it when I go. I’m still here, on the other side of the island, fishing. I left you a couple of things that would forever bind us, not that we need them. We’re already bound as long as we both shall live.
When I return, I want to see you in them. You will wear my ring and take my name. Why, Angel?
“Because I’m yours,” I murmured as if in a trance.
The next line replied as if he knew beyond doubt that would be my response.
Smiley face.Atta girl.
“Are you going to open it?” Arancia asked, a huge grin on her face, her toes curled as her eyes pinned to the ring box.
I squinted at her. “Why would you be excited about this?”
“Who wouldn’t? I love weddings. Besides, we don’t get much excitement here. When Tino told me there was going to be a wedding today I was so thrilled. I couldn’t wait for you to wake up so I’d see the ring and the dress. I’ll help with the hair and makeup. You’re going to look favolosa.”
“Aren’t you sleeping with him?”
“What? Ewww. No kinkshaming, but I’m not into that.”
“You don’t have to lie to me about—”
“Oddio, Angelina. I can never sleep with Don Bellomo. He’s my half-brother.”
