1
DAMIANO
My penthouse feels extra quiet.Spending a week with Madison has spoiled me.I want her with me all of the time now.Seth, as well, so we can pamper her constantly.
I am hopeful she will agree to live with us soon.
Lounging on the sofa in my living room, I imagine her sitting next to me, stealing sips of my whisky.We talk, laugh, cuddle.Eventually, she gets that saucy expression on her face.Seth shows up and we discipline her.Not because she’s been particularly naughty, but because the three of us enjoy the power exchange.
My phone rings, interrupting my pleasant reverie.When I see Madison’s name on the screen, I hurry to answer.“I was just thinking of you, bella.”
“Hey.”The word is quiet, tense.
I’m immediately at attention.“Is everything all right?”
“No, not really.I mean, it is.I’m safe.It’s just, I thought I saw someone outside my window.”
“Stay on the line.I’ll be right there.”
“Let me finish, Damiano.”Now she sounds annoyed as well as stressed.
I take a deep breath.“Apologies.Please, continue.”
“Thank you.”She sighs.“I’ve already called Ironwood.Someone came out and walked the entire property, but they didn’t find anything.They’re sending someone out in the morning to put up cameras on all the windows and doors.Who knows, I probably imagined the face.”
Something tells me she didn’t imagine a face.“I’m glad Ironwood is on top of it.You know, we could also have Nove out there to look around?—”
“Thank you, but it isn’t necessary.”She has a little smile in her voice when she adds, “Truly.I know you want to barge in and fix everything, but Ironwood is taking care of me.My alarm is set, and I’m ready to settle in for the night.I just…I just wanted to tell you what’s going on.”
She is taken care of physically.But emotionally….
“I can come to you.Right now, bella.I’m on my way.”I start toward the door.
“No, don’t.Everything is settled now.I don’t want to make a bigger fuss.”
I pause at the door.“It isn’t a fuss.The woman I love was just scared, and I want to be with her, to comfort her.”
“I just…no.Thank you, Damiano.But I think I’d rather be alone.Will you let Seth know what happened?I don’t want to argue with him about helping, too.”
I smile.She knows us well.“All right, bella.Call me back if you change your mind.Even if it is the middle of the night.I will come to you.”
“Thank you.Goodnight.”Her voice sounds tight, as if she is trying not to cry.
Our call ends and I’m left in my living room, staring out the large window at the city beyond.
This is infuriating.Her need for independence will send me to an early grave.It’s the same as it was when she said she didn’t want to move into the Nove building with us.
I understand why she isn’t ready to live together.
But I do not like it.
I understand why throwing her over my shoulder and carrying her home with me is wrong.
But I want to do it anyway.
This kind of patience isn’t in my nature.I need to control those around me, to better set up and achieve my aims.Simply allowing Madison time and space goes against everything in my soul which urges me to bend her will to mine.
This is ego.I feel that I know best for all of us, and so of course, everyone should do what I want.
