It would’ve worked too. Especially had I never met Matteo.
But when I come clean to him, when I tell him everything, every sordid detail, he will help me figure out a plan.
I know he will.
There’s no other way out for them or for me unless he does.
“Please don’t do anything rash. I know it sounds like a dream job, but working for my father, it’s never a good idea.”
“Some of us don’t have the luxury of anything else.”
“I-I . . .”
“If the bills are to be paid . . .”
“Don’t worry about that. The bills will be paid.”
“And how would you know? You’re not there anymore to know.”
“Julia.” I cross the space and sit on the same couch as her. I grab her hand. “I promise, I will not let anything bad happen.”
She stares at me, but her gaze, although on me, appears vacant like she doesn’t see me. Like she is not even there.
It takes a second, but eventually, she shakes her head and snaps out of it.
She stands from the couch and gestures toward the door.
“Let’s get something to eat. I am famished.”
Even though I’m the farthest thing from hungry, I welcome the idea of getting out of this room and away from this conversation.
Standing, I walk past her, then open the shut door and gesture for her to step out.
Once we are both out of the room, I shut the door.
Enclosing Mr. Rochester, Jane, and the ghosts in the room.
32
Matteo
* * *
We have fallen into a routine.
A quite pleasant one at that.
I work during the days, and at night, I indulge in my wife.
Twice a week, we go to Marco’s.
I like to go to make sure everything is in place for the shipment. When we arrive, they unpack it, and by the time we leave, it’s done.
Tonight.
“You really love Marco’s,” she says as she buttons up her blouse and then sits in front of her vanity to apply her makeup.
I nod my head, but from her reflection in the mirror, I can see a line on her brow form.
“What is that look for?”
“What look?”
She places her makeup brush down and swivels in her chair to face me.
“Believe it or not, Matteo, I know we’ve only been married a short time, but I’ve gotten to know you, and I can tell when you are withholding something from me. What is it?”
“Oh . . . you wanna do this? Do you want to exchange secrets?”
“What does that mean?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
“I really don’t,” she mumbles.
“Yes, you do, but very well, I’ll go first. I told you about my meeting with the governor.”
“New York.”
“Yes.”
“He wanted me to store my shipment someplace else.”
“And . . .?”
“The Prohibition room.” It’s like a light bulb goes off in her pretty little head. “That’s why we went.” My lip turns up. “Isn’t it perfect?”
“I never would have guessed.”
“That’s what makes it perfect.” I smile broadly.
“And we always drive out the back gate.”
Understanding present now.
“Your turn.”
Her eyes go wide. “Do I have to?” I arch my brow. “My story isn’t as fun as yours. If I tell you before dinner . . .”
She doesn’t want to ruin the night.
“You promise to tell me all your secrets after?”
“As soon as we get home.”
“Okay. You’re off the hook.” I lean in and kiss her mouth. “For now.”
She drops her head back down, turns in her chair, and goes back to her makeup.
I’m at the mirror by my sink when her phone rings.
I look over at her in question. She turns to face me.
“Julia,” she mouths.
“Hello.” I hear her say as I go about getting ready.
“Yeah. We’re just getting ready.”
It’s quiet.
“Yep. Dinner again.”
Quiet. Julia must be speaking.
“Yes. Twice a week like an old married couple. Always the same.” She laughs. “Matteo is a creature of habit, I guess.”
“Umm. Okay, I’ll talk to you later.”
I walk back up to her. “Everything good?”
“Yeah, she had to go. She’s kind of acting weird. I wonder if she’s mad at me again.” She moves to nibble her lip, but I shake my head at her, stepping closer, closing the space. “Creature of habit?”
“Well, you are.”
I kick open her legs and then drop to the floor in front of her.
“Does this feel like a creature of habit?”
My tongue juts out and swipes at her skin.
“Yes.”
I flatten my tongue and lick her faster. “How about now?” I mumble against her flesh.
“Yep.” I thrust a finger inside her, then two. I pull away, looking up at her as I fuck her with my hand.
“Still boring?”
“Yes.”
“That’s it, you asked for it.” I stand, pulling her with me, and then I move her until she’s in front of my sink and thrust her to lean against the counter.
“Place your hands down,” I order as I place my hand on her back, pushing her down for a better angle. Her body now bends slightly at the waist, and I bracket my hands around her waist to brace her.