14
Karina
I have half a mind to bolt. Francesco is expecting me any minute downstairs, and if I don’t hurry, he’ll come looking for me.
I finish changing out of my scrubs and slip my wedding band back onto my ring finger.
The weight of it is heavy.
A grim reminder of my commitment to Aurielo.
“Night, Karina,” one of the staff members says as I head for the elevator.
“Bye,” I say and give a brief wave before riding the elevator down.
Francesco is waiting for me in the lobby.
But he’s not alone.
He’s standing speaking with Aurielo.
Why is he here?
I press my lips tight and stride toward the lobby. Even if I wanted to make a beeline for the exit, Aurielo’s already laid eyes on me.
“Done work?” Aurielo asks. His expression is neutral, and I can’t read whether he’s upset with me for being at the hospital late or if it has to do with something else.
That something else being my son.
He slides his arm into mine, escorting me to the parking garage where Francesco parked the car earlier in the day.
It’s still in the same space.
Aurielo yanks open the back door and gestures for me to get inside the vehicle.
I climb in, and he slams the door.
Goosebumps form on my arms.
He struts around to the opposite side and opens the back door, scooting in to sit beside me.
Why didn’t he sit in the front seat beside Francesco?
“We need to have a little talk.” His gaze is trained on me.
I shift, uncomfortable with his scrutiny, while Francesco starts the engine of the car. A few seconds later, he’s backing us out of the parking space.
“About what?” I don’t want to give him any more information than he already has from Francesco.
What did he tell Aurielo?
That I have a nephew or a son?
“Cut the crap, Micetta!” His voice reverberates through the car.
I shiver and scoot farther away.
Would he hurt me?