“Your Stone has better manners than Marco. You picked a nice one.”
“I’ve had a wonderful visit with you. I’m so sorry to leave already.”
“Oh, nonsense. You’re a grown woman. You can’t be by your mother’s side forever. I have lots of work to tend to around here, and I’m sure your work and your Stone miss you.”
I’m quiet during the rest of our meal while she chatters about the same stories I’ve already heard. All too soon, our visit is over. I leave the few clothing items I brought from Italy and pack all my Target finds.
After a long, teary hug, I say goodbye to my mother and slide into the waiting town car. When I climb the stairs to the jet, I expect to find Stone, Lucca, and Tio aboard.
“Where are they?” I ask when the attendant closes the door behind Marco.
“They flew back a few days ago.”
“They did?”
“Middle of the night.”
No wonder I haven’t heard or seen him again. Stone must have ordered the jet ready as soon as he zipped up after taking my virginity.
Coward.
I try to sleep on the plane but I’m too wired. Too confused. Too hurt by his actions. I don’t know what hurts more, the words he said after we had sex or him leaving me behind without any warning.
I must have grown tired enough to sleep. I blink open my eyes and find Marco standing over me.
“We’re here.”
“Gazo?”
“Yes.”
So much for delaying the reunion. Unless... “Is Stone here?”
“Yes.”
Merda. I don’t know why I’m suddenly insecure. I didn’t do anything wrong. I won’t hang my head in shame. I won’t back away like a coward. I’ll face him head on. Maybe I won’t bring up the sex, but I won’t hide for the next two years either.
The ride from the small airstrip to Stone’s is shorter than I remember. Or maybe it’s shorter than I hope. I mentally hype myself up to face him again. When Marco stops in the circle drive and opens my door, I put on an overly cheerful smile.
“Thanks, bud. And thanks for bringing my mother and I shopping. You’re a good sport.” I pat his shoulder and march through the front door as if I own the place.
I mean, I am the Mrs. Not that I have any rights to the Parlatore property. I don’t want any. I want my freedom. That’s all I care about.
Tio greets me in the entryway. “Miss Gia. Stone wants to see you in his office.”
So much for getting over jetlag. I have no idea what time it is. Early morning? Dawn? The sun has barely risen. I tap his shoulder as I had Marco’s. “Thanks, Tio. Sorry you drew the short straw and had to return with him.” I nod toward Stone’s closed office door.
While his face remains stoic, I can see the chuckle in his chest.
I knock and open the door, not waiting for Stone’s permission. He sits behind his giant desk. The monstrosity must be an antique. Probably passed down for generations. It fits the stone castle. The hard, dark lines in Stone’s face.
The drapes are drawn. Not that it matters with it being dark outside. A lone lamp near his desk casts a meager light through the room. Other than that, it’s dark and eerie.
“You’ve got an Interview with the Vampire vibe going on here.” I plop myself in the seat across his desk, doing my best to pretend there’s nothing awkward between us, and possibly laying on the humor a little too thick.
“Excuse me?” He doesn’t move his head, his gaze the only thing lifting from its stance in front of his computer.
“Forget to pay the electric bill or something?” I wave my hand through the air, pointing at the dark lamps.