After we entered the house, my father quickly filled him in on what had happened. He then brought him up to speed on the afternoon’s meeting.
“What about Stefano’s comment about Sienna?” Francesco brought us back to the main issue.
“Either I’m way off and Stefano is looking to take Sienna from Mariano, or,” I lowered my voice, “Mariano knows who Sienna is to me.”
“Both could be plausible.” My father rubbed his face.
“I’ll see what I can find out.” Francesco hurried away, and I rolled my shoulders to relieve some tension.
“If Mariano does know who Sienna is to me,” I whispered, “I can’t promise my actions, Papa.”
“Until then,” he motioned me to follow him, “let’s join Mama and let her see you’re okay.”
Donte caught my attention, and one look at his face made my stomach drop.
“Boss, may I speak to you?”
I fiddled with the tassel that dangled from the spine of my old journal. It was a lovely deep yellow and made me think of the sunflower fields next to me. I still couldn’t believe Wyatt had asked his sister to send me my box of memories. I had kept every note Elio had ever written me and the three journals that had carried me through most of my childhood. Some might think I should have tossed them away, not wanting to relive such pain and confusion, but for me it was not about the pain. It was about the good memories tucked between the bad times. The questions to my mother about life, friendship, and boys, or how much I loved Cara. I was so thankful to have saved all those memories of our friendship. Then there were my thoughts about when I first met Elio and how I felt so safe and free around him. It was my personal time capsule, and I relived each moment as I leafed through the pages, breathing in the heavenly notes as I let my mind wander.
I loved it here at the Hill House, minus a few exceptions. The hurt from today’s nasty conversation with Anna still burned at the insecure spots in my heart. I had no doubt that Elio loved me, and I knew Andrea and Piero did too, but I would never want to overstay my welcome or be a problem in general. It bothered me a bit that I had allowed old wounds to crack open at what I knew was only said out of jealousy.
My phone buzzed against my leg, and I saw it was a text message.
Mariano: Taking a quick shower, but drinks at my place in thirty?
I dropped my head back against the chair and wondered what I should do. Maybe Andrea would have a suggestion.
A loud bang had me on my feet and inside the living room where I caught sight of a battered Elio as he raced by the doorway in a fit of rage. I followed as he marched right up to Anna, wrapped his hands around her neck, lifted her off her feet and slammed her into the wall.
Andrea waved her hands to whisk the kitchen staff away from him. I glanced over at Donte who was also watching things unfold.
Oh, no.
“Who are you,” Elio growled at her, “to talk to my guest that way?” Anna tried to speak but couldn’t. “Just because your father did what he did for us doesn’t give you the right to throw stones. For this, you owe me.” He lowered her to the floor but waited a beat before he let go of her throat. “And, Anna, I will be collecting on that real soon.”
“Are you okay?” Niccola asked over my shoulder. I nodded, unsure if I should move and draw attention to myself. “Anna’s father was the one who warned us about the hit on Piero. Needless to say, we tolerate Anna’s behavior as a thank you. However, I think that gesture may have an expiration date.”
“I can see that.” I could barely hear my own words as I watched Anna rub her throat. Her eyes streamed with tears. No one moved to help her. In fact, Andrea turned on her heel and left the room. Anna just stood there, frozen, not at all registering my presence. “Where is Elio?” I muttered to Niccola. When he didn’t answer, I looked over my shoulder and realized he was gone.
I moved to open the freezer to get her some ice, but Donte pulled my arm toward him.
“Don’t,” he warned. “Trust me.” I nodded. He was right, because if she lashed out at me again, Elio just might kill her.
“Why did you tell Elio?” I had hoped he would keep it quiet.
“For two reasons, really.” He rubbed his arm as though uneasy. “If the boss found out I was there and didn’t tell him, I would be out of a job, and second, she’ll only get worse. Anna has had her eyes on the boss since the moment he arrived here, which means you are her number one target.”
“Elio and I aren’t even together.”
“I’m the head chef, Sienna,” he raised an eyebrow at me, “which means I see and hear all.” I brushed a hand through my hair, unsure what I should do next. “But don’t worry,” he smiled, “I learned quickly that I know nothing.”
“Good,” I huffed, letting go a little bit of tension.
“She’s wrong, you know, about you not being welcome here. I know for a fact that Andrea and Piero hope you stay. And, well, the boss…” he pointed to the still gasping Anna, “the proof is in her bruised vocal cords.” I smirked, and he laughed.
“Thanks, Donte.”
“Anytime.” He started to leave then turned back. “I know Wyatt left today. So as yourpersonis gone for a bit, if you ever need company, you know where to find me.”