I turn to face her. “Please, what? I ask you to do one thing, but you can’t fucking do it,” I tell her. “So now you deal with the consequence.”
“What, I’m grounded? What am I, twelve?”
I open my mouth but close it and shake my head. “Don’t push me. Not now.” I open the bedroom door.
“It’s because of Bastian. Of what he said.”
I pause mid-step. How much did she hear?
“Sir?” the soldier asks.
“Don’t let her out until the little girl wakes up. Then you keep an eye on her.”
I glance at Vittoria. She stares daggers at me.
“Or if she gives you any trouble, leave her locked in. Maybe then she’ll learn to do as she’s told.”
I walk away, my mind on what Bastian said. He’s jealous. I sensed it already but thought what happened at the pool would at least be a start to smooth things over, pave the road as this thing with Vittoria develops. But I think Bastian’s struggle is as much with himself as me. Because, like me, things are different where she’s concerned. And he doesn’t like it.
After my meeting with Bruno, I have the paperwork I need for the trip to New York, all forms signed and certified. Once the will is read, the real game begins. As I’m on my way back to the Ravello house, Jarno texts me that they’re headed back too along with a very drunk and very aggressive Bastian who did not want to give up the keys to his car. I’ll deal with my brother. Talk to him. He hasn’t answered my texts or calls, which pisses me off. Maybe he’s right, though. She is coming between us. But he can’t fucking blame me for this one.
The house is quiet when I get back. It’s around ten at night. The soldier standing guard at Vittoria’s door is now standing outside Emma’s bedroom. He straightens when he sees me and tucks his phone into his pocket.
I glance at Vittoria’s bedroom door, which is open, and raise my eyebrows.
“She’s in here.”
“Is she?”
“I didn’t know what to do, and she insisted.” Of course she did.
“It’s fine. I’ll deal with her. Did she give you any trouble?”
“No, sir. She had dinner with the little girl and your mother, and they watched a movie, then she went to bed with the child.”
“All right. I’ll take it from here.”
He walks away, and I open the bedroom door to find the carousel of animals floating over the walls and ceiling as a soft melody plays. Emma is asleep as is Hyacinth. But as soon as Vittoria sees me, she sits up and folds her arms across her chest. Still pissed.
I gesture for her to come with me.
She slips her legs over the side of the bed. She’s wearing an oversized T-shirt and is barefoot. She pads across the room, and I notice the pink on her toenails along with some stickers. I guess Emma did that for her.
We don’t speak as I lead her downstairs to the library.
“Aren’t you locking me in my bedroom?” she asks on the threshold.
“Get in.”
I see her little grin of victory, but I let it slide, choosing not to fight this battle.
“Where is your brother?” she asks.
“On his way back.”
“Oh, goody.”
“Drink?” I ask her.