“Keep me updated on Alessandra. I want to know every detail. If they want something from us, I’d imagine they’d contact Toni first. Even though the Russians aren’t known for their patience, so you better find her fast. I want my fiancée back and that Russian bastard to pay for what he did.”
Another pause.
“No, Gemma stays with me until I have my fiancée back.”
Then he hangs up.
Chapter4
Gemma
Matteo’s words sink in. “Did you just say I’m staying with you?”
I jolt upright, briefly forgetting about my injury.
Thankfully, the doctor restrains me with a firm hand, and I don’t get far.
“Gemma, lie still. Teo, if you talk to her, go closer to her so she stops moving around so much. Otherwise, I’ll do more damage here than good.”
Matteo pinches his lips together but does as asked. He grabs the chair with his suit jacket on and pulls it to the other side of me, opposite the doctor.
Leaning back with one of his ankles resting on his knee, he looks like the cocky bastard he turned out to be.
“Yes.” He stares me straight in the eye and finally answers my question. His expression is similar to my dad, giving no room for discussion. It makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck.
I’m also convinced this man doesn’t understand how to have a proper conversation with all of his one-word answers.
My blood boils under my skin, and the urge to strangle him is almost blinding. “I’m not staying with you. No way.”
“You are.”
“I’m not going from one prison to the next. I’m sick of it.” I tip up my chin, no matter how pointless it is in my current position.
He tilts his head in the same direction mine is and leans forward. “What are you talking about? You don’t live in a prison. You’re the revered Mafia princess.”
“Who people think I am and who I really am are two very different things.” I narrow my eyes at him. “You of all people should know that, Mr. Engaged-to-be-Married-to-Someone-Else.”
He doesn’t appear impressed with my remark, but I don’t care.
It needed to be said.
And I meant it too. Maybe something finally snapped loose in my brain when I got shot, but I’m so tired of people’s bullshit and their promises and behaviors not matching up. If you promise me ice cream, give me the damn ice cream.
Before either one of us can say another word, a mechanical noise sounds from somewhere outside the door, followed by several beeps, and then heels clicking on the floor.
“Honey, I’m home.”
The female voice is loud and cheery, and the woman seems to be walking in our direction.
I swear to God, if he has another fiancée or whatever else, I’m going to strangle him right here, right now.
The doctor peers up. “Is that who I think it is?”
Matteo’s chest deflates with his next exhale. “Yup.”
“I thought you changed the security keycode?”
He sends a look to the ceiling before rubbing his hand over his face. “I did.”