I try my hardest to do the same with my memories and emotions.
Matteo straightens to his full height and after staring at me for a few seconds, he grabs my hoodie and holds out a hand. “Let’s get some fresh air.”
Nodding, I let him tug me up to follow him through the house and out the front door.
The sun’s out as we make our way across the property, warming my skin, trying to wash away the ugly feelings that are still clinging to me.
Eventually, it works. I focus on my steps, the refreshing, cool air around us, and the birds chirping in the trees.
Just as we make it to the end of the property, Matteo’s phone vibrates, and he puts it to his ear, answering the incoming call. “You close?”
He listens to whoever is on the other end of the line and watches me. “Yeah, we’re out for a walk and should be back in about twenty minutes.” Another pause. “Sounds good.”
He ends the call and puts his phone back into his sweatpants.
At least there’s the small blessing of them being black today. Other days, I’m not so lucky and he wears gray pairs, which have to be part of some divine test I’m supposed to pass. I cannot think of a single reason why a man would willingly put his dick outline on display otherwise. It’s madness. Pure temptation. And a distraction I’m not sure I welcome.
Matteo glances at me before focusing straight ahead. “That was Ash. He’ll be here soon.”
I smile at the news. “That’s great. I’m ready for my clean bill of health.”
“Are you getting bored?” He tilts his head my way, his brown eyes lighter than usual in the sunlight, almost like a warm honey gold. He lifts an eyebrow when I just stare at him like a moron.
I avert my gaze, trying to remember what he asked. Oh, if I’m getting bored. I think about that, tapping my fingers on my leggings. “I don’t think I’m necessarily bored. It’s more of a feeling that I should be doing more with my days. You know, now that I actually have the opportunity to be away from my dad and all.”
He stiffens beside me. “He doesn’t let you do what you want?”
I shrug. “Well, it’s not like he locks me in my room all day. More like a schedule, I guess, with workouts, taking care of my appearance, spending some time in the kitchen, and learning everything I need to be a good wife.” I pause. “It sounds weird to say it out loud.”
Maybe it sounds weird because it is weird.
“Hmmm.” He’s quiet for a beat. “What would you do if you had the choice?”
I inhale deeply, enjoying the oxygen filling my lungs. “I’m not sure, to be honest. I’ve always wanted to go to college to explore my possibilities and see what would interest me, but my dad said I didn’t need to waste my time or his money with that.”
I glance at Matteo, watching the taut muscles along his jaw flex with tension.
He studies me, his eyes darker than before. Stormier.
Did I say something wrong?
I think back over our conversation, just as we make it back to the house and a sleek black car pulls into the long driveway.
Although it’s Ash, the sight of someone else here, of someone invading my little bubble, is more jarring than I expected it to be.
We walk up to Ash, and Matteo welcomes him with a clap on the shoulder.
I lift my left hand in a small wave. “Hey, Doc.”
The smile he gives me has my own lips tilting up at the corners. Oddly enough, I haven’t smiled much in the last two weeks, but I’ve been happier than before when I had to plaster on fake ones every day for everyone.
“Gemma, how are you?”
I shrug. “Good, I guess? Matteo took out the stitches a few days ago, which wasn’t pleasant, but it’s a lot better than before.”
Just then the passenger door opens, and I start. I was so focused on Ash that I didn’t notice someone else in the car. Zero points for my observation skills.
The man who exits has me almost choking on my spit. Inky-black, disheveled hair and ice-blue eyes. I think my ovaries just celebrated and cowered in fear at the same time. He doesn’t look at me, yet I’ve never been more intimidated in my whole life.