He and Matteo share the same thump on the back as Ash and Matteo did, but the man completely ignores me.
Ash sighs next to me. “Zeno, don’t be rude. This is Gemma.” He points at me. “Gemma, this is Zeno, a member of our team.”
Zeno’s gaze lands on me, and I feel the urge to hide behind Ash.
I have zero clue what team he’s talking about, and I’m not sure I want to know.
“Hi.” The word comes out all high and pitchy, and he doesn’t seem impressed.
Ash chuckles. “Ignore him. He’s hangry. Let’s go inside and check your wound, okay?” He walks to his trunk to get a small duffel, a medium-sized shipping box, and the same brown doctor bag he had with him last time.
Together, we head inside and go straight to the kitchen, where Ash washes his hands before he gets some gloves out of his bag and puts them on. Zeno didn’t come to the kitchen with us—thank goodness—but I have no idea where he went.
“Gemma, turn toward the light and pull up your shirt so I can see your wound.” Ash waits by the kitchen island with his bag.
“Of course.” I walk over to him and do what he asked.
Ash prods around gently, then moves back and drags his gloves off. “It looks great. It’s healing well, and the scar is nice and pink and will fade over time. We’re talking about months and years here, but I’m sure you know that. Matteo did well.”
Tugging my shirt back in place, I nod. “He did.”
Matteo’s leaning with his back against the fridge on the other side of the counter. “When can she continue with all activities?”
Ash throws the gloves in the trash and closes his bag. “There’s no need for any restrictions as long as she takes it easy and listens to her body. No MMA fights or anything like that though.”
He says that last bit to me and winks.
I hold up my hands. “No MMA fights, got it. I’ll try my best, I promise.”
“Good. Not that I mind taking care of you, but I’d rather not see you getting hurt again.”
“Are you done chitchatting now?” Matteo barks at his friend, who only chuckles in response.
“Yes, boss. I’m ready.”
Matteo tilts his head to the hallway where his office is. “Let’s go then. Zeno is already getting started.”
Ash grabs his bags and glances at me over his shoulder. “Are you going to watch these two idiots with me?”
Having no idea what he’s talking about, I only stare at him.
Instead of replying, he walks back to me and takes my hand. “Come on, let’s see if they need help before we make some snacks.”
“You said she’s fine, so she can walk by herself,” Matteo calls from the hallway, his tone colder than I’ve heard it in the last few weeks.
Ash’s shoulders shake, and he mumbles something that sounds like, “Too easy,” as he drags me after him.
We walk down the hallway, past the door I know is Matteo’s office, and to another door all the way at the end. Since I’ve spent most of my time upstairs, I haven’t explored the house much and have no clue what’s behind this door.
To my surprise, it’s a staircase leading to where Matteo just went. My muscles tense before I can even think about this whole situation, and my steps falter.
Ash sends me a questioning look over his shoulder. “What’s up? You don’t want to watch?”
“Uh.” I glance around uneasily. “What exactly is down there?”
His eyes widen with understanding. “You haven’t been in the basement?”
I shake my head. “Nope. Didn’t even know there was one.”