I nodded jerkily, no longer able to meet his eyes. “Mi dispiace per tuo nonna.” And I really was sorry for his grandmother’s passing, but I also had to go. Coming here was clearly a big mistake, and the more distance there was between us, the better.
I started to say goodbye, but Marcus suddenly asked, “Da quando?”
Understanding that he was asking me since when I had started speaking in Italian, I answered hesitantly, “Just a few years ago, for—-” I stopped myself in time.
Crap.
This was even worse than I had thought. I wasn't ever the type to babble, and yet five minutes in his company and I was beginning to have trouble recognizing myself.
I cleared my throat. “Anyway, I really—-” My voice faltered as I became aware of being the object of his intense scrutiny.
Déjà vu,I couldn’t help thinking weakly as I struggled to ignore the urge to fidget and writhe.
“You have become more beautiful over the years,bambina.”
Did I?I managed a smile. “So have you.”
His eyebrows lifted, and I tried not to raise my eyebrows back, a little bewildered at his reaction.What now?Did he think I was lying? Or did he genuinely not know the years had only done him good?
Someone behind me coughed, and I found myself secretly grateful at having an excuse to leave. “I really should go,” I muttered. “I’m holding the line—-”
“Si.” Marcus suddenly cupped my elbow, saying smoothly, “An excellent suggestion.”
What was?
“Do accompany me for a walk,bambina. I find myself in need of one.”
We started to walk, and conscious of the gazes that went our way, I had no choice but to go along with him. My brothers looked stoic when Marcus and I walked past them while Fleur’s eyebrows shot up in shock.
You and me both,I thought numbly.
As Marcus led me down a brick pathway outside the parish, I couldn’t help blurting out, “Don’t you think we’re being impolite?”
“I am, but you’re not.” A crooked smile touched his lips. “And I am glad at least that part of you hasn’t changed.”
I’m not,I thought. He was still cryptic as ever, and I wondered if that would ever change.
When we reached the end of the pathway, a cottage that looked something straight out of aPeter Rabbitstorybook awaited us, and Marcus opened its door, saying quietly, “My grandmother made this for me when I first moved in with her.”
That he would share such information with me, after all these years, made me feel strangely shy and touched at the same time. “Thank you for bringing me here.” I stepped inside and looked around, admiring the charming storybook feel of its interior.
Flowers and plants abounded all around us, and adding to the cozy feel was the small white piano in the corner and the checkered sofa in the other with its lace pillows and a throw blanket made of purple wool.
Glancing back at Marcus, I said sincerely, “It’s very beautiful.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Marcus gestured towards the couch. “Please have a seat.”
As soon as I did, Marcus took up the space next to me, and I stiffened.
Too close,I thought, and tried not to panic.
“So...” Marcus’ quiet drawl drew my attention back to him. “Tell me how you’ve been.”
I relaxed a little.As long as we talked about things that weren’t dangerous, I told myself,we should be fine. And so I turned to him with a smile, saying lightly, “You don’t have to lie, you know.”
He raised a brow.
“Jaak told me.”