Page 79 of Stolen By the Enemy

“And if you were free?” I ask her, stopping to look at her. “Where would you go?”

I expect her to say back home, but she might also not want to admit that to me.

She thinks for a minute.

“I guess, I wouldn’t really go anywhere. But I would come here more, to the beach, and I’d maybe go to the shops. It’s less about actually leaving and more about knowing that I could, if I wanted to.”

Her eyes are getting watery, and I don’t think it’s because of the wind that has picked up.

I bring her head into my chest and hold her there for a while.

There is nothing in me that wants to see this woman hurt or upset, and I want to give her the freedom that she’s craving.

I know it’s not her fault that her brothers have fucked everything up.

And she’s definitely not at fault for being related to the Baldinis, which is what caused her kidnapping.

We stand there for a while, until I slowly tug Grazia to walk back to the beach house.

There is no argument from her, but I can see her shoulders slumping as we get closer to the house.

At the door, Grazia turns and takes one more deep breath of outside air.

She walks inside and starts to make coffee, but I tell her I have to go and that I will talk to her soon.

She looks sad at first, then smiles and tells me to drive safely.

My mind is clear now, I know what I want to do.

I just hope that Grazia is on the same page as me and she wants this as much as I do.

***

The jeweler is busy today. There are many young couples looking at rings and old men buying their sweethearts a new gold necklace.

I wait fifteen minutes before a pretty young girl comes up to me and asks how she can help.

I explain what I’m looking for and she shows me three beautiful options, but they’re just not good enough.

I shake my head.

The girl brings out another case, from a back counter. These are gorgeous, shiny, and feature much more impressive diamonds.

I select one that looks most like Grazia would wear it and pay before going back to my house.

I let Jane and my head of security in on what I am planning, so that they can both make the necessary plans.

I tell Jane that I might be bringing Grazia back to the house, so she should expect that for tomorrow.

And I warn my security to be within earshot, but not to have anyone actually watching me or Grazia tonight.

I’m nervous as it is. I don’t need a full audience for this.

Then, I send Jane with a simple note for Grazia:

I loved our talk today, thank you for opening up to me and for listening. I am sorry that you are feeling suffocated at the beach house. I want you to have a day out and feel more relaxed, so I’ve planned something. Please meet me again tonight, at nine o’clock, inside the cabana. Wear something nice, but comfortable, please. Jane will take you to do your nails and hair so that you feel as beautiful as you always look. See you later. M XX

She might not love that I’m bossing her around, but I have no doubt that she’ll find it worth it once she arrives at our date.

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