Page 76 of Bianchi

It’s obvious by the straining tension that’s hanging in the atmosphere. Questioning eyes lift to hers when Alma places a mug of tea on the table in front of me. She smooths her palms down the front of her apron before sliding into the chair next to me and enveloping my hand in hers.

“Haven is missing.” Her words are said on a whispered breath, a fear of reality coating them.

My eyes widen and my jaw goes slack, certain that I must have misunderstood her. “M-missing?”

Alma nods, leaning forward and keeping her voice lowered as Maria quietly sobs by the sink. “She won’t be coming back.”

My brows tug together at her confusing statement. “So, she’s not missing?” Alma stares at me, deadpan until all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. “They’ve…” I can’t bring myself to finish that sentence. Tears well in my eyes and I choke out, “Why?”

Alma looks away, her eyes becoming as glassy as I’m sure mine are. Her voice cracks when she speaks, like she can’t quite believe what she's saying is true. “She betrayed the family.”

What? That doesn’t make any sense. Why would she do that? My hand grasps Alma’s. “You and I both know that’s not true, Alma. What have they said? What lies have they told about her?”

Her fingers fiddle with the delicate chain around her neck. Squeezing my hand, she opens her mouth to speak, but a harsh bark of her name cuts her off. “Alma.” It’s a warning and meant to silence her.

My eyes dart to Daniele standing in the doorway. Alma slips her hand free from mine, leaving it to fall to the table with a dull thud as she stands, walking over to Maria before escorting her out of the kitchen.

Only when they’ve gone does Daniele move into the room. He walks to the refrigerator, pulling it open and staring at the contents. I shake my head in disbelief at his callousness before using my crutch to stand and walk toward the door. None of this should be a surprise to me after what I’ve been through.

I come to a stop, holding onto the doorframe for support as I look over my shoulder. “What did she do?”

He rolls his neck, the ink tattooed across it stretching and contracting with the movement. “It doesn’t concern you.”

I scoff. “Wow. It’s really like that?” When he doesn’t respond, I add, “No offense, but I don’t really trust any of you to make a call on what happens with someone’s life, given my own personal experiences.” He tenses, and I know my jab hit the mark. “What exactly are you accusing her of doing?”

He widens his stance, squaring his shoulders. “I won’t repeat myself, Aurora.”

Turning to face him, I hobble back into the room, hating how weak I must look with the crutch. “Fine, I’ll leave it. But let’s just hope that you don’t leave another innocent woman to die.”

The sooner I can leave this place, the better, especially when I know exactly who would have made the call to have her dealt with. What’s worse is that even if I wanted to stay, I’d be at risk of being put in this exact same situation again, and I don’t know if I’ll be lucky enough to make it out a second time. I might not be fully fit to leave just yet, but there is something I can do to give myself some much needed respite.

“I will need your help moving to another room,” I demand, my mind made up.

Daniele narrows his eyes as he asks, “Has Romeo said it’s okay?”

My spine stiffens and I take a step forward, momentarily forgetting about my leg. I grit my teeth against the jolt of pain that slices through me and spit out through gritted teeth, “It’s none of his fucking concern. I’m none of his concern. There have to be at least a hundred spare rooms in this place and either you help me move into one or I do it myself.”

He regards me for so long I’m certain he’s going to say no, and as I turn to leave, his words pull me to a halt as he calls, “I’ll be up in thirty.”

Without a word, I leave the kitchen. Helping me is the least Daniele can do and he should count himself lucky that I’m not asking him to drive me to the nearest damn airport. But most importantly, screw Romeo Bianchi, and any man in this house who thinks they get a say in where I sleep.

I’m rounding a corner at the end of the hallway, heading to the living room, when I bump into Massimo. Just what I need. His hands land on my shoulders to steady me and his eyes drift over my body. “Are you okay?”

Shrugging him off, I go to move past him, but his tight grip wraps around my elbow.

“I’d like to speak to you.” He pauses, loosening his hold a fraction. “If that’s okay.”

Huffing out a breath, I tug my arm free. “I don’t have anything to say to you.”

He glances around the hallway before lowering his voice and taking a step closer. “It’s about Haven.”

I lift my chin, narrowing my eyes at him before I sneer. “Unless you’re going to tell me what she’s supposedly done or show me the evidence, I’m not interested.”

“I’d like you to look over the video and give me your side of the story.”

My lips part, but nothing comes out. What does he mean by my side of the story? I want to tell him to go to hell, but if it helps Haven, I can’t walk away. I don’t want anyone to have to go through what I did if they’re innocent. Sighing heavily, I reply, “Okay.”

Massimo heads down the corridor he came from, leaving me to trail behind. As we walk, I think over every interaction I’ve ever had with Haven, so that I can make sure he has the full picture. Deep in my heart, I know she wouldn’t hurt a soul, let alone betray her family.

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