Page 86 of Milo

Marchello’s irritation is palpable. “I think it is better if you come now. The sparrow might fly away."

Milo's expression hardens. "It will come back."

"We do not have the luxury to wait.” Marchello glances at me for a brief moment. "I am sure Kiara will be fine on her own for a few hours."

Milo lets out a labored sigh, casting me an apologetic look. "I am sorry. I must go."

"Oh," I hum as he drops my hand. "That's fine. I'll just eat with Julia."

"I will find you later tonight.”

But he doesn't.

Not that night. Nor the one after.

Who knew sparrows were so time-consuming.

Chapter 23

Down the Rabbit Hole

"Get off your phone," Julia huffs as I reopen my messages app for the umpteenth time. Still no reply. It takes two fucking seconds to respond to a text. "Am I boring you, Kiara?"

I roll my eyes, flipping my phone face down, the force vibrating all the jewelry sprawled across the dining room table.

Milo's texting etiquette leaves much to be desired.

Wednesday

Where are you?

Apologies, tesoro. I will not make it tonight.

Why? What happened?

Nothing.

Thursday

Is everything ok?

Everything is fine.

Milo, what is going on? You've been MIA for two days.

Nothing.

This morning

Are we still going to Milan today? Or is that canceled? I'd like to know if I have to pack. Please respond at your earliest convenience. Or never. That works too.

Pack.

I don’t want to go anymore. Not really in the mood for a gala. Or in the mood to be ignored.

Nothing.

"I was just checking the time," I grumble. "How is it only 10? I feel like we've been at this for hours."

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