Page 272 of The Bonus

She smiles through tears. “Arrivederci,” she whispers.

Mark rushes us to the car. “It’s fine, Mark,” I say.

“Nothing about this is fine, he’s going to go crazy, I could lose my job over this.”

“What?” I stop on the spot.

“He’s warned me again and again to keep her away from you.”

“I’m fine, stop being so dramatic.” He bustles us into the car and the driver pulls out with haste, I roll my eyes as we drive along. Talk about overreacting. Although the fear on Mark’s face in the front seat is unsettling, he’s genuinely really concerned. He and the driver keep exchanging worried looks. I don’t want them to get into trouble with Gabriel for a two-minute slip.

“I asked her to meet me there,” I lie.

“What?” His eyes flick back to me.

“I wanted the children to meet her.”

He drags his hand down his face as if this is the worst thing that has ever happened. “Why would you go against his wishes?” he whispers.

“Relax. It’s fine.”

“Nothing about this is fine.”

I gesture to the children who are completely oblivious and staring out the window.

“We’ll talk later.”

It’s just past 5 p.m. when I hear the door click. “Dad’s home,” I call.

“Daddy,” Lucia squeals in excitement, they both come tearing down the stairs and run to greet him.

“Hello, my darlings.” He smiles as they both jump into his arms. He’s had to learn to pick them both up at once now that Dominic wants a piece of the action too. “How was your day?” He smiles as he holds them.

“Good,” Lucia says.

“We went to the park,” Dominic tells him.

“I heard.” His cold eyes rise to meet mine, and I wince. He’s angry.

He puts them down and then without saying a word to me, he walks into the other room as they follow him, chatting away.

Okay…

I’m in trouble, why is he always so dramatic?

“What’s that drink?” I hear Lucia ask.

“Scotch,” he replies. I hear the ice fall into the tumbler.

Hmm…not a good sign.

I go to the refrigerator and pour myself a glass of wine, I keep my drinks in the kitchen like a normal person.

I hear him talking to the children as they walk past me out to the garden.

Still not a word to me. I take a swig as I stand at the sink.

“Why don’t you two get in the hot tub,” he asks them.

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