Page 39 of Deadly Don's Savage Vows

Marcusis out there.

The gallery is a familiar place to me - so it’s safe. Outside is no longer safe.

I sigh, I guess I can just sit in my office for a while and try switch off my thoughts.

But that doesn’t work.

The office door is closed and I’m alone with my anxiety.

I’m worried about Dante, fearful that something has happened to him.

I can at least ease that thought.

I dial Lisa’s number.

She picks up the phone with a cheerful hello.

“How are you guys doing there at home?”

“We’re good. We’re playing with the stuffed toys and he just got out of a warm bubble bath. I know he doesn’t bath till evening, but he seems extra fidgety today and the water always calms him down.”

“Oh, I’m sure he loved it. Thank you for that. I think he’s fidgety because I was fidgety and he picked up on it.”

“Well, like you said - you’ll be all better by tomorrow and be back to your normal happy self.” I can hear the smile in Lisa’s voice.

I’m lucky I found someone as amazing as her to take care of my son. Without her I would be worried about him and unable to work, even on a normal day. I trust her. She’s amazing.

“Thanks, Lisa. I’ll see you guys later then. I’ve got to get back to work.”

“Oh, don’t worry about dinner. I’m making you something so you can rest when you get home.”

“Thanks again. I really appreciate everything you do.”

When I hang up the phone there is an enormous weight off my shoulders. Dante is fine. And so am I. Nothing has come crashing down on me and Marcus hasn’t come flying in here to steal me away.

Everything really is ok.

The knock at my office door makes me jump.

Nico pushes the door open and steps inside.

I stand up, wanting to leave, wanting to avoid him, but we’re in my office and he’s standing in the only doorway that leads in and out of here.

He closes the door behind himself and looks at me with a stern expression.

“We need to talk, Bella. We can’t dance around each other all day ignoring the tension and pretending like nothing is going on.”

He’s right. I know we need to talk. I’m just so overwhelmed right now it’s too much. Everything is too much.

I’m still standing behind my desk, quietly watching him. Nodding I sigh and say, “we need to talk. Do you want to sit down?”

I gesture towards the chair opposite my desk.

“Uh. Not yet.” He mumbles. I guess he has as much agitation running through him as I do. It’s hard to sit or relax or control your body when you’re flooded with frustration.

The silence in my office gets heavier and thicker as each second ticks by. I’m waiting for him to start the conversation because I’ve already had my chance to share my thoughts last night. I told him about how I felt, I told him about Marcus - and I told him about our son.

The ball is in his court now and he needs to speak.

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