Page 40 of Tainted Ties

However, I’d woken up the following morning after that disastrous night with Roman nowhere in sight.

He hadn’t been home since, and I had been told he was out of town for business.

It stung knowing he could move on from what happened, but his world hadn’t fallen apart in a matter of minutes as mine had.

After all, he was the one who dished out my pain on a silver platter.

“What do you have planned for me today?” Irina’s voice broke through my depressing thoughts. “I deserve an amazing last day.”

When Gianna informed me that I was allowed to have Irina over, I hesitated. It didn’t make sense to me when Roman threatened her life.

I didn’t act on my visitation rights for the first few days, but then I received a single text from Roman.

No harm will come to your friend. You have my word.

Even then, I was skeptical, but Roman had never lied to me once. He was an awful person, but he was honest.

So, I invited my best friend.

I had caught her up on everything that spiraled since I landed in Italy, and she went feral.

She left Raphael messages and voicemails calling him every curse word in Russian, but she knew she couldn’t risk being reckless when it came to Roman.

I turned to face her, where she laid next to me. She did the same, her almond-shaped blue eyes watching me with concern.

“Don’t hate me, but I was hoping we could wing it and see where the day takes us.”

If it weren’t for Irina, our business back in New York would have crumbled to the ground. I had virtual meetings with our clients while Irina stepped in when needed, for face-to-face meetings.

“I’m glad you said that. Being spontaneous will keep us young.”

“Where’d you learn that?”

Her smile was wide when I regarded her oddly. “From myself.”

* * *

Irina and I had been tourists this afternoon, wandering around Italy as if it was my first time in the country.

Italy was beautiful, rich in culture and architecture. It didn’t matter whether I grew up here. It was hard not to gape in awe at everything that came into view.

“What’s happening there?” My blonde friend stopped in her tracks on the cobblestone, peering up at a large white building to our right.

There was a majestic spark to it. It was bold, standing alone, and making a statement. The intricate details ran along every inch of the building, designed with gold lines, swirls, and unique shapes of all different sizes.

To the side, there was a long line of people waiting to get in. Everyone was dressed in either tuxedos or evening gowns.

“I think it’s a private event.” I could feel my arms growing numb from carrying all my shopping bags.

I should’ve let Ricardo take them. I knew he was following us, lurking somewhere even when I told him not to.

I thought once Roman was out of the house, hisdogswould follow him.

“Let’s check it out.” Before I could protest, she grabbed my arm, leading us to the building.

“We won’t even be able to get in!”

She shot me a grin. “You’re a Mancini. Of course, you can.”

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