Page 53 of Sinful Scars

“Is this why you asked me to dinner? To interrogate me?”

“The fact that you’re getting so defensive only confirms my assumptions.” Lucia picks up her own fork and takes a bite of her food.

“I’m not being defensive.”

“You’re not being smart.”

I toss my fork down onto my plate and go to grab my purse.

“You’re seriously going to leave?”

“I’ve had a long day, Lucia, and I don’t have the energy to fight you on this.”

“There’s nothing to fight about! A man is stalking you, and you’re?—”

“I’m what? Please, tell me what I’m doing, Lucia.”

“You’reencouragingit.”

“Unbelievable. You of all people shouldn’t be judging me right now.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“You don’t exactly have a squeaky-clean past. I never once judged you for sleeping around. Or what about when you decided to trick Mikhail out of marrying you? I sat and listened toallof it, Lucia, offering you nothing but kind words and support because that’s what we do. Yet, the one time Iactuallyneed you to do the same, I get this?”

“You’re right.” She sighs, reaching across the table to take my hand.

I go to pull away, but she tightens her grip.

“I have been harsh and a little judgmental. But it’s only because I’m worried about you. All of this behavior is so…out of character.”

“It still doesn’t give you the right to judge me.”

Lucia’s expression softens, and she nods.

“I’m sorry. Please…don’t go. Let’s finish our dinner.”

Part of me wants to make a point by storming out of the restaurant, but I know that will only make things worse.

“This is my life, and I know what I’m doing.” I pick my fork back up. “Now, can we please change the subject?”

She sighs but nods, picking her own fork up and tucking into her pasta.

“Did I tell you about the curse words that Danil has taught the twins?”

Once dinner is over and Lucia kindly picks up the tab, her way of apologizing for earlier, we both head outside into the crisp autumn night.

Lucia buttons up her coat. “Come to dinner on Friday night. I’m making Nonna’s lasagna recipe, your favorite.”

I know she’s only inviting me because she feels guilty, but I don’t want it to be another excuse for her to interrogateme about my mystery man. Mainly because I don’t want to keep lying to her if she’s being this judgmental about what little I’ve told her. I can only imagine what she’d say if she knew the whole truth.

“I will, on one condition.”

“I won’t make you sit next to Vivi if that’s what you’re worried about. I know how much you don’t like to share your lasagna.” Lucia chuckles.

“No, it’s not that.” I adjust my purse on my shoulder. “I want you to promise that you won’t mentionhimagain.”

“Elle…”

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