Page 27 of Something Borrowed

While I’m looking at the screenshot my phone rings.

A low groan of annoyances rumbles through me. The last thing I want to do now is talk to Masaccio.

I flick the call away, declining it, knowing it will only cause more shit later on, but I want to at least get upstairs first.

He calls back immediately.

Each time the ringer goes off I can feel his tension from the other side of the call. It is just getting worse the longer I delay this.

With a heavy sigh I answer.

“Rufino?” He snaps.

“Here.”

“What the fuck is going on are you fucking kidding me with this fucking bullshit are you trying to start a fucking war or something? I can hardly make out the words amidst the angerthey are spewing. He is screaming into the phone and I have to hold it away from my face.

It’s better not to speak now. Let him vent. Let him get it all out of his system. Just listen.

His opinion doesn’t mean shit to me.

He can dictate the best options for the business - but he needs to stay the fuck out of my personal life.

I sigh and he carries on telling me I’m a complete fuck up and have no regard for the safety of our family.

By the time I get upstairs into my penthouse apartment I’m almost ready to hang up. He’s vented enough.

I’ve allowed him this outlet and now I’m over it.

“Masaccio.”

I try to interrupt him, but he ignores it.

“And what about how this will affect?—”

“Masaccio, can you stop for a second?” I snarl, getting more annoyed.

“You are so inconsiderate.”

I can’t take another second of this.

Hanging up the phone I toss it onto the sofa. Then on second thoughts, I pick it up again and put it on silent. He’s already trying to call me back.

I’m too tired for this. A shower and some sleep is all I really need right now.

I had the most incredible night with Verity and for it to end this way is like a knife in my back.

Although - is this really as bad as it seems to be?

Maybe now that it’s out in the open we don’t have to sneak around anymore.

I should call Verity and warn her, but she might be sleeping. I’ll let her rest and we can talk about it in the morning, rather.

I can’t stop her father from finding out, so there’s no use panicking.

Whatever happens from here on out - I will deal with it.

The only thing that matters is that Verity and I both feel the same way about each other.

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