Page 49 of Burning Beauty

When it was time to go back to the house, they were both feeling contented and peaceful. Maria felt better capable of putting her own situation into perspective, and she suspected Cassandra was feeling happier than she had in days. Though Maria knew shopping wasn’t a long-term solution, having a normal day out with a friend had put a smile back on Cassandra’s face. They reentered the mansion, bags hanging off their arms, Antonio and the driver behind them carrying even more bags. They directed Antonio on how to split the bags up and which rooms to take them to.

Cassandra yawned widely and then grinned at Maria. "Thanks for a truly awesome day, you have no idea how much I needed that." Maria smiled back. "I think I'll go soak in my tub for a while and then have supper brought up to my room on a tray. I love you, girl, but I think an evening alone with Netflix is how I want to end this perfect day."

"Totally agree," Maria said, deciding that Cassandra's idea sounded heavenly. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Cassandra hugged her goodbye and went skipping off to her own room. Maria shook her head and grinned. It was hard to believe Cassandra was a good fourteen years older than her. They acted like teenagers. And it was a blessed feeling for Maria. It had been so long since she'd been able to relax and enjoy life without constantly looking over her shoulder.

Later, after Maria had eaten and watched some TV by herself in the cozy family room, she curled up on Nic's bed with her phone. She was so happy and content that she completely forgot about her deception. Eager to hear Nic's voice, she pressed his contact on her phone and waited for him to pick up. Maybe she would finally get to find out what phone sex was like.

"Nic!" she said excitedly when he picked up.

"You lied to me."

Maria's heart sank. He knew about their excursion into the city. His voice was so chilling, so devoid of emotion that Maria had to take a moment to gather her nerve before she could speak. "I didn't actually lie," she said defensively. "I just didn't tell the whole truth."

"You think to play games with me, little girl?" His voice was calm, but Maria could feel the underlying turmoil, the rage. And it was directed at her.

"I... I... knew you wouldn't let us leave the mansion, it was the only way."

"You put your life in danger so you could go shopping?"

Well, when he put it that way, her actions did sound sort of selfish and ridiculous. Then she reminded herself that before Nic she was a free agent, she could go where she pleased without having to ask anyone's permission. No, he was the reason she was driven to take action.

"Cassandra needed to get out of the house. Our trip today gave her a much-needed boost.”

He didn't speak for a moment and then said, "It is good that you enjoyed your outing, because there won't be another."

She thought about arguing, then thought better of it. "I understand."

"No, you don't," he said bluntly. "There will be consequences to your actions today."

She couldn't think of anything to say, and finally settled on, "I'm sorry."

He hung up without saying another word and a shiver of foreboding ran through her. What kind of consequences? She didn't think he would kill her, or even really hurt her. But he could and probably would make her life very uncomfortable.

She spent the better part of the next few hours pacing his bedroom, before finally crawling into bed. She didn't think she would sleep. Not with Nic's threat looming over her, but sleep did come for her, and as she was drifting off, she thought of all the things she could say to Nic to make this situation better.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Maria wasn't sure exactly what woke her up, but when she did finally open her eyes, she realized the light was on and she wasn't alone. She yawned and stretched then rolled over, reaching for Nic. His warm hand engulfed hers, squeezing it.

"Hello, bellissima," he said, his voice husky with a delicious tension to it. It sent a shaft of answering excitement through her.

"You're home early," she mumbled, pushing herself up and trying to shake the sleep fog from her brain.

"Si, I came home early," he murmured, helping her to sit up.

He gave her a moment to rub her eyes and stretch again, aware that it took Maria some extra time to join the real world when she'd been deeply asleep.

"How was business?" she asked, covering her mouth and yawning again, so wide that her jaw cracked.

He chuckled and ran a hand up her arm, sending the small, fine hairs into a frenzy of happy feelings. "Business was good. I am almost ready to make a move on Delgado."

Maria was surprised he would tell her something like that. So far Nic had been reluctant to involve her in his business beyond giving her the information she absolutely needed to know. Like when he was going away on business, and how that could affect her life.

"That's nice," she said, leaning against his shoulder, her eyes fluttering shut again as she drifted back toward the oblivion of sleep.

"No, amor, I need you to get out of bed now. You must come with me, I have something to show you."

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