Page 11 of Promise Never

I barely slept the night before, much less in themonths leading to Sicily. My body is starting to beg for a long rest.

I’m also having hunger pangs. The last time I atewas around noon the day before. That was only a bowl of soup. Crap. At thisrate, I’ll truly be atFattore’smercy.

After washing up, I mosey into the living area andpeek out the window. That burly guard,Runi, isstanding outside. I wonder if he’s been there allnightor he alternated with others.

When I open the door, he turns to me with a pinchbetween his dark eyes. “Sì?”

“I’m hungry. Could I get some breakfast?”

He twists his rigid face before checking hiswatch. “In a few minutes, Alessandro will wake. He’ll get you breakfast then.”

I shift to the other leg. “Look, man, I’m starving.Since you want to keep an eye on me, why don’t we go together? I’ll makesomething for myself.” Leaning my head, I manage an innocent look and addsoftly, “Please?”

Runihesitates for a moment, considering it. Then he nods. “All right. This way.” Hemotions with his hand to go ahead, following me across the courtyard.

It’s not lousy landscaping, with trimmed shrubsand trees, and the water fountain in the center is quite exquisite. The massivestone house is even more breathtaking.

Trinity and I never had much growing up. I don’tknow the first thing about luxury. But that kind of life doesn’t appeal to me,anyway.

I climb the limestone steps to the dark hardwooddoors.Runiopens one for me, nodding to the guard inthe lavish foyer as we enter.

He points down a long passage, and I stroll untilemerging in the expansive Tuscan-style kitchen.

“Pantry is over there,”Runitells me. “Try to be quiet. Signora doesn’t like noise so early.”

“Signora?” I repeat in a low tone.

Alessandro’s married? Does his poor wife know thathe prowls clubs lusting at other women? Perhaps she’s trapped, fearful he’llkill her should she try to leave.

Bastard.

I quietly check the pantry, grabbing an Italianversion of corn flakes.

Knowing Alessandro has a wife has me moving fast.I’d hate to give the woman any wrong ideas. I bet she’ll freak out once shelearns he’s put me up in the guesthouse, regardless of his intentions.

Whyishe helping me? He even came back forme last night. Is it truly because he wants to make amends for what his brotherdid?

I shake it off and hasten to pour the cereal intoa bowl, add milk, and pluck a spoon out of the utensil’s drawer before leavingthe kitchen.

We’re almost at the doors when footsteps atop thestairs bring us to a pause.

I peer up as an older woman descends. She hasgraying dark hair, intense brown eyes, and a palpable toughness to herotherwise elegant exterior.

There’s a likeness to Alessandro.

“Who are you?” She takes in my appearance andflicks toRuni.

He clears his throat and answers, “Alessandro’sfriend, signora.”

“Friend?” she gasps as if amazed. “The friend hementioned last night is awoman?”

Maybe she’s upset for his wife.

It astounds me when a smile gradually stretchesher lips. “I’m SofiaFattore. His mother.” She pausesa beat, then asks smoothly, “Are you a special kind of friend?”

“No,” I blurt out.Hell no.

Well, I guess Alessandro isn’tmarried;unless he and his wife have an arrangement.

---