Page 40 of King

Carefully I put the necklace back. “It’s so beautiful. She was very lucky to live the life she had with you.” I say quietly. “She was lucky to have your love, Giovanni.”

When I turn towards him again, he is pressing his fingers into his eyes, fighting tears.

“Gio - “ I say his name gently.

He shakes his head, unable to speak. The necklaces has brought back memories he wasn’t prepared for. This space overwhelms him with emotions.

Stepping close to him I slip my arms around his waist and rest my face against his chest. His scent is so masculine, so enticing, I close my eyes and let it steal me away. “I’m sorry.” I whisper, losing myself in dark musk and forests of pine.

He wraps his arms around me too, leaning forward he rests his chin on top of my head and for the briefest of moments - he lets me comfort him.

But it doesn’t last long.

His body goes stiff against mine. Rigid and cold. He drops his arms away, pushing me back.

“What the fuck are you doing in Bella’s room. This is not for you to see.” He snarls angrily.

“I’m sorry, Gio - I didn’t know it was her room - I was - I was just?—”

“You were snooping where you aren’t welcome, Zina.” He growls angrily.

“I was wondering what it would be like to have been her. To have felt your love.” I mutter quietly.

His eyes soften as he stares at me. He takes a deep breath, but then pushes away whatever he was thinking and shoots heated anger at me again.

“You will never be her, Zina. She was the love of my life.”

I storm up to him and grab his shirt in my hands. I pull and with deep frustration and tears in my eyes I shake him. He doesn’t move, but he watches me as I say. “She’s gone, Giovanni. She’s gone and you’re still pushing me away. Why can’t you give me a chance?” I sound pathetic. Like I’m begging someone to love me. I hate the way the words spill from my lips, a weakness I never wanted to show the world.

I’ve been strong for sixteen years - but being with him again has shattered that strength. Leaving me vulnerable.

Giovanni lets out a sharp breath and pries my fingers from his shirt.

“I came here to remember Bella, not to deal with you.” He snaps.

I step away from him, hurt by his harsh words.

“So, you pushed me away then - and you’re doing it again now. That day you left me - you did it so coldly it broke me to pieces. You treated me as though I was nothing but trash - you tried to make me believe that you never loved me in the first place, but I know you did, Giovanni. Say whatever the hell you want to try to ease your mind - but Iknow you loved me once. And if you weren’t so stupid and stubborn now, you would give me a chance.”

“No.” He snaps, glaring at me.

The air between us sparks with tension. Static spiking at my heart.

I wanted him to leave her for me.

I thought he was going to. I believed him. I was planning my life with him. But he chose her. And it seems he will always choose her.

The hurt shifts inside me - turning into a jealous rage.

“I don’t ever want to find you in this room again, Zina.” Giovanni warns me.

“Or what? You’ll break my heart by telling me everything was a lie? It’s too late for that. You’ve already destroyed my belief in love.” I snap at him.

It’s not true though.

I wish I didn’t believe in love anymore - but how can I say that when I love him so deeply.

“Get out.” He snarls.

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