Page 21 of Sweet Retribution

CHAPTER FIVE

Ican do it. I cando this. Breath. Smile. Mother’s safe. You’re safe.

I take deep, calming breaths as I repeat the words over and over again. Morning yoga in my room is much safer than doing yoga in the gym or out on the lawn. I’m not ready to face Stone or Sebastiana just yet.

After an hour of stretches, meditating, and deep, cleansing breaths, I’m ready to face the day. Maria doesn’t question why I wasn’t up early. She doesn’t ask about Sebastiana or Stone. She’s a smart woman. I’m sure she’s figured out our marriage is not conventional, yet she doesn’t judge or look at me any differently.

There’s no pity in her genuine smile. No shame. No embarrassment. I walk into the kitchen, and she embraces me with a motherly hug as she has every day since I befriended her and insisted she call me Gia.

“I’m glad to see you slept in. What can I make you for breakfast? Or are you going for a run first?”

I refuse to wear fancy clothes around the house just because they’re in my closet, or because Sebastiana is here sauntering around in her skimpy outfits. In fact, I’m more determined to dress comfortably andnotto impress. A sports bra, gym shorts, and tank top are my outfit of choice, and sweats when the temperature drops.

“You don’t need to go to any trouble for me, Maria.”

“Posh. That’s my job.”

“That and keeping this massive estate in tip-top shape.”

“I’d much rather make you breakfast than scrub toilets. Faye’s getting up there in age, and I often have to go in after her to make sure things are done to Stone’s liking.”

“He can scrub his own damn toilets,” I mumble as I open the fridge. I reach for the fresh pineapple and cottage cheese and serve myself a good-size portion in a bowl.

“That’s repulsive,” Sebastiana scoffs from behind me.

“To each his own.” I shrug and shovel a mouthful of one of my favorite snacks, then remember my goal of being perky. “Is there something you like to have for breakfast? I can make sure we have it for you tomorrow.”

I watch her from the corner of my eye and see her thin, perfectly sculpted brow lift. “I don’t eat breakfast.”

“Sometimes I skip it as well. Depends on the day,” I over-emphasize my smile. “Anything exciting planned for today?”

She blinks back her surprise. “Um,” she staggers. “Nothing more than the treadmill and getting sun by the pool.”

“If you’re looking for a workout buddy, let me know.” Working out with Sebastiana was not my idea of fun, but if killing her with kindness would make her go away...

“Um. Sure. I’ll go change.”

I drop my spoon as soon as she leaves.Shit.She totally called my bluff. I wanted to annoy her by pretending her presence means nothing to me. Now I’m stuck watching her fake boobs not bounce on a treadmill.

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