Page 36 of Sweet Retribution

Sleep comes easily, as do my dreams.

Dreams of a bronzed, chiseled chest. Of eyes bluer than the Mediteranean. Of lips that promise nothing, yet everything.

It’s been three days since I almost caved and stripped down for Stone. He’s been extra surly lately. I suppose he’s back to his normal self. He doesn’t eat with me anymore, and acts as if he despises me.

It’s like he’s never been turned down before, which is most likely the truth. He has Sebastiana at his beck and call though, so it’s not like he’s sexually deprived. I’m proud of myself for showing such restraint. If I have no self-respect, I have nothing. My mother has taught me a lot, and that’s one thing I’ll take with me forever.

Tio and Lucca take turns playing bodyguard. Sebastiana is still mostly annoying, but she’s growing on me. I’m pretty sure most of her snark and sexual comments are for attention.

Yesterday, while laying by the poo,l she told me a little about her family. Daughter of a doctor and architect, she went to medical school to appease her parents, but dropped out after three years. She didn’t say it, but I got the impression she sleeps around to spite her controlling parents.

Sebastiana is free with her body, and not shy about her love of sex. What she has with Stone works for both of them. Another reminder I’m way out of my league. Another reminder I don’t belong here, and she does.

“You’re awfully quiet today,” Maria says as I finish proofing the cinnamon rolls for tomorrow’s breakfast. They’ve become a favorite of mine to make and eat. Maybe it’s the comfort I find in the process, or the smell while they’re baking, or knowing Stone comes back mid-day and asks Maria for another one.

“We haven’t had a cool and rainy day in a while.”

“The vineyard is nearing drought conditions. The grapes need the rain.”

“I know. We’ve been spoiled with such beautiful weather these past few weeks. I’m looking forward to cooler nights though. Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons.”

“I’m bored,” Sebastiana whines, coming into the kitchen wearing a pair of skinny jeans and a crop top. Her idea of lounge clothes and mine are quite different.

I undo my apron and hang it on the hook next to the pantry. “You could learn to make cinnamon rolls.”

“No thanks. I’m really good at ordering take out. I don’t have to worry about breaking a nail or getting food in my hair.” She frowns at the mop on my head.

I always tie my hair up when I’m cooking, and I definitely don’t doll myself up around the house. Comfort is more important than looks, which is evident by my loose gym shorts and tie-dye sweatshirt.

“Wanna watch a movie or something?”

That’s something we haven’t done yet. Stone’s living rooms aren’t the most inviting rooms in the house. Beautiful, sure, but not a place where you curl up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and binge watch movies.

“Down in the theater?”

“Nah. Those leather chairs are stuffy. I wanna sprawl on the couch.”

“Is there even a television in any of the living rooms?”

Sebastiana scrunches her nose at me. “Seriously? It’s huge. How have you missed it?”

She leaves and I follow her down the hall past the pantry. I’ve never ventured down this way before. I always assumed it was Maria’s space.

Sebastiana opens a closed door and we step into a sunken living room. The walls are a darker shade of gray, the furniture sleek and black, and the ceiling is black as well. A wall of mirrors is on one end, a row of windows covered in gray drapes, and a stack of red pillows sits in the corner. It’s plain, simple, and a little sexy. The decor doesn’t match the rest of the house.

She plops down on the couch and picks up a remote. I take one of the reclining chairs next to her and watch as the big screen on the wall turns on.

“Action, adventure, comedy, or porn?” She grins and wiggles her eyebrows.

“How about comedy?” I need something lighthearted after the stress of Lorenzo, Antonio, and now Stone.

“Boring,” she sighs, “but okay.”

We settle on an older Sandra Bullock film and are almost to the end when the door bursts open. Stone stands in the doorway, tall, imposing, and pissed. So, nothing out of the norm.

“Welcome to the party,” Sebastiana purrs.

He ignores her, his anger directed at me. “Out. Now.”

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