Page 74 of Sweet Retribution

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Ibring my cup of hotchocolate to my lips and stare into the fire. It’s my favorite time of day, when mama is nestled in her bed, the staff have gone home, and I have the house to myself. The lights are off except for the Christmas tree in the corner and the orange flames from the fire.

I’ve been putting on an act for too long, pretending to be someone I’m not, always staying strong for mama. I was pretending to be confident and sexy with Stone before he left me. I’m anything but. I don’t like needing him so much. I was doing well before I met him. Poor, scared, stressed, and worried about mama, yes, but I was strong. Now I feel defeated. Sad. Lonely. I was never lonely before. I had too much going on and dreamed of quiet time by myself. Now I have too much.

It’s been three weeks and not a single word from Stone, or even his men. I expected Lucca or Tio to stay in New York to watch over mama and me. I should find some sort of comfort that they’re not here. If Stone thought there was any level of danger, he’d have bodyguards on us twenty-four-seven.

I’ve even cut back the staff at the house. We don’t need a cook, a housekeeper, or a landscaper, especially in December. Since Bonnie is also a nurse, I have her come in a few times a week to prep a few meals, even though I am now more than capable of doing so myself.

She fusses with mama, claiming how much she misses her, which I truly believe she does, and examines her discreetly. Stone had hired the most awesome caretakers for mama.

I love being with mama every day, even if we’re having the same conversations over and over again. I cherish them because I never know what memories will be lost the next day. Her mood is touch and go, but the twinkling Christmas tree in the corner of the living room brings her great joy.

Two nights ago, we drove around town enjoying the decorated homes. Sheooh’dandaaah’dlike a little girl at all the lights, and even sang along to the Christmas music playing in the car.

Stone had been more than generous with the two vehicles in the garage. I was hesitant to take them out since my driver’s license is fake. I drove a little in San Diego when my boss asked me to take her car to pick up supplies we were running low on. I had to learn the rules of the roads—the American roads—quickly.

I’ve been faking my way through life and want something to finally be real. To be meaningful. I take another sip of cocoa and contemplate getting up to add more whipped cream. Maybe I’ll guzzle this cup and make another. It’s the only thing I have to keep me warm at night, besides the fire and the thick blanket I have wrapped around me.

I drain the rest of my drink and move to get up when a figure appears in the archway to the living room. I gasp and draw the blanket closer. He’s silhouetted. All I can make out is that it’s a man. Taller and leaner than Antonio but could easily be one of his men.

I don’t move hoping he hasn’t spotted me, which is ridiculous. I can feel the heat from the fire on my face, it’s lighting me up as well.

“Gia.”

My heart lurches in my throat, and I can’t speak. Not that I know what I’d say.Stone.I want to run into his arms and punch him at the same time. My heart races but I don’t speak until I can contain my emotions.

I don’t want him to know how much I yearn for him. How much I miss him. My body will betray me and allow him to fuck me if he asks, so I don’t speak. I won’t let him have control over my body or my mind again. He has my heart, the rest I need to hold on tight to.

He moves closer and I bring my knees close to my chest, using them as a shield to my heart. He sets something on the coffee table then sits in the chair opposite me.

“What are you doing here?” I finally ask with an edge to my voice.

“I came to see you.”

“Well, you see me. You can leave now.” I instantly regret my snark. It shows weakness, that I care about him.

If Stone taught me anything, it’s to hide your emotions and feelings or the other person will use them against you.

“Or you can stay, since you own the house. Your room hasn’t been touched. It’s all yours. The fridge is stocked, if you’re hungry. I was about to head up to bed.” I stand and instantly regret my last word. The last thing I want is to encourage Stone.

“Wait.” He takes off his winter coat and drapes it over the back of his chair. “Sit. We need to talk.”

“Talk?” I can’t help my sarcasm. “You want to talk? What, it took you three and a half weeks to find the words?”

“Yes,” he says unbuttoning the cusps of his sleeve and rolling them up exposing his forearm. He rolls up the other, then undoes a few buttons of his shirt.

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