Page 94 of Doll's Eye

She frowns and looks down at my hands. “I don’t see any shackles.”

I give her a dry look and drop my head. “I’m not shackled, but I am not allowed to leave. I want to be home, not here.”

“Alessia.” She cups my cheek with her hand. “I know Massimo hurt you, but he thought he was doing the right thing.” I open my mouth, but she doesn’t let me speak. “Although he may not have gone about it the right way in making you feel unloved by him, he knew it was the only way you would leave.”

“They didn’t give me a choice.” I swiped at the tears that managed to slip out. “I don’t think I can forgive him, Mamma.”

“I know your stubborn streak is hard to get past, but you will. You’ll find a way,bambina.” She kisses my forehead. “I love you.”

It’s late by the time I make my way up to Massimo’s room. He’s still not home, and Monte wouldn’t tell me where he’s been all day. In a torpid state, I become disgustingly sentimental when I glance down at the ring I’m forced to wear. Normally, I only wear it around Massimo, but I forgot to take it off when he left today.

Sitting on the edge of the bed and staring at the ring, I feel a wave of disheartenment instead of anger.

Massimo and I were so good together, then he demolished everything. No matter if what he said in Tullio’s office to make me leave was bullshit or not, it does not erase the pain it caused me. If it was a ruse to let me go, then he purposely hurt me, and I can’t see past that.

Even if I wanted to forgive him, I don’t think I know how. I’m stubborn by nature and he doesn’t even seem contrite. He’s more eager to disavow his mistakes than to take real accountability for them. Admitting you’re wrong and expressing your remorse are two different things.

I’m already asleep when the sound of the bedroom door clicking shut wakes me up announcing Massimo’s homecoming. Sitting up in bed, I adjust my eyes to the dark. “Hey,” I say quietly, and he comes to my side of the bed. His tie is loose, and his suit jacket is draped over his one arm, seemingly exhausted. “Where were you?”

“California.”

I sit up more and turn some. “What were you doing in California?”

“Getting Vita.”

My eyebrows jump up to my forehead. “You were getting Vita? Like as in bringing her home?” He nods his head. “Oh, wow.” My thoughts are a bit staggered right now, realizing he actually heeded my advice. “So, she’s here?”

“For now.” He sighs and sits down on the bed. My family seriously messed with my head today because all I want to do right now is hug him and rub his shoulders to relieve some of the tension he’s burdened with. “We’re taking her to a facility tomorrow.”

“What kind of facility?”

“A rehab. She’s in poor shape. Gave her some sedatives to keep her out most of the night.”

“But she’s alright?”

“She will be.” He turns his head and gives me a tight smile. “How did it go with your family today?”

“Better than expected. Though my brothers forced me to tell Mamma about the accident I caused,” I mutter.

“Well, that’s what you get,” he teases making me crack a smile. “Monte said you didn’t try to use them to escape.”

“Oh, I tried,” I admit truthfully, and he arches both eyebrows. “I even told Mamma how I’m being held here against my will.” His lips twitch in response. “But she told me I had to stay put.”

“Did she? And why’s that?”

“She’s obviously losing it.” I sigh and lay back down.

“Mhmm,” he mumbles unconvinced. “Well, she obviously has changed her tune since we talked.”

“You talked to Mamma?” He nods. “When?”

“A few days ago.” He reaches up and unknots his tie to slip off all the way. The movement I find myself transfixed by.

“And what did she say?”

“You first.”

I screw my lips to the side as my eyes narrow on him. “Whatever.”

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