Page 75 of Depths of Desire
I walk across the piazza, senses heightened, muscles coiled at the ready to strike any foe. I climb the steps to the door of the duomo. It’s closed, but I push against it, and it opens. I step inside. The lights are dim, and I realize it’s candlelight only. Someone is in the front pew on their knees, praying. A woman. She’s dressed in black with a veil over her face. I scour the rest of the duomo, but no other living creature seems to be here. I inhale deeply. Esme. Her scent hits me, and a wave of relief washes over me. I walk up to her
“Esme?” I say quietly.
The woman stands and turns towards me, lifting her veil as she does so.
“Mother,” I say half disbelieving.
“Hello, Nico.” Her smile is pure venom.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Istand completely still, staring out to the darkness through the French doors which lead to the balcony. The silk curtain brushes my bare legs like a lover’s caress. Except my lover isn’t here. Nico’s been gone for at least an hour, and the longer I wait, the more hollow I feel. I thought after the wedding—after everything—that we’d be closer. That we’d start trusting each other. That he’d tell me what was going on instead of disappearing into the night without a word.
I also didn’t expect him to leave me—on our wedding night, no less—to chase after another woman.
I wrap my arms around myself, my breath clouding the glass as I exhale. More the fool am I. This… this is exactly what I feared. What I expected, if I’m honest. Promises whispered in candlelight that vanish with the dawn. I spin away from the view and head upstairs, every step echoing louder than it should in this oversize, empty house.
I’ve spent an hour wallowing. Useless. Weak. I should’ve run the moment he left. I open the closet—and of course, more clothes have magically appeared. I don’t even bother checking the labels anymore. Everything will fit perfectly. Anotherreminder that none of this is real. Or maybe it's too real. This life I never wanted but somehow walked straight into. Willingly.
Shaking my head, I strip off the robe. Nico’s scent clings to my skin like a bruise I can’t wash away. The shower is hot and fast. I scrub hard, like I can erase him—his touch, his voice, the way he looked at me when he said I was his. I fight the tears that want to flow when I think about how I opened myself up to him emotionally. Not in so many words, but in my soul. In my thoughts, I claimed him as mine, while he only claimed my body. That was all I was to him. And if he was going to be forced to spend a lifetime with me, then he’d probably be damned if he didn’t get a little physical relief. Tears burned the back of my eyes and I shoved the thoughts away to focus on what I could do.
I tie my hair in a low bun and add just a swipe of mascara and lip tint. Carson—or someone—has clearly raided my life because all my favorite brands are lined up neatly like I’ve lived here forever. It should be comforting.
It isn’t.
I slip into black pants and a knit top, the color a match to my mood. Butter-soft loafers slide on next. I’m pulling myself together. One step at a time. That’s when I hear voices. Sharp. Demanding.
“Nico, you can’t ignore us forever.”
The door flies open. Renzo storms in like he owns the air, and Luca is right behind him, cool as ever. They both freeze when they see me. I don’t flinch. Defiantly, I stare right back. Shit. Whatever this is, it isn’t good.
“Where is he?” Renzo barks, heading straight for the bathroom like he expects Nico to be hiding in the tub.
“I have no idea. He left over an hour ago.”
Luca narrows his eyes. “Where was he going?”
I bite out, “He told me he was going to find someone named Esme. I don’t know who she is, or why she matters, or where hewent. Maybe ask Carson. Maybe he knows something. I sure as hell don’t.” My tone was sharp and bitter.
Renzo growls something low and furious. Then he glances at Luca. Something passes between them—silent, sharp, definite.
My mouth drops. “Oh, my God. Are you all telepathic?”
Renzo gives a single, tight nod.
“For fuck’s sake. Is there anything you can’t do? It’s beyond annoying.” Nico wasn’t exaggerating about the “certain skills” thing.
Renzo flashes me a quick, unapologetic grin that disappears as fast as it arrived, replaced by hard lines and urgency.
Luca returns from wherever he vanished. “Carson doesn’t know where he went.”
Renzo checks his watch. “We’re late already.” His gaze cuts to me. “Are you ready to go?”
“Go where?” I ask, already bracing for the answer I won’t like.
“The vampire Council has summoned us to a meeting. Malrick has filed a formal complaint. You’re expected to appear.”
I scoff. “Well, Nico’s not around, so I guess the meeting’s off.”
