Page 123 of Where Dark Hearts Devour
I frown. “Don’t tell me what to do.”
A corner of his lips ticks up until he wipes it away with his knuckle. “Ok then,pleasewill you marry me?”
My chest flutters. “I’ll think about it.”
He grabs the back of my head and swallows my petulance in a messy tongue kiss. When he releases me, he shakes his head. “You are pure insolence, woman.”
I smile and shuffle after him in my bare feet and apparently sexy hospital gown.
Trilby
The gates open slowly, bringing the Di Santo residence into full view. My heart skips about like the butterflies that have taken up permanent residence in my stomach.
Sera puts a foot on the brake and turns to face me. “Do you want me to wait for you?”
“No, it’s okay.” I smile. “I’m sure Cristiano or one of his men will take me home after I’ve collected the clothes.”
After much pestering on his part, I’ve finally come to collect the closet Cristiano bought for me. Though the pestering wasn’t so much about collecting the clothes—it was more about having me move in with them. Withhim. But, as per the marriage proposal, I’ve been changing the subject. Not because I don’t want to do those things—because, actually, I want nothing more than to move in with Cristiano, to marry him, and to build a life with him—but because it feels a little too much like we’re dancing on Savero’s grave.
Despite the fact he was an evil son of a bitch, it’s too soon.
“Anyway, you must be exhausted after letting me drag you around all the galleries today.”
“Nonsense. It was my idea, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah, well, who can blame me for accepting your invitation when I’m about to lose you to the Hamptons for the next school year?”
“I’m not going yet. I have another month.”
“Then there are many more gallery visits in our future.” I smile. “How did you manage to secure a placement so quickly?”
Sera eyes me suspiciously.
“It’s not a trick question,” I clarify.
“No ...” She shakes her head. “It’s just ... I thought you knew.”
“Knew what?”
“Cristiano arranged it. One of his former casino managers runs one of the big country clubs. He put a word in for me.”
“He did?” My eyebrows inch up toward my hairline. “He kept that quiet.”
Sera takes my hand and gives it a small squeeze. “There’s a lot he’s been keeping quiet. He’s helping Tess get into the dance school she wants, he’s upgrading the security at the port, he’s had Allegra’s car fixed. But it’s not for us—it’s all for you.”
I fall back against the headrest. “Why hasn’t he told me any of this?”
“He doesn’t want to overwhelm you,” she replies in her lovely soft voice. “That happily ever after we all want? He’s already there, Tril. He’s just patiently waiting for you to catch up to him. He doesn’t want to scare you away.”
“He just killed his own brother. If I were going to run away scared, I think I’d be long gone by now.”
She smiles sweetly. “Then what are you waiting for?”
I breathe out slowly. “I don’t know.”
After she’s driven away, I turn to look at the grand house that, not so long ago, was going to be mine. I take in the white weatherboards, the wraparound porch, the beautiful gardens. It’s even more beautiful now only Cristiano is in it.
I walk up to the main door and press the bell. I expect to see a staff member, so I’m taken aback when Cristiano himself opens the door.
