Page 135 of Ruins
“Oh, he definitely does. But do you think he would deny you anything you want?” Romeo scoffs.
I shrug, taking another bite of my cone. “Well, what I want might not be to his taste.”
“What do you mean?”
“Chips, cookies, snack cakes...you know, treats.”
“Ah, junk food. Yeah, Boss isn’t known for keeping those around the house.” Romeo chuckles.
“So can we please go?” I plead, flashing him my most persuasive puppy-dog eyes. “I’ll owe you forever.”
Romeo shakes his head with a small smile. “Can I have my phone back?”
“After we finish shopping,” I counter playfully. “Consider it an incentive.”
My trip to the grocery store takes nearly an hour, as I carefully select all my favorite treats and indulgences. Among them is a tube of cookie dough—perfect for those moments when I can’t wait for Amelia to make it from scratch.
As we make our way back home, Romeo asks for his phone again, and I reluctantly hand it over.
To my dismay, he connects it to the car, turns it on, and a moment later, an incoming call lights up the dashboard.
My heart sinks as I recognize the name on the screen.
Santo.
Still, I hold out hope that Romeo won’t answer.
But my hopes are dashed when I hear Santo’s voice filling the car.
“Romero.”
Santo’s voice is a low drawl, deep and commanding, his control bleeding through the speakers.
Romeo stiffens beside me. “Yes, Boss.” There’s a hint of fear in his tone.
“Where are you taking my wifenow?” Santo demands.
I open my mouth, already annoyed, ready to explain. “We’re—”
But before I can finish, Santo’s booming voice cuts me off. “I wasn’t askingyou.”
The words hit like a slap. I sink into my seat, feeling small, feeling powerless, feeling like nothing more than a possession.
Romeo swallows thickly. “We’re headed back to the estate, Boss,” he answers, casting me an apologetic glance.
“Be sure that you are.”
My fingers clench into fists. My anger, my exhaustion, boils over.
Just when I had started to breathe, to enjoy a simple day, Santo reminds me who hethinksI belong to.
I don’t even realize I’m speaking until the words spill out of me, sharp and poison-laced.
“We just went to get ice cream and then to the store. I thought thisarrangementcame with perks—like spending my husband’s money on things I want and need. Or is that no longer the case,Mr. Amato?”
The car falls deathly silent.
Romeo goes rigid, his body so tense I think he might shatter under the weight of it. My heart pounds. My ears ring.What did I just say?
