Page 7 of Ivory Sins
The room falls silent as all eyes turn to the doll and then back to me. Someone dressed the stupid thing in a miniature replica of my college graduation dress, complete with delicate lace and the same intricate embroidery. On the dress are some red stains.
My pulse quickens and I can feel my blood pressure rising as my eyes fall on the key chain, with a tiny red plastic car attached to it, wrapped around the doll's waist.
It's clearly a message to me, and I know exactly what it means. Cold sweat dampens my forehead, and heat waves spread across my body.
My hands start to tremble, memories long buried come flooding back into my mind, flashing horrifying images in my head. I breathe raggedly and my legs shake as I struggle to stay composed.
I can hear Father complaining about how this is getting out of hand, but my mind is wandering again. Matteo and the others are speculating about how the stalker got inside the house…and their voices are fading into the background.
The world around me fades further away. I hide my trembling hands under the table so nobody sees just how shaken I am.
Too late, someone already did. I jerk my head and meet Marco's gaze, a glint of suspicion dancing in his narrowing eyes.
He knows I'm hiding something, his look says it all, and I can only hope that he can't see right through me.
___________
The following day, I set out for work, my mind still reeling from what happened last night. But I can't let it weigh me down. I have to at least pretend that all is well with me.
I can sense Marco's willingness to talk, to address our elephant in the room, but I'm not so willing. He's been watching me with a suspicious gaze, and that he might be up to something makes my pulse race.
We're on the street, going to get a cup of coffee from my favorite shop, and he's walking way too close to me. Marco's imposing height and ruggedness seems to intimidate the men who dare look at me twice, scare them even.
I can feel the eyes on me, and it's making my skin prickle. Why are they staring at me like that today? Is it me, or is it because Marco’s tailing me? Whatever the case, I didn't like it.
I stop in my tracks and turn to face him, my head jerking upward. “You know what? I think you should wait out here while I go inside and grab my coffee.”
“I'm supposed to follow you everywhere you go,” he says, his voice smooth.
“Look, your presence is suffocating me, okay? And besides, I don't know what it is about you that's drawing so much attention, but I don't want it,” the words jump out of my mouth.
He pauses, his eyes leaving mine for a second as he scans the surrounding area. Marco lets out a sigh and says, “Fine, have it your way, then.”
Without a word, I walk away and disappear into the coffee shop. The tiny bells on the door jingle as I step inside, into the soft lighting. There's a line ahead, but I don’t mind waiting. I’m happy about the time away from Marco.
When it's my turn, I exchange pleasantries with Josie, the girl behind the counter. She makes my usual and hands it over to me with a warm smile.
“Have a nice day,” she says, her hazel eyes crinkling at the corners.
“Thanks, Josie.” I take the thermos and head out.
As the door opens, I accidentally bump into someone.
“Oh, my God, I'm so sorry,” I say immediately, raising my head to look at the stranger.
“Uh, it's nothing,” he replies, his brown eyes sparkling as he stares at me.
He’s medium height with fine dark hair that frames his chiseled face. His smile broadens, and he exudes a charming aura.
I look closely at him, trying to figure out where I've seen him. He looks really familiar but I can’t place him.
“I’ll be damned.” The man chuckles, his eyes fixed on me. “Olivia Bellanti. My God, itisyou.”
“Uh…” I go speechless immediately.
“You don't remember me, do you?” His brows knit together, his smile kept.
“I'm sorry.” I chuckle, a little nervous and embarrassed. “You look really familiar, but I'm struggling to remember you.”
