Page 29 of His to Have
Ayanna
“You’re alright,” Corey’s relieved voice poured through my headphones as I finally answered one of his many back-to-back calls. The sigh of relief in his tone was palpable. “I’ve been trying to reach you for two days, Ayanna. I heard something happened at your shop. You didn’t think to call and tell me you were fine? I only found out because the boutique was closed when I stopped by, and the clerk next door looked spooked when I asked about it.”
“We aren’t together, Corey. That’s why I didn’t call. But as you can see I’m fine.” I told him, omitting the fact that I wasn’t in town and was currently strolling through Teo’s home, familiarizing myself with the layout. It wouldn’t go over well, and would start a whole new set of issues. The accusations and questions Corey would hurl out would likely set me off, start an argument that led nowhere, and put me in a funk. I wasn’t in the mood — not to argue, or have another long-winded conversation about things neither one of us could change. Part of me wantedto give him the closure and explanation he deserved, but the other part of me knew he couldn’t handle all of my truths.
The truth was... whether I wanted to admit it now or later, Teo was always going to be my future.
“Just because you broke up with me Ayanna doesn’t mean I suddenly stop caring about you,” he huffed, clearly annoyed by the truth of our situation. “I still say it’s bullshit.”
“Did you call to argue?”
“No, but I care about you.” His tone softened, and I could hear the genuine concern and care in his voice. “Where are you? We really should get together so we can talk.”
I paused in what appeared to be a sitting room, staring at the blank wall before answering Corey’s question. “I’m around. Just taking some time to clear my head,” I replied, avoiding specifics. “There’s a lot going on right now, and I need a little space to figure things out.” I knew it wasn’t the answer he wanted, but it was the best I could offer without putting him in danger.
His harsh sigh could be felt even from miles away. “I don’t understand this at all, Ayanna. One day we were good, and the next you are breaking up with me like I meant nothing. Like we didn’t spend the last year building our life together. Is this why you didn’t want me to meet your family? Is it because you knew you were ending things?”
“This is why I didn’t answer, Corey. This,” I hissed, feeling myself become frustrated. “You can’t respect boundaries.” I stared at the empty bookcases just waiting to be filled. I needed to put an end to this conversation before it spiraled further out of control. “Look, you checked on me, and you see that I am doing fine. Okay? I promise I’ll reach out when I’m ready to talk, but for now, please just give me the space I asked for.” I hung up before he could respond, feeling a mix of both relief and guilt.
I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering tension. Breaking up with Corey should have made me feel heartbroken,and even raw from the emotional turmoil of the decision, but instead, I felt nothing but annoyance. Annoyed that he couldn’t understand my need for space, and frustrated by the way he clung to me like I was the only person in his life. It wasn’t that I didn’t care about him, because I did. But it was these tantrums that always zapped any sympathy I might have felt for him.
I turned my attention back to the empty room, trying to focus on the possibilities it held. Blank walls and empty shelves screamed for attention, while the furniture, though luxurious, was far from feeling like home. While Teo’s home was beautiful, it was lacking something essential. Perhaps a woman’s touch?
I couldn’t quite put my finger on it when I first arrived because everything had been so chaotic. But now with a rare moment of quietness, and time to explore, I was able to see what it truly needed. A sense of coziness and personal history.
Maybe a few shared memories from the occupants.
My face warmed at the intrusive thought, my mind imagining intimate moments with Teo I wasn’t ready to admit I wanted.
As I continued to move aimlessly through this wing, I took the time to look in each room. Every room was incredibly spacious and decorated to the nines. Office spaces filled with books, and sitting areas complete with sleek, modern furniture. But the more I looked, the more I noticed each room lacked personality. There were no photos, no mementos... nothing that said Teo actually lived here.
Or that it washome.
It made me wonder how often he actually stayed here—or if this house was more for appearances than for living. Did he have a condo in the city? Or did he stay at his parents’ massive estate? Because it wasn’t unheard of for families like his to have compounds where several generations lived together. I’d been to his parents’ home when I was younger… it was much larger than this one and more than enough to accommodate him if he chose.
By the time I reached the end of the hallway, I was at my intended destination. His room.
A large mahogany double door stared back at me, and I didn’t even bother to knock before pushing in like I belonged. In a sense, I did. If we were going to be husband and wife, his space would be mine too—or at least, it would be once I was ready to fully accept our fate.
When I pushed the door open, I was met with an empty room, meticulously organized, with a perfectly made bed. The only sign that he had even been here was the lingering scent of his cologne, a scent that was so distinctly him. It made the room feel more personal, and less sterile. I closed my eyes inhaling the fragrance.
Cedarwood and leather... and perhaps cardamom.
“Mmm,” I hummed, appreciating the scent.
I hated that it made me feel both comforted and conflicted. Because despite my best efforts I really wanted Teo Donatelli.
My gaze swept over the room as I took a few hesitant steps inside. For a man who held so much power and wealth, his space was surprisingly simple. The walls were painted in a soft, neutral shade of taupe. The bedding was a deep navy blue that contrasted with the understated palette. His furnishings were stylish, but functional. A single chair sat by the window, overlooking the gardens below and a small nook dedicated for his books sat nearby.
I moved toward the bookshelf, my fingers brushing over the spines. Titles I didn’t expect—classic literature, political biographies, even some about restoration and art. The book he was reading at the moment sat on his table, bookmarked. It was a book on restoring antique furniture, filled with detailed illustrations and historical backgrounds.
A small smile tugged at my lips. “Hmm, so he is a reader.. and like antiques?” I muttered. It was little surprises like this thatmade me realize there was more to him than a hardened mafia boss.
As my eyes traveled across the room, they landed on a black-and-white photograph in a simple frame. It was the only personal touch I had seen so far. Picking it up, I examined the image—a younger Teo and.... me. We stood side by side. His arm was around my waist, and my head rested against his shoulder. The contentment of each of us was palpable. I had never noticed the way his arm claimed me or how his eyes, though stoic, softened whenever they landed on me. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks.
“Does sneaking into my room mean you’re finally claiming your place here?” came a deep voice from behind me, startling me to the point that I nearly dropped the frame.
“Shit.. you scared me.” I spun around, clutching the photograph to my chest. Teo leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, with a playful grin on his face. But then I realized I was still holding the photo in my hand. “I wasn’t—” I started, but his raised brow cut me off.
