Page 64 of Crazed

My stomach flips. All these things are moving way too fast. I can't figure out how to get in front of Leo, and I shouldn't do any of this without his approval.

Massimo sniffs hard. His body stiffens. His voice is firm, but I can hear the hurt in it when he asks, "Do you not want to go?"

I reach for his cheek. "Of course I do. Please don't think it's about me not wanting to go."

"Then what exactly is it about?" he questions, harsher than his normal tone.

"I-I told you last night. I want to know what I should have paid attention to when I got hired. When I ask for time off, it's best if I know what my actual benefits are," I claim, but it sounds weak.

"Last night, you told me you get two weeks. Was that a lie?" he challenges.

"No."

He crosses his arms over his chest. "Okay then. What else is there to know?"

I rack my brain to figure out how to answer his question and buy more time. No solution appears though.

"I'm waiting for an answer."

I blurt out, "I don't know what else there is to know because I haven't read the handbook. What if something is in it I should be aware of?"

"Katiya, nothing will be in the manual regarding your vacation days that should stop you from requesting time off."

I bite my lip, trying to calm my racing pulse. If I request days off, I'm fairly certain my boss will approve it. Leo will have a fit if I leave town without his permission. But Massimo is so adamant, I don't know how to maneuver around this issue. I finally cave so we can end this conversation. "Okay. I'll put a request in."

Satisfaction fills Massimo's expression. He nods. "Good girl. Scrambled, fried, or poached eggs?"

My appetite fades. "Whatever you're having."

He kisses the top of my head. "You better get ready."

I don't argue and go into the bathroom, turning on the shower. The water heats quickly, and I step in, closing my eyes and letting the water drench my body. My mind races with too many fears. Everything leads back to the cold truth.

I'm going to betray Massimo.

It's going to break his heart.

And mine.

Tears well in my eyes. They drip down my cheeks, mixing with the water. The hatred I have for myself seems to be more potent than normal.

I spend more time in the shower than I usually would. When I get out, I use the high-end hair products and makeup. I'm shocked again at Massimo's seemingly endless generosity, no matter what he claims it does or doesn't do to his bank account.

After I style my hair, I go into the closet. The rows of clothes overwhelm me. It takes me a while to put an outfit together. I get dressed and go out to the kitchen. The aroma of coffee, eggs, and bacon fills the air. My stomach growls loudly.

Massimo chuckles. "Just in time. Sit down, dolce." He pulls a chair out.

I sit, and he kisses the top of my head. "You look gorgeous."

"Thanks. It really was very kind of you to fill a closet for me."

"Anything for you. You're my girl," he says. Pride lights up his face.

My butterflies go crazy. I love it when he calls me his girl. I love being it, too.

I won't be forever,flies into my head, making my heart hurt.

He sets plates of food and two lattes on the table then takes the seat next to mine. His hand rests on my thigh. He leans closer and deeply inhales.

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