Page 89 of Beautiful Devil

“Fuck!” I wail as I hit the broken glass again, splintering it even more, my right hand dripping blood on the black floor mat.

So much for finishing my workout.

My hand now has its own heartbeat, and I’ve probably broken a couple knuckles, but I know the pain I’m experiencing is nothing close to what Gia is feeling right now. Just thinking about how I spoke to her makes me want to punch the mirror again. I’m a fucking dick, and she deserves better, but I can’t let her go.

Hanging my head, I start walking toward the door, pick up my shirt, and wrap it around my hand so I don’t trail more blood. I head back to my office bathroom to clean myself up, the whole time thinking about Gia and how messed up this whole situation is.

CHAPTER29

FABRIZIO

It's beentwo days since I last spoke to Gia, and with each day that passes, I grow more and more angry. Although, I'm not entirely sure my anger is really aimed at her. Something deep down in my gut feels...off. The look in her eyes the other day when I spewed my words hit me, and the feeling hasn't left me since. I've avoided her as much as possible, throwing myself into my work like I used to before she came along.

I wait until the early hours before going to bed, knowing she'll be asleep, and I don't know who I'm torturing more because when I walk into our bedroom she's the picture of beauty as she sleeps, even though there's an evident scowl on her face. And every morning, I'm up, showered, dressed, and out of the room before she's even started to stir.

As usual, it's another busy day of throwing myself into my work. It’s after lunch when Luca appears at my office door.

"Luca, cosa hai per me?"

He doesn't say anything, but I can tell by his body language whatever it is isn’t good.

He takes a seat and sets down the same manila folder he brought me two days ago. My eyes flick between Luca and the folder, and a feeling of dread flows through my veins. Then it hits me that whatever is in this folder could either shatter every feeling I've been trying to ignore about Gia, or else it's going to have me begging her to forgive me for how I've treated her the past few days. Either way, I know I'm in for a rollercoaster of emotions once I find out. This is something I need privacy to react to.

"Grazie, Luca. Puoi andare."

He gives a swift nod and a tight smile before almost running out of my office. Just before the door closes, I see Marco appear and breathe a sigh of relief.

"Fratello."

"Capo." His eyes drop to the folder as I drum my fingers over the top of it.

"Luca got something new?"

"Si."

"What is it?"

"Haven't opened it yet, but from his reaction when he walked in, I'm guessing it's not good."

I raise an eyebrow as my eyes lift to meet his, and the bastard has a knowing look written all over his face.

"What did he tell you?”

"He didn’t tell me anything this time around. But I’ve known you my whole life, brother, and that’s enough.”

Confusion is evident on my face as he speaks.

What the fuck is this stronzo talking about?

"Spit it out, Marco."

"You like her. She's gotten under your skin."

Even though deep down I know he's right, hearing those words out loud, I don’t know how to feel. Before I can even try to get a word out, he starts again.

"You can argue all you want, Fab. Tell yourself whatever it is to avoid the truth, but I've known you my whole life. I know how much you value marriage. I remember how you always said you would only marry when you felt like you could have what your parents had."

"You're wrong. I married her to get one up on thestronzo, Dante. I married her for business. She's a good fuck, but not someone that's made for this life and not someone that's made for me."

---