Page 9 of A War Around Us

He saw the change. He felt it.

My strength.

It had been futile and reckless. A reaction that I had chosen based on feelings. I had gained nothing but a brief moment of satisfaction before it all went black.

V

KATIA

New York

A thrashingache in my head weakened my senses in a thick cloud. I pushed through it and concealed its hammering pain to prevent slipping back into the peaceful sleep I’d been forced into.

My nose twitched as the stench of alcohol filled my lungs. I opened my eyes and swung my hand over my nose to ease the strong scent. I came in contact with an arm and a cotton ball flew away from the long and calloused fingers. I looked up at the person whose hand I’d stroked.

Lorenzo’s.

He stood before me, and I lifted my head off the pillow. I’d made it to a sitting position before his hand held my shoulder firmly, keeping me off my feet and in my bed.

I hated him for it, and my heart repelled the touch. I didn’t like hands on me, but my body welcomed the childish gesture as my hasty move caused a hazy rush of unsteadiness.

I pulled away from his touch.

“Look at me,” Enzo ordered.

I did.

“Stay down, Katia. You got enough unwanted attention for the day.” His blank expression inched closer, and after a few seconds, he spoke. “I’ll have someone check on you every two hours.” Enzo tried to reach for my shoulder again, but I evaded the contact. He closed his palm instead and turned toward the door.

No.

“Wait, Enzo!”

He didn’t stop as he said, “I’ll be back after you rest.”

“No.” I stood strong and watched his hand pull away from the doorknob. “Now.”

With a clenched jaw, he turned and retreated back into my room until he sat comfortably in the boudoir.

“Fine.”

“I can’t stay here,” I blurted and took a deep breath.

Enzo watched me in silence. The silence grew as he carefully chose his words.

“You’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

“Thank you.” I sighed.

“Lucca will be here first thing in the morning.”

“What?” Shock mingled in my eyes.

With a shrug, Enzo said, “My guess, Lucca found out about Father’s deal.”

“You are keeping something from me.”

“You are a woman.”

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