Page 37 of The Sound in Silence

“Because I wanted to see you.”

A pleasurable shiver runs through me and my hand tightens on the blanket’s edge, out of sight from the screen.

“You’re in bed,” he states.

I nod.

“Is it comfortable? To your liking?”

I nod again, unsure why he’s asking these exact questions.

“I heard you played the piano most of the day today. This pleases me, Ariella.”

I’d be annoyed at Sebastian doing his job again if it wasn’t for Erico’s final words. Something about the way his lips melded over the termpleasesand my name makes my insides tighten in desire.

If only there’s paper around because I want to use my own words rather than a head gesture to admit my true feelings about the gift. So I hold up my finger, indicating to him to give me a moment, and switch to the messaging app.

Me

I really love it. Thank you. It was exactly what I needed today.

As soon as I send that, I swipe back to the call, watching in time as his eyes flick to the top of his screen, presumably reading my text which has just been delivered.

“It’s my pleasure, Ariella. I hope you’re able to find some of your old self with your new life here.”

Because that’s the girl he met. Not this depressed version of you.

Aw, damn, the voice is back. Fuck. Right when I thought I’d be in the clear for the night.

Smiling through the grim thought, I nod slowly, indicating I want that too. With the piano, it just might work.

“Well, I also wanted to call and let you know of some changes in my life. Inourlives actually. I’ve been promoted to theFamigliaBoss.”

My smile freezes, my eyes flicking over to the corner of the room as my brain digests his news. If he’s Boss, I’m no longer an underboss’s wife. I think—assume—the pressure of my role just grew. Became significant, as I’ll be looked at to produce the next heir.

A well-known fact I was prepared for when I volunteered. Hell, Iwantto give him his heir because then I’ll get to be a mother. But suddenly, it’s not on our timeline. It’s on whatever the organization demands of him because soon, they’ll want the future locked in.

“Ariella?”

Right.

Congrats,I mouth through a tight smile.

“Thanks,” he replies. “The heads of all my branches are probably still celebrating. Taking advantage of the free booze and all that, but I called it quits about an hour ago.” He angles the phone until I can see the edge of the bed. “Long day. Tomorrow will be longer. I have a few more things to do in Vegas before I return.” He pauses, rolling his lips together. “And Ariella, Idowant to return to you soon.”

So he can begin his heir-making program.

Despite my inner voice being probably correct, I push out a smile for him.

“Anyway, I wanted to let you know. And…” He looks away. “And to see you again, that’s all.”

My stomach knots, the hand around the blanket’s edge even tighter as we both fall silent, unsure of what to tell the other, while disturbed with his final words. For him, I’ll assume, because they’re not in line with his distancing plan, and for me, because I don’t know how to feel.

I don’t want to end uphoping.

So much of my life, I’ve hoped all to lose it. Hope for a good life, all for Mom to die. Hope for safety, all for our stepfather to wreck that. Hope for a happy ending, all to end up forcing myself upon a man who required a wife—whether that was me or another woman.

“Have a good sleep, Ariella,” Erico finally murmurs. “And happy birthday once again. I’ll be seeing you soon.”

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