Page 118 of Mafia Toy

“Do you want to go out with me?” I asked as soon as she answered.

“To where?”

“To Italy,” I said. “You mentioned that you wanted to go.”

“Right now?”

“Yes, right now.”

“I, um …” She paused. “Isn’t this kinda last minute?”

A sob that I had been biting back escaped my throat. “Please.”

“Oh my gosh,” Poppy said, worry in her voice. “What’s wrong?” She shuffled around in the background, as if she was getting her shoes on and rummaging through her closet. “You know what? You can tell me on the plane ride. I’ll be over in twenty minutes.”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

It was spontaneous, but if I didn’t do something, then I would be stuck here forever.

After grabbing the painting I had worked on all night—an exact replica of my digital artwork of Laila—I set it on my dining room table in hopes that Laila would find it when she came looking for me later.

Then, I walked with Riccardo up the stairs to Laila and Constantino’s penthouse. I entered the code into their lock and found a slip of paper inside a drawer that I could use to write Laila a note about why I was leaving.

More tears slipped from my eyes, staining the paper.Fuck, I don’t want to do this.

But I forced myself to finish the note and stuck it right on the counter, where she usually deposited her keys and purse when she returned from shopping. I closed my eyes and vowed not to cry on the flight today with Poppy.

I didn’t want her asking questions. I just wanted to be happy again.

And I wouldn’t be happy with being second for the rest of my life.

75

laila

With my guardholding half my bags, I pushed the front door open and walked into the penthouse. I spent the entire day by myself, shopping for baby clothes and toys and wishing that Sage had come. I had rushed home to spend time with her tonight before Constantino returned from work.

After depositing my bags on the floor, I placed down my keys and purse, noticing a small handwritten note folded up on the counter. Brow furrowed and chest tight, I unfolded it and spotted Sage’s handwriting.

Laila,

I’m sorry I haven’t been myself lately, but I need a few days alone and away from the family. I wish I could’ve told you when we spoke earlier, but I didn’t want you to be angry with me. I don’t know when I’ll be back. Riccardo is coming with me for protection.

It might not seem like it, but I’m so happy that you and Constantino finally get to have a baby together. Honestly, I don’t want to get in the way anymore of you and him being happy and raising a family together.

I guess what I’m saying is … I need some time to figure out what I want and what you need because I can’t add anything into your life that you don’t already have. You’re pregnant with an amazing man. You deserve this.

Love,

Sage

P.S. Constantino mentioned that the art gala was moved to next week. I left you a painting that you had asked me for in my apartment. I hope you love it.

“What is it?” my guard asked.

Hands shaking, I dropped to my knees.Wh-what is this?

I read the note again and again, my stomach twisting. Bile rose in my throat, but I pushed it back down before I puked again today.No. This can’t be. This … Sage is … she left me? Left us?

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