Page 153 of I Shouldn't Feel This Way

“A few more minutes, please? I don’t have school tomorrow.”

“Oh, yeah. I had forgotten. I might take the day off then, so we can hang out.”

I hoped he would. I couldn’t get enough of him.

We were quiet for a while, and then I said, “I love stargazing.”

He brushed his lips along my earlobe and whispered, “I love stargazing withyou.” Those words made me tremble as he kissed my head and held me more securely. I felt like I was one with his body. Everything was so perfect: the music, the quiet secluded environment, and the mysterious diamonds that dazzled and sparkled above us. It only added to the dreamy atmosphere of the night. Deep slumber was approaching, and my eyelids were getting heavy. Calmness consumed me as soothing melodies carried me off to sleep like a lucid lullaby.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

The Waiting Game

Vanessa couldn’t sleep. She was worried sick about her husband. Her sister kept her company while the minutes turned to hours.

“Vanessa, it’s three in the morning!” Vienna paced the kitchen. “Where do you think they are?”

“I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation. Maybe his phone died.”

“Aria’s too?”

Vanessa had no answer to give, so Vienna rolled her eyes and said, “Honestly, who the hell stays out this late with their kid?”

“Stop it, Vi. Maybe something happened to them. I should call the cops.”

Nothing happened to them,Vienna thought.They probably rented a motel room and did the nasty. She poured herself a glass of milk and drank it all down.

Her patience expired, Vanessa started dialing 911.

“You’re actually calling the police?” Vienna asked. “Look, if they were in an accident, the cops would have shown up at the door already.”

Vanessa ignored her sister and started speaking to an emergency operator.

****

A handsome man in a dark suit walked into an impressive hotel in Venice. The first thing he did was check in at the front desk. A group of young women were sitting on elegant sofas in the lobby. They eyed the good-looking gentleman and started gossiping in Italian about how one of them should approach him, since he appeared to be a catch.

The man overheard them. Although he was not a native of the country, he understood the language. The naughty things those women were saying made him smile, but it wasn’t enough to catch his interest and make him turn around.

“Here is your room key, sir. Do not hesitate to call the front desk if you should need for anything.”

“Thank you …” The man leaned forward and read the concierge’s name tag. “… Vincenzo.”

“Not a problem, Mr. Montague.”

He was about to leave, when he doubled back. “Has anyone else checked into my suite yet?”

“Forgive me for not mentioning this earlier. Ms. Capulet arrived about an hour ago. I believe she is waiting for you, sir. Allow me to summon a bellhop to assist with your luggage.”

“That won’t be necessary. Thank you.” He smiled politely and headed for the elevators.

On the top floor, he walked down the luxuriously decorated hallway. The carpeting was accented in beige and gold. Excited as ever, he was eager to embrace the love of his life with a long-wished-for kiss before making sweet love to her.

Music echoed down the corridor, and the recognizable melody made him smile because he knew it was coming from his suite. Lana Del Rey was singing “Gods & Monsters.” Her haunting lyrics reverberated in his ears as he made his way to room 3666. He was almost there, closer with every step.

When he finally arrived, he slid his keycard into the security lock and opened the door. The music was louder inside. He had to shout to be heard.

“Baby? I made it! I’m sorry I’m late—there was a delay with my flight!” He settled his luggage against the wall and walked through the massive suite.

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