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I can’t meet his gaze, but I hear his sigh of disappointment.
“Bene allora, Angelica.”
I race for the bathroom to recompose myself and when I exit, Lycus has cleared away all traces of dinner. I dive under the covers, turn off my bedside light and burrow my way down until the blankets cover my head. Burying my head in the metaphorical sand. I’m glad I didn’t cave and invite Lycus to share the bed with me; it would have given him the wrong impression.
Things are getting too weird between us and I have no idea how I’m going to survive this trip, or him.
I sense Lycus grabbing the pillow from beside me and I feel the weight of a blanket being lifted from my feet. I feel a flush of shame for hiding and leaving him to sort everything out, but I can’t bring myself to leave my duvet fort of comfort.
A moment later the lights go out and I swear I hear him say, “Buona notte, bellissima.”
ChapterThirteen
Lycus
It’s a rough night sleeping on the floor. The blanket barely keeps me warm with the AC on, and Angelica snores. It’s an adorable sound, but it doesn’t help with my slumberless situation.
I try to adjust my position, but every time I move, the floor creaks and threatens to wake her up. Angelica is sleeping like a log, but I don’t want to disturb her. She looks so peaceful, her chest rising and falling with each breath.
I glance over at the window, the moonlight shining through the gap in the curtains casting an eerie glow in the room. A sense of unease creeps up on me. It’s not my first time sleeping on the floor, but tonight, something feels different.
I have to remind myself that I’m safe here. Sleeping on the floor of a five star hotel is not the same thing as sleeping on the ground in a cell. Or worse, on the streets.
Eventually I must drift off, because when I wake, sunlight is streaming in through the now completely open curtains and Angelica is no longer in her bed.
I sit up and rub my eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. I wonder if maybe Angelica’s in the bathroom, but when I glance that way, the door is open. Maybe she’s gone to breakfast.
I stretch my limbs and let out a yawn, feeling the stiffness from the uncomfortable night slowly dissipating. As I stand up, I notice a piece of paper lying on the bedside table.
My curiosity piques as I pick it up and read the note:
Exploring Phoenix, won’t be back till late.
Don’t wait up!
Have a great day,
Angelica x
I feel a mix of relief and disappointment. Relief that Angelica is safe and sound, but disappointed that I won’t be spending the day with her. I glance at the clock on the nightstand, it reads half past nine. She must have got up and left early, the bed is cold and there’s no lingering scent of her in the air.
Because she’s excited to be here or eager to get away from me?
Shaking off that melancholy thought, I decide to focus on the positives. My work has taken me to a different country once more and, come the party on Saturday, Angelica won’t be able to run from me.
Today I have the whole day to myself. I don’t really remember the last time that happened. Since I moved to England I’ve been obsessed with either work or Angelica, and before that, I was always roped into the family ‘business’ whether I wanted to be or not.
So, what should I do?
I start with a shower and getting dressed. As I’m getting ready, my mind wanders to Angelica at every turn. Shaking my head, I make a mental note to focus on enjoying my day instead.
The hotel is in a prime location, so I plan to go out and explore Phoenix myself. I grab my phone, wallet and room key, then head out.
At the concierge desk, I stop and ask what sightseeing activities they recommend, and the guy behind the counter tells me all about the amazing hot air balloon tours that his cousin runs.
I tell him to sign me up for a sunrise one tomorrow, and include Angelica in my booking. It’ll be fun, a once in a lifetime experience, and maybe even a little romantic.
I hope.
