She must take my silence for the dismissal it is because she takes one last look at me before leaving. Once she’s gone, I collapse into the couch as my body racks with sobs.
I know Val knows there’s more to my silence, but she doesn’t push and I’m grateful for it. I do have to tell her everything and I will, but not now.
Later that day when the doorbell rings again, I can’t even summon any more annoyance.
When I check who’s behind the door, I’m fine with letting him in. Because the truth is, I need to get some of this stuff off my chest, and I won’t feel guilty about using him to make myself feel better.
Matteo Vitale walks into the penthouse, scanning every inch like he’s looking for danger. I notice he has a bag in his hand, and it smells like food, which is extremely confusing. He turns to me, finally, cataloging my appearance just like Valentina did.
He opens his mouth, and I cut him off.
“Save it. I know I look like shit,” I state. “Why are you here?”
“I heard you kicked Valentina out earlier today.”
“Yes, and she’s my best friend, so you coming here is pretty bold. What do you think I’m going to do to you?”
“Hopefully just talk,” he says. “I even brought you a peace offering.”
I stare at him blankly.
“Here’s your phone.”
My eyes widen in surprise as he pulls it out of his pocket and hands the device to me. Then he lifts the bag in his hand and shakes it.
“Also, spring rolls. They’re your favorite, right?”
I don’t even question how he knows that. With Matteo Vitale, I’ve learned to stop asking questions.
“I’m on a diet,” I say dryly.
He smirks, “You’re too sexy to lose any weight.”
My eyes roll. “Oh my god, get out!”
I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want him anywhere near me right now. Even worse than the hatred I feel for him is the part of me that wants nothing more than to sink into his arms, into the comfort he provides.
He murdered three men in front of me. The last thing I should feel from him is comfort.
“Unfortunately, I’m not going anywhere. I tried to give you space, that didn’t work. You’ve locked yourself in your room, hiding. And that doesn’t work for me. So the two of us are going to stay here together. We’re going to talk, we’re going to argue. You’ll say whatever the hell it is that’s on your mind. And then tomorrow you’re going to go back to work and you’re going to be fine. Alright?”
My eyes narrow. “I’m not having sex with you again, Matteo.”
“Who said anything about sex?” he questions, raising an eyebrow. “Trust me, princess, the next time my dick is inside of you, you’ll be begging for it. Until then, we’re going to eat thespring rolls. You should probably shower first though,” he adds, eyes roaming over me.
I bite back a scream.
“I will call security,” I say through clenched teeth.
“No. You’ll go in that bathroom and shower. Or so help me, Lindsay, I will undress you and bathe you myself. It’ll be a fun experience for all parties involved.”
He’s not joking. I know he’ll do it. And it’s the threat in his eyes that has me moving. It’s all well and good because I can’t physically stand being in the same space as him right now. I head for the bedroom and slam the door behind me for good measure.
It takes about thirty minutes for me to shower and change. When I emerge, Matteo’s made himself comfortable on the couch. He even got plates from the kitchen to serve the spring rolls. I approach the couch and sit as far away from him as possible while grabbing a plate.
“I hate your guts,” I sniff before shoving one into my mouth.
It’s really good. Good enough that my anger melts away for a moment. Matteo’s smiling at me. And it’s a genuine enough smile that I feel my walls start to crumble.
