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“And what do you want from me?” I would wire the money the second I got into the car, so an argument was pointless, and I knew how much this woman loved to argue. I changed the subject instead.
She faltered momentarily, like she didn’t have a concrete answer. “You…”
I stood in front of her, watching the desire burn in her eyes like a bonfire. “It’s time, sweetheart.”
“No…” She moved into me, her arms securing around my neck, her face coming close to mine. “I just got you back.” Her hand moved to the collar of my shirt and fisted it, wrinkling the delicate cotton, and she tugged me into her for a kiss.
I crushed her in my arms, my hand on her ass underneath the dress. All my lonely nights were spent wanting her and hating her at the same time. Now my chest tightened with more than just desire, because I’d never wanted to leave her less. “I’ll return the first chance I get.”
“But you’re the boss. Can’t you just stay here? Stay here like you did last time?” She abandoned her pride and begged, and I’d never loved hearing a woman beg before. I usually found it whiny and annoying, but with Laura, it was a turn-on.
I was in hot water and couldn’t afford unnecessary vacations. “I’ll come back, sweetheart.” I gave her a final kiss before I let her go. “Take this.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out another phone.
She stared at it in my hand. “Why?”
“Because I’m sure they’ve tapped yours.” I set it on the nearby dresser. “And don’t bring it with you. Leave it here, in your nightstand or under the mattress.” I moved to the door then gestured for her to leave. I’d wait fifteen minutes to make sure Leonardo’s men had taken the bait. Then my guys would notify me when it was safe to move. It felt like Laura and I were having a clandestine affair, but our relationship had become too meaningful to enjoy the thrill of sneaking around and meeting in beautiful hotel rooms.
She looked at me with heartbroken eyes, like she was afraid this was the last time she would see me, like I’d decided to end this relationship again instead of giving it another chance. “Be careful.” She cupped my face and kissed me before she walked out the door.
The second she was gone, I was enveloped by the shadows of the dark apartment, the cold after her warmth had left. I was back to being alone, and while I used to thrive in solitude, it felt hollow now.
Hollow without her.
16
LAURA
The scene was ridiculous.
Catherine and I went shopping, and Victor and Lucas tagged along. We ended up in the market for lunch, the four of us sitting together like it was the good ol’ days. Lucas didn’t speak to me, hardly looked at me, so the mutual hatred was still thriving.
Victor tried to carry my bags like he was my boyfriend, but I shut that shit down quick. He sat across from me at the table, and I studied his expressions as I tried to figure out if he was lying to me.
If he’d double-crossed me.
That answer wouldn’t be obvious in his features or the sound of his voice. Unless I found the evidence in his phone or overheard a private conversation, I would never know with complete certainty.
Victor held my gaze. “Everything okay, Laura?” His question drew the attention of both Catherine and Lucas.
I’d had the best night of my life, carried invisible scars from his kisses and caresses, and then I had to say goodbye. No, I wasn’t okay. I was heartbroken again, because I’d imagined if I had Bartholomew back in my life, he would stay. Now he was gone again, and I was stuck here, looking at the face of a man who may have betrayed me. “I have a headache.” That was partially true, because I was going through withdrawal without my man.
“I can grab you something at the pharmacy,” Victor offered.
“No, it’s fine. I have something in my purse. Just took it a couple minutes ago.”
Victor continued to stare at me across the table, ignoring his half-eaten pizza in front of him.
“Where should we go now?” Catherine asked. “Valentina?”
I couldn’t afford the cheapest thing in that store, not even a belt. “Sure.” Most of the day had been spent watching Catherine blow ridiculous amounts of father’s money on shit she didn’t even need while the three of us followed behind. I’d grabbed a couple things, but they were all from vendors on the street.
As we got up from the table, my phone vibrated with a notification.
My bank had received a wire transfer for a hundred thousand euros.
“Jesus…”
“What is it?” Victor asked.
