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Emilia
I throw the information the realtor sent on the seat and look out the window. I’ve been looking at home after home and I don’t like a one of them. It doesn’t help that my husband is barely home to help. He wasn’t even answering his cell. When I called Antonio, I didn’t get an answer either. Something just doesn’t feel right. I need to know what Niko is up to. Plus, he was supposed to leave a few hours ago for a physical therapy appointment.He didn’t.I know this because the therapist called wanting to know if Niko was okay since he never showed up today—in fact, he has missed his last three appointments.
“Emilia I’m not sure this is a good idea. You need to go home and talk with your husband about this tonight,” Vic says from the seat across from me. I adore Vic, but today is not the day.
“When would you like me to do that?” I snap. “Most of the time he doesn’t come home until the sun is coming up.”
“He’s dealing with business. It’s not something you can just march in on, Emmie.”
“Vic, whatever business he’s doing is interfering with my husband getting better and I’ve had enough.”
“I still think you should wait to talk to him, at home,” Vic grumbles, but you can tell he’s given up trying to force me into that action. I’m glad, although I can feel his irritation.
I let out a breath as we pull up to Antonio’s cemented drive. His home is massive, and the grand entryway is marked first and foremost by the beautiful stairs up to his home. I swear, it looks just like Italian marble.
I get out before Vic can open the door for me. I told him I wanted to be alone before we left.But did he listen?Hell, no. I get to the front door before Vic catches up. The door opens and Antonio is standing there with a knowing grin on his face.
“Emilia, this is a great surprise. You’re looking beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I mumble, crossing my arms at my chest.
“Why do I get the feeling that you aren’t here for a nice visit?” he says, his inky, dark eyes twinkling.
“Because I’m not,” I exhale. I’m looking for my husband.
“Niko? I’m honestly not sure where he is,” he shrugs.
“Then maybe I should come inside and take the place apart to find him,” I suggest, not falling for his bullshit. Although, to be fair, Antonio isn’t trying to disguise the fact that he’s lying. He seems almost happy that I’m here.
Antonio will scratch the side of his face as if he’s weighing his thoughts and shakes his head. “Are you sure Niko is making you happy?”
“Antonio—”
“I mean, I’m looking for a good woman.”
I let out an annoyed breath. “Have you tried E-harmony? I hear they get good results.”
He laughs at my joke and shakes his head. “Niko is a lucky son of a bitch,” he says, letting out a loud breath. All laughter is gone from that noise, however. “Believe it or not, cara, I was just about to call you.”
“You are? Is something wrong with Niko?”
“He’s hurting Emilia. He’s grieving Maxwell and the guilt he’s carrying is eating him up.”
I swallow hard. I know he’s been grieving my father, but obviously it’s much worse than I was aware of. “Antonio…”
“He’s trying to get satisfaction where none can be found,” he finally says, confusing the hell out of me.
“Can you tell me that again one more time in English?”
“I think you should go home. Niko wouldn’t want you to see him like this. Wait till tonight and talk to him about things,” Antonio suggests.
“That’s what I told her,” Vic adds, and I shoot him a dirty look.
“Antonio, I want to see my husband.”
“Somehow, I knew that would be your answer. He down in the dungeon, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“The dungeon?” I ask, wondering if Antonio can hear the trepidation in my voice.
