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A few minutes later, they come downstairs and neither one looks like they slept.
“My house, my rules,” he says, digging into his plate.
I pass him the butter, and he gives me the milk.
“Look at them as if they have been married for a decade already,” Cato says, taking us in with an incredulous stare.
I press my hand on Kieran’s leg and he chews instead of replying.
When we finish, we all head toward the pool. The guys jump in while Chiara and I lounge on the chairs. My husband beckons me to go to him, and from the corner of my eye, I find her looking for Cato, who is underwater. Her nerves are palpable and she is already half-upright when he surfaces.
She huffs and gets to her feet, stomping away. I gesture to Kieran that I am going after her and my husband nods but he doesn’t look happy with my decision.
I find her in the garden, taking everything in.
“I don’t want to talk about anything. I just want to stay here for a while.”
“Do you want to be alone, or can I keep you company?”
Chiara plops on the bench while I water the plants, even though we have an automatic sprinkler, but I need to do something.
“You seem to be growing into your new role.”
“I’m happy and contented.”
She processes my words and asks, “What about your uncle?”
“He was there yesterday.”
“And is he still alive?”
“I know you have formed your opinion about my husband, but let me assure you he is not a monster. Kieran wouldn’t hurt anyone I care about.”
“He bankrupted your father. He’s done for life.”
“My father. I should thank him. Ending up with Kieran is the best thing his actions could have brought me.”
“They’re so far up on their high horse, they forget new players rise up every day.”
“Are you worried about them?”
She shakes her head so fast it might dislocate from her shoulders.
“No,” she says, too defensively.
“It’s okay if you do. I would be the last person to judge and never my best friend. And I saw the way you look at Cato.”
Color heats her cheeks, and she avoids looking at me. “Like I want to stab him because that is all I think whenever he’s near me.”
I wish she would answer honestly, like she used to. I sigh and sit next to her on the bench, squeezing her hand.
She shuts her eyes and says, “The bastard is getting to me.”
I remain perfectly silent, hoping she continues, but she stands up and leaves me with more questions than answers.
I exit the garden, walking back toward the pool. The guys spot me returning alone, and Cato’s eyes search for Chiara. Something passes in his eyes and he storms after her. I open mymouth to tell him he should give her some time, but he’s already at the door.
I squeal the moment Kieran splashes cold water on my heated skin.
