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I don’t know why I’m so upset. I mean, it was never going to be more than one night. I just didn’t expect him to look at me quite like that. He never stepped over any lines, and I wanted to do all the things we did together. So what if I have a few bruises?
The heavens open and rain begins to splash down on the taxi and the world around me. The brightness from earlier is gone, replaced with a dull grey as everything gets soaked. The smell of hot, wet asphalt hits my nose and I sink back and close my eyes.
I pay my fare and dash out, still barefoot, straight into my apartment building. Danielo is still swimming about in my brain, his big body and dark looks, the scars and burns. He must think I’m an idiot, telling me all that was a result of a few fights. But I’m not an idiot. I know some of it happened in the line of work but some of it looked far more calculated.
But then I suppose it’s not something I need to worry about going forward as I reiterate to myself once again that this was a one-night stand. A way for me to lose my virginity and experience sex like the adult I am. Nothing more, nothing less.
The bathroom fills with steam as I let the shower run while I look at myself in the mirror. The bruises aren’t that bad, and with the right care, will be gone in a few days. Then there will be no more evidence that Danielo and I were ever together. Why does my heart pinch at the thought?
After showering and dressing in my comfiest pyjamas, I head back through to my kitchen to make myself the biggest breakfast I can. Bacon, eggs, pancakes and maple syrup, sausages and hash browns. I don’t know if it’s that I haven’t eaten since the wedding reception or the sheer amount of exercise I did between then and now, but I’m ravenous.
I switch my phone on as I sit and fork eggs into my mouth. Message after message has my phone vibrating like crazy. Mostly from Sophie.
I drop her a text to let her know I’m home safe not expecting her to reply. It’s the morning after her wedding, and I’m guessing she is naked and tied up beneath Matteo. Only when my phone buzzes again, I’m surprised it’s her name popping up above the message.
I’m coming ‘round x – Sophie
Dropping my phone back on the countertop, I continue with my breakfast. It isn’t until I’m washing the few dishes I’ve used that my door opens and Sophie appears.
“What on Earth have you come here for? It’s the day after your wedding, shouldn’t you be naked with Matteo on a beach?”
She tips her head, looking me over, noticing the bruises.
“Please don’t start lecturing me about my health,” I say drily. “I wanted to have fun for the first time in my life.”
She comes further into my kitchen, dropping her phone and keys onto the countertop where I just ate my breakfast.
“I’m not here to judge you or lecture you. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
She is looking at me with genuine concern while I pour us both a coffee.
“I’m fine. Danielo really looked after me. It was better than I expected, actually. Until this morning.”
“What happened this morning?” she asks, taking the mug of coffee from me and blowing away the steam.
I do the same, taking a sip before saying, “He saw the bruises and freaked out–so I left.”
“He probably thinks he hurt you,” Sophie says, reaching out and stroking my arm. “They look pretty scary.”
“Then he should have let me explain. He looked at me like he thought I was damaged goods.”
Sophie scrunches her face. “Well,” she sighs, “How do you feel about seeing him again?”
I let out a short, cruel laugh. “Why would I ever see him again?” I ask as Sophie squirms and drops her gaze. “What did you do?”
“Don’t be mad, but I brought him with me.”
My face must drop because she places her coffee mug down and holds up her hands asking for me to give her a chance to explain.
“He felt awful after you ran out and came to find me. And yes, I am supposed to be naked right now. He said that you had run out on him while he was trying to process what had happened. He doesn’t know about your illness and I’ve not told him but he feels awful. He was yammering on about paying for your doctor bills.”
I bark out another laugh, this one deep and genuine.
“Let him in then, I’ll pour another coffee.”
“He can have mine, I have a naked husband to get back to,” she wiggles her eyebrows before she heads through my small apartment and invites Danielo in. His huge frame fills out my doorway and his sheepish expression tugs at my heart a little.
I slide Sophie’s mug forward and he shakes his head lightly.
