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Drake grabbed Alessandra’s arms roughly. “That’s enough, Alessandra.”
She wrenched free from his grip, rounding on Riley. “Did Drake tell you how he moaned my name while I sucked his cock? How he ate my pussy like he was starving after?”
“Oh honey, that doesn’t make you a wife. It makes you a whore.”
Another blow akin to a slap, and she was done. She could no longer ignore the writing on the wall. Their marriage was doomed from the start. Alessandra just hadn’t expected it to end like this. Unable to stomach any more, she walked to the guest room closet and threw items into her suitcase.
Alessandra couldn’t leave in her underwear and decided to stick it to Drake and Riley by wearing something of hers. She took scissors to a pair of white jeans, turning them into cut-off shorts, showing off the lotus mandala tattoo on her thigh. She pulled on a black zip-up hoodie, zippering it to her navel—exposing the black lace bra and sheer black top underneath—and a black belt with a chunky silver buckle to accentuate her waistline.
Alessandra turned in the mirror, satisfied with her look and not caring how petty the move was. She grabbed her belongings and made her way to the elevator. Jamming the button was a vain hope because Riley caught up to her.
“Are you homeless? Can’t you afford clothes of your own?” Riley laughed in derision.
“Do you think my perky tits, curvaceous body, and ass that Drake loves do this outfit justice? I’m sure it looks better on me than a prune-faced bitch like you.” Alessandra knew she was acting immaturely but didn’t care. She was heartbroken, and lashing out was the only way to keep herself in one piece.
Riley’s face turned puce, and she pursed her lips as though sucking on a sour lemon. Alessandra turned to the door next to the elevator. She’d take the stairs if needed.
Drake reached out to stop her. “Please give me a chance to explain. It’s late, don’t leave.”
The desperation in Drake’s voice had Alessandra hesitating. She looked into his eyes and saw pain that mirrored her own. But Riley grabbed his arm and stroked the exposed part of his chest.
Alessandra shook her head. There was an intimacy between the two that she couldn’t compete with. “It’s clear we’ve made our choices, Mr. Walker. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.”
“Alessandra—”
“Let her go, Drake,” Riley said.
Alessandra passed the young delivery man on her way out. She’d be damned if Riley ate her dinner, so she snatched the food from his hand and dumped it in the garbage.
Blazing street lamps greeted her as she stumbled onto the sidewalk. Jenny’s blue sedan sat in the loading zone with the hazards flashing. Jenny reached for Alessandra’s bag and placed it in the trunk.
As soon as Alessandra settled into the seat, she couldn’t hold back anymore and burst into tears. Jenny placed a comforting hand on Alessandra’s shoulder.
“It’s going to be okay, Alessandra.”
Though Jenny worked for the Russo family, she was the closest thing Alessandra had to a friend. She was the only one Alessandra could turn to for help.
Alessandra couldn’t stop speaking until she had purged all her emotions. “He was engaged to someone else before we got married. How could I be so stupid? Of course, he’d call and beg her to return. You don’t fall out of love with someone just because you marry someone else. I can’t compete with her, Jenny. I need you to draw up divorce papers for me.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” Jenny asked.
“My marriage is a sham. Marcello doesn’t need my help anymore. Luca already told me the judge gave him a new court date.”
“What about your father and Luca?”
“Father said I’ll belong to Luca—the monster-you-know kind of thing. I’m done being used for their gain. Just because I’m a woman doesn’t make me a pawn. I’m leaving the city.”
Alessandra rubbed the scar on her wrist. Jenny expressed sympathy through her dark eyes as the two women silently communicated. “If you’re sure this is what you want to do, I’ll help you however I can.”
They arrived at Jenny’s Bucktown loft. Alessandra was surprised at how modest the interior was. A simple white sofa and matching loveseat took up most of the living room. There was an ottoman instead of a coffee table and two distressed wooden side tables. As Alessandra looked around, she was nonplussed to find it lacking any of her brother’s personal effects.
Jenny offered to make Alessandra something to eat, but she had no appetite. She then attempted to entice her guest with ice cream and a movie.
“I’m sorry. If it’s all right with you, I’ll just head to bed.” Alessandra wasn’t in the mood for company.
Jenny showed Alessandra to the guest room to help her settle in comfortably and brought her fresh linens. “I’m just down the hall if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Jenny.”
