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Her accurate analysis makes me grin. “Fine. I’m not tired, but I’d like to hold you in my arms while you sleep. Yeah. I’d like that very much. There. Is that honest enough for you?”
She laughs but quickly swallows it down with a flinch. “What about your work? You must’ve fallen behind with the business.”
“Work can wait. You’re my priority.”
She looks at me with an expression I’ve seen on her face before. It was a long time ago, a time before the ugliness of broken promises and vengeance came between us. It was the night I sneaked into her room and slid my signet ring onto her thumb. We sat on her bed, and she had her face tilted, looking up at me exactly like she’s doing now. I never thought I’d see that light in her eyes when she looked at me again. To be honest, at the time, I didn’t pay particular attention to the way her eyes softened when her gaze played over my face, but the moment is like déjà vu, bringing the recollection back with a rush.
“You go on,” she says. “Finish what you have to do. I won’t nap long.”
She’s telling me in not so many words she prefers to sleep alone. The rejection stings, but I promised myself I wouldn’t rush her. If she wants space, that’s what I’ll give her. I’ll give her whatever she needs. Which reminds me…
“I have something for you,” I say, cupping her cheek. I want to give her so much more than the things I ordered from Bastia, the essentials she needs for everyday life. But I only bend down and press my lips on her forehead, not wanting to trigger emotions she can’t stand.
Opening the nightstand drawer, I take out the box and hand it to her. “Here.”
She stares at the box while saying with surprise, “An iPhone.”
“It’s the latest model. You can dial anywhere in the world.”
She lifts her head quickly. “What about security?”
“If we need to talk about sensitive subjects, I’ll give you a burner phone.”
“Thanks,” she says, phrasing it like a question.
I don’t say that she’s welcome, because having a reliable means of communication is her right. “You better get some rest before your family arrive.”
“Doesn’t Heidi need help with the preparations?”
“Heidi has everything under control. You’re not allowed to worry about anything.” I brush my knuckles over her cheek. “Your only job is getting well.”
She flashes me a grateful smile as I take the tray and leave her in peace.
Since the kidnapping, I prefer to drive the kids everywhere myself. As I have to fetch them from school at four, I sent three cars to the airport, making sure that two of them were fitted with baby seats. Another car with armed men will follow to keep the convoy safe.
Before leaving, I check on Sabella, who’s sleeping soundly.
On the way, Fabien calls.
“Mr. Russo,” he says. “What’s going on? I’ve just been to the new house to deliver summer clothes, and everything is locked up.”
I grit my teeth. “Sabella moved into the old house.”
“She did?” he asks with a bite of animosity I’m prepared to overlook just because Sabella likes him. “Well, I hope that’s good news.”
My tone is measured. “It is.”
“Then I’ll swing by there to drop off her new outfits.”
“It better wait. Sabella had an accident.”
“What?” he shrieks. “Why didn’t you tell me? Is she all right? What happened?”
“She’s not all right, but she will be. I’ll let you know when’s a good time to come.”
“Please give her my best wishes for a speedy recovery.”
“Will do,” I say, ending the call as I turn into the school parking lot.
