Aurora’s POV
I wish I had fulfilled my promise of making out with another man, but I couldn’t as their faces felt repulsive and looked nothing like the only handsome man that I’d ever known. Matteo had not just captured my body but my soul and everything that concerned me as well.
Demetrio made the day better by taking me to places I asked him to. We went to a park and I had a medium cup of strawberry ice cream, later on I had a pack of potato chips which made me forget my troubles at some point.
We were returning home and we had almost gotten to our street when dread settled in the pit of my stomach. The past few days had been worse with Matteo ignoring me and treating me worse than his servant. At least his servants got his attention when needed.
He didn’t even ask how I was feeling or if my pregnancy was making me uncomfortable. Then I imagined how he would feel if the truth came out.
Demetrio’s phone rang a little loudly, by the pursing of his lips I knew that it was Matteo. They talked for a moment then he returned the phone to the glove compartment.
“Why is he calling?” I tried to make my tone nonchalant yet I failed at it.
The thought of Matteo had the tendency of making me lose my mind.
“He wants to make sure that you are with me.”
I nodded and shut my eyes as the gate opened, ushering us into the house. He opened the car door for me and I got out clinging tightly to my bag as if my life depended on it. I’d been putting up a show of bravery and I would continue that way even though I was dying slowly inside.
My eyes darted to the pool which sparked under the retreating sun and the urge to swim appeared, but I couldn’t keep away from the house or Matteo would send a battalion of soldiers to search for me.
I strode into the living room, my steps as slow as a snail. Familiar steps rang from the stairs and I averted my gaze to one of the paintings that decorated the living room.
I looked behind me to talk to Demetrio but he had already disappeared silently. It was one of the things he was good at. Disappearing.
Matteo’s eyes were filled with apologies but I didn’t stare for long as I didn’t want to break down in front of him. He kept advancing towards me so I went between the seats to avoid our bodies colliding but my effort was fruitless as he caught me swiftly.
“What do you think you are doing?” I almost yelled, my eyes dishing out fire and brimstone.
He took his hands from me like he was burnt and dipped them into his pockets.
“Did any man talk to you or treat you inappropriately?” He asked with a calm tone which was different from the one he had been using on me since the cheating fiasco.
I snorted in disbelief. “That’s such a ridiculous question, Matteo. You have a band of soldiers watching over me and they report to you directly and I’m very sure that they have finished their report for today.” I fumed and he chuckled drily, a little mix of nervousness accompanying it.
It was surprising to see Matteo nervous but he was my boyfriend who wasn’t scared of showing his vulnerability in front of me.
“Ginevra was behind everything.” He stated in a rush as if he had been forced to tell me the truth.
I burst into an angry laughter, laughing till my eyes watered and my cheeks began to hurt. I sniffed and propped my arms against my waist.
“How did you find out?”
“Through Nicholas. It turns out that Ginevra asked him to do whatever he did.” He explained and I smiled grimly.
“Where’s Ginevra?” I snarled.
“I’ve sent her out. She won’t bother us anymore.” He replied without hesitation.
I felt elated that I’d been vindicated but I was still hurt. Matteo’s unwavering doubt hurt me and I couldn’t take it anymore. I’d have liked to leave the house but I didn’t want to stay in a hotel and I couldn’t return to Chicago.
As far as I was concerned uncle Lorenzo had nothing to do with me anymore. He was more concerned in making the Camorra strong again.
“It’s good that you found out…. at least I’m not the whore you think me to be.” I said and stormed off.
*********
I woke up the next morning feeling drained as usual. I lacked the energy to go to class but I had to do it because staying in the house would only remind me of my troubles.
My phone chimed and as I guessed it was another morning text from Matteo, just like he had been sending it for a week.
Good morning, Mamacita. I hope you slept well. Please talk to me, even if it’s just this once.
His words cut through my heart like sharp brass, weakening my resolve to give him a taste of his own medicine. I missed him badly…his touch, his alluring smile and kisses. His deep stare that sets my body ablaze and makes me long for him.
I wondered how I lasted that long without talking to him. I’d turned to a spy who disappeared before dawn and appeared right before dusk.
Of course he knew my whereabouts but he respected my decision to be away from him. Demetrio still remained my bodyguard and he never failed to remind me how much sorrow I was causing his boss.
I caressed the ring he gave me the day that he asked me to be his girlfriend and my heart melted. Matteo has been nothing but kind to me in his own shrewd and crazy way. I had to stop it.
I sent him a text message informing him that I was still in the room, my heart thudding at the thought of seeing him again.
He pushed my door open in a fleet second, causing my eyes to widen in surprise.
“Have you been standing by the door?”
He smirked, his eyes boring into mine with flickers of passion and regrets. “I’ve been doing that every morning and it takes all my will not to barge in. I’m very sorry for hurting you, Principessa.”
I had already forgiven him, I just needed one thing. “Make love to me.” I whispered in his ears.