“I’ve made arrangements for you in the event of my death. If I die, I will have been murdered, and you will be their next target.”
My face falls.
What the actual fuck?
“In the safety deposit box, you have five passports of different nationalities, and instructions on how to access money that I’ve secured for you in offshore accounts.”
I begin to hear my pulse in my ears. “I don’t want to talk about this.”
“Olivia. Listen to me. Lorenzo has all the instructions, but in the event that he goes with me, I need to tell you this. If I die, you get yourself to that deposit box without being followed, and you get out of Italy immediately. Tell nobody-and I mean absolutely nobody-where you are.”
I stare at him, completely lost for words.
His face softens with empathy, and he cups my cheeks. “Bella, I have to be prepared, that’s all. Don’t worry.”
“Do you think you’re going to die?” I whisper. What the hell is going on here?
“No,” he replies as he takes me into his arms. “But what kind of man would I be if I didn’t have arrangements in place for you?”
“A normal one.”
He smiles broadly, and then goes to his wardrobe. “I am not a normal man, Olivia, and we have had this conversation too many times this week.” He glances in my wardrobe and looks at all the shopping bags that I haven’t even opened yet that are sitting on the floor in there. “When are you going to look at the things I bought you?”
My heart drops. To be honest, I don’t want to. I’ve been putting it off. I can’t even begin to fathom the money he spent on me.
“I haven’t had time. I’ll do it tomorrow night.” I shrug, disappointed in myself that I’m coming across ungrateful. “Thank you again. I’ll wear one of the dresses tonight.”
He raises a brow, clearly unimpressed.
I stare at him, rattled that he has just given me his death plan as casually as taking out the trash. And yet he stands here, annoyed that I haven’t looked at the fruits of his shopping trip.
Priorities.
He glances at his watch. “I have to go.”
“Who’s taking you to work?” I ask, suddenly panicked that something may happen.
“Lorenzo is here. My normal crew.”
“Oh.” My eyes hold his. “Please… be careful.”
“I will.” He kisses me softly. “Ti amo.” He pulls me in for a hug, and then turns and walks out of the room. I hear him walk down the stairs, and then out of the front door.
It closes with a sharp click as he turns the deadlock.
The room is silent. Heavy.
I walk into my wardrobe and stare at all the expensive things in bags, and I feel sick to my stomach.
What good is all the money in the world if I don’t have him?
His love doesn’t have a price tag.
* * *
I walk out of work just after 5:00 p. m., and my heart drops. Enrico isn’t here to pick me up. Lorenzo is. I know he’s busy running the world and all that, but his little death talk this morning has me feeling needy.
“Hello.” I smile as I get into the car.
“Hello, Miss Olivia.”
“Where are Maso and Marley?” I ask as we pull out into the traffic.
“In the cars behind us.”
I turn and look out the back window to see two cars trailing us today, not one.
“Has something happened, Lorenzo?” I ask.
His eyes flicker up to mine in the rearview mirror. “Why do you ask?”
“Enrico gave me a plan this morning in case he dies.”
“It’s just a precaution,” he says.
“Is it, though? Do you think Enrico in danger?” I pause for a moment. “Like, more danger than usual?”
His eyes meet mine in the mirror again. “You’ll have to speak to him about that, Olivia. I’m not at liberty to discuss these things with you.”
I stare out the window.
Maybe he really was just being cautious. Don’t all couples have wills?
Stop freaking yourself out.
Go get gorgeous for your man. Enjoy the night out with your friends.
I go through the mental catalogue of dresses on the racks at home. Hmm… what will I wear?
* * *
I lift the wineglass to my lips and take a long sip.
I’m sexed up to the nines, wearing a cream evening dress that’s fitted to my every curve. It has delicate spaghetti straps on the shoulders, and I’ve matched it with gold, sky-high stilettos. I’ve even worn super sexy creamy, lacy lingerie that he bought me. The set includes a matching bra and G-string with suspender belt. I smile as I imagine him buying it.
My blonde hair is out and set in big curls. My makeup is smoky, and my lips are Enrico’s favorite shade of red.
It’s 6:30 p. m. and he isn’t home yet. Where is he?
I go to the window and peer down at the street below, hoping to see his procession of cars coming around the corner.
I’m trying not to worry, I really am, but it isn’t working. I’m driving myself crazy here.
To top it off, I’m feeling as hormonal as fuck. My period is due, and I wish the bitch would just arrive so I wouldn’t feel so fucking edgy. I pour myself another glass of wine and I hear the door click.
He’s home. My heart skips a beat.
He turns the corner into the kitchen where I’m waiting, and his eyes find me across the room.
“Hello, Olivia.”
“Hi.” I smile and hold the bottle up. “Want some?”
“Hmm.” He walks past me to the cupboard and takes out a bottle of blue label scotch. After he pours a glass, he immediately lifts it to his lips.
“Don’t I get a kiss hello?” I frown, this is unlike him.
“Sorry, sweetheart.” He sighs as he takes me into his arms and kisses me.
“Rough day?” I frown up at him as I run my fingers through his hair.
A trace of a smile crosses his lips. “You could say that.” He steps back from me while holding my hand in the air. “You look breathtaking.”
I perform a little curtsy on the spot. “Thanks. This hot guy bought it for me.” I wiggle my hips.
He chuckles, and then tips his head back to drain the glass.
Jeez.
He pours another glass immediately.
He’s going to be drunk before we even get there. “Everything all right?” I ask.
“Yeah, give me ten minutes to get ready.” He picks up the scotch and drains the glass again.
“Okay, you’d better hurry. We are supposed to be there now.” I pick up the scotch bottle, secure the lid back on it, and put it back in the cupboard. He takes the hint and disappears into the bathroom.
His phone beeps on the kitchen counter and I pick it up. It’s a text from Sophia.
I’m going to need you to come to Sicily.
I can’t calm the girls. They need to see you.
Huh?