Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“I will toss it into the fire.”
“Thank you.”
Symphony
I was so nervous. I didn’t think Michael would return home for our anniversary. I didn’t think he would want to spend it with me.
I know it’s silly for me to think he would want to celebrate the occasion. He is only married to me to keep me safe. However, I wanted to have dinner with him in remembrance of the day.
I collect our now hot plates and carry them into the dining room. I take a calming breath as the vest beneath my dress goes a long way to settle me into my skin. Annabella gave it to me before she left for her holiday.
She explained she got it from a friend who said it would work like the weighted blankets. So far, it has been working wonders. I would like to show Michael I can be a real wife.
I would like for him to fall in love with me the way I’ve fallen for him. I know it’s silly and this crush may never be requited, but I have hopes and dreams. My disorder has not caused me to be oblivious to my attraction to the opposite sex.
My husband is very handsome and attractive. He’s sexy and often makes me blush. I might be fifteen now, but it is my hope that in a few years, Michael will start to see me as more than his charge.
“Something smells delicious,” Michael says as he enters the room dressed in a fresh black dress shirt and slacks.
His hair is still damp, causing it to fall down in his face. His hair is much longer than one would think when it’s combed back away from his face. I have always wanted to push my fingers through it.
He pulls my chair out for me to sit. I duck my head and sit down as he scoots my chair in for me. My heart is racing.
This all seems like a bad idea now. What will I say to him? Will I sound weird to him like the girls at school say I do to them?
Will I sound childish to him? I keep my fingers hidden as I can’t keep them still. I long to go and play the piano.
“George said you have been on a leaner diet. I chose chicken and steamed vegetables. We went with Italian flavors. I hope you enjoy it.”
“Are you not going to eat?” he asks as he picks up his knife and fork.
“Yes, I am. I am quite hungry. It does smell delicious.”
I begin to eat as he does. He groans and nods his head as he chews. I keep my gaze on him from out of the corner of my eye.
I want to start a conversation, but I’m too nervous to think of anything to say. Instead, I keep stuffing food into my mouth. I dart my eyes around as I desperately try to find something to say.
“You really were hungry,” he chuckles, breaking the silence.
I put my utensils down and rub my sweaty palms on my thighs. Full of nerves, I scoot forward to the edge of my seat and finish chewing my food before I answer.
“Was your work successful?” I blurt out.
Michael places his fork and knife down and clears his throat. I turn in his direction, but I don’t look into his eyes. I’m not ready for him to see me.
“I was going to ask you about that. What do you know of my work?”
“I am of the belief that you take care of bad men.”
“What makes you say this?” He tilts his head to the side as he studies me.
“You train a lot, and I have seen the weapons room. You are a professional at what you do, I believe.”
“You do understand that’s not something you should ever share with anyone. We wouldn’t want anyone to come and take me away from you.”
“I would never say a word. Your secret is safe with me. I will always protect our family.”
“Good girl.”
I preen from his praises. He winks at me. Finally, I snap my eyes to his.
I search his gaze to see if he’s angry with my words, but he looks more amused than anything. I figured out months ago that both Michael and Uri are some sort of hit men. This is why Nonno believes I will remain safe with them.
“Did your sheet music come in? How has your playing been going?”
“I love to play. The sheet music has arrived. It is wonderful.
“I have taught myself to read it and play. I also believe I’ve accomplished writing down the music in my head. I have composed my first piece,” I reply excitedly.
“I’m glad you are enjoying it so much. You will have to play it for me.”
“I would very much like that.”
“We are the only ones home. You can play it after we watch our movie.”