Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 66506 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66506 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Matteo reentered the room, carrying some socks. He kneeled in front of me, pulling the wool onto my feet, rolling it over on my ankles. They were too big and bulky, but the thickness felt good on my toes. “These will keep you warm.” He reached up and stroked my cheek again. “You are doing well, Evie. Soon, you can rest, and tomorrow, we’ll begin. All right?”
I glanced at Lila, who was watching Matteo fondly. I thought of what she had said. I heard the unexpected gentleness in his voice. His men were staring at him and the way he kneeled at my feet. They all looked shocked at his deferential position. I drew in a deep breath and smiled at him.
“Yes. Thank you, Matteo.”
He stood and kissed my forehead. “Good girl.”
As he moved away, Roza approached me. Tall and slender, she was elegant and pretty, with long dark hair and hazel eyes. “I’m pleased to meet you,” she said, sounding as if sudden marriages at ten o’clock at night were a normal thing. “I look forward to getting to know you.”
I smiled, unsure how to respond.
“I’m Alex’s wife. He works for Matteo. And I work with the foundation here, so you will see me a lot.”
“All right,” I replied, unsure what the foundation was but knowing I would be told at another time. I was too exhausted to ask too many questions.
Like Lila, Roza seemed kind. She sat down next to Lila and leaned forward. “You will settle in here well, I’m certain.”
I dared to ask. “How can you be so certain?”
“Because if Matteo thinks so, I trust him.” She smiled. “He already holds you in high regard, or he would not have married you.”
I wondered if she knew what had transpired tonight, then decided not to ask.
“Matteo has asked me to pick up a few things for you. Do you have a favorite color or style?”
“Um, blues and greens were always my preference.” Blaine had gotten rid of all my clothes and dressed me all in black most of the time—uncomfortable, tight clothes I didn’t like.
“Nothing overly tight or, ah…” I trailed off.
“Overtly sexual?” she guessed, studying me.
“Yes.”
“With your coloring and size, I think soft and feminine—casual clothes would suit you best.”
I relaxed a little. “Yes.”
“I will bring you a few things tomorrow.”
“I don’t want to trouble you.”
She and Lila laughed.
“Roza loves to shop,” Lila offered. “She’ll enjoy it.”
“What size shoe?” Roza asked.
“Six.”
“And about a four in clothes? A small, I think?”
“I prefer medium. I really hate tight things.”
“Okay. I’ll see what I can do.”
“If it’s not too much trouble, could I ask for a sweater? I, ah, have a lot of bruises on my arms, and they seem to upset Matteo. I would prefer to cover them up.”
She nodded. “Of course. I will look after it.”
“Thank you.”
Not long after, Matteo clapped his hands, and the room dispersed. Lila and Roza each kissed me on the cheek, welcoming me to the family and assuring me they would see me in the morning. Gianna had disappeared already, leaving with the man I knew as Vince. Lila had told me he was her husband and very protective. That was all she said, but I saw the glimmer of sadness that lingered in her expression. It was yet another question in the long list of new things I would have to learn about this life and these people.
Matteo escorted me to his room, instructing me to wait for him. I sat, uncertain, looking around at the large room. It was expansive and extravagant, the king-sized bed prominent in the space. Heavy, masculine furniture and dark navy and rich cream made the room comfortable. The fireplace and furniture around it were inviting. I had seen the bathroom, and I assumed the other door led to a closet. I didn’t investigate, though, still unsure of my place.
He entered, carrying a glass and a bottle of pills. He frowned seeing me sitting on the love seat. “You haven’t changed or gotten ready for bed.”
“I, ah…”
He shook his head. “Forgive me. I didn’t think.” He walked through the doorway to the room I hadn’t looked in, coming out with a T-shirt in his hand, confirming it was a closet. He handed it to me. “This will have to do for tonight. Go and change.”
“Am I sleeping here?” I asked bravely.
He tugged off his jacket, draping it over the chair. “You’re my wife, so yes.”
“I—”
“Relax. I expect nothing, Evie. Go and prepare yourself. I will wait here.”
When I returned, he had changed as well, wearing a pair of sleep pants that hung low on his hips, and he was bare-chested. His torso and arms were well defined with taut muscles and his shoulders broad and strong-looking. There was a tattoo on his bicep, the black and red ink vivid on his olive skin. Without the veneer of his suit and with his hair mussed, he looked younger—more approachable. He held out his hand, and I took it, letting him lead me back to the love seat.