Page 6 of Reign of Fate

“Yes, I’ll be ready.”

Not long after, we rejoin Adriana, and Ivo and his daughter head home. Since Guido’s death, I haven’t been able to enter his bedroom. I haven’t been in there since the day I chose the suit he was buried in. Everything is exactly as it was.

I hear Ivo in my mind saying that Guido died as he would have wanted. Guido already considered himself useless, and as time wore on, he was became weaker and angrier. I think he finally found peace in death. It’s time to put Guido’s things away so that I can move on as well.

THREE

Laying it Out

ELISA

The days go by quickly, especially when I’m packing up Guido’s belongings and deciding what to do with them. I’ve set aside boxes for donation and several boxes for his parents, mementos that I’m sure they would appreciate having. The last box is filled with photos of our time together and other treasures that I hold dear.

I laughed and cried through the entire process. It was cathartic to let it all out. Guido was a private man, and not many were allowed into his inner circle. That circle got smaller and smaller as time progressed. The last few months, it was really just him and me. He wanted fancy dinners and to get all dressed up like we were going to a gala. We would sit out on the patio and watch the sunset while drinking wine and holding hands.

We were a married couple in every sense of the word, except sexually. That particular loss was a horrible blow for Guido, and it was he who bought my first vibrator. In his own way, he was seeing to my needs. I was so shy at first, I nearly fainted when he took it out of the box and told me what it was. He made me promise to use it as I needed.

My husband wanted me to have a full life, and I did with him. I just hope he knew how loved he was.

It’s coming up to six o’clock, and I still haven’t picked out what to wear to dinner with Raffaele and Evangeline Di Morte. I met Evangeline a couple of times, but never had the opportunity to chat with her until the funeral. During the gathering after the funeral, Evangeline came over and sat with me, holding my cold hand. It was soothing. I’m not sure I even said thank you, but it meant so very much to me.

Guido never went to any of the family events, but insisted that I go in his place. I hated it, and after a few of them, I told him I was done. All night, I was asked about Guido, but the final straw was when I overheard gossip that just wrecked me. Some of the women didn’t know I was standing around the corner and were insinuating that I’d come to find a lover, leaving my poor, feeble husband alone at home. I tore out of there and refused to attend another function unless Guido came with me.

I chose a sedate, knee-length, black dress with long sleeves. It’s appropriate for a widow, and since fall is approaching, it’s perfect for the chill in the air. My hair is up in a neat chignon, lifting it off my face, saving me the trouble of trying to tame the mass of dark curls. I’m so out of practice putting on makeup that I keep it simple with a touch of mascara and gloss.

A glance in the mirror shows a very conservative woman, exactly right for dinner with Raffaele and Evangeline. I hear the bell downstairs. Taking a deep breath, I grab my clutch and head down. Ivo is right on time; I hurry to the bottom of the stairs to open the door. He’s looking even more attractive, if that’s possible, than he did the other day. His dark blue suit is tailored to his frame, showing off his muscular body. His hair is the right kind of messy: sexy, but groomed. I’ll bet men pay a fortune to get that look, yet Ivo does this naturally.

“Good evening, Ivo.” I swear my voice doesn’t even sound like my own. It’s low and husky.

“Elisa.” He scans me from top to toe. I wish I could read his expressions. One moment, I think we could be friends, the next, I think he hates me. I’m not sure what to make of Ivo. “We should be going. They’re waiting for us,” he says curtly.

Ivo holds the door open for me, and as we walk toward his car, I feel his hand on my lower back guiding me. I almost stumble when I feel his heated touch. I recover quickly and sit quietly beside him as he drives. The silence is too much to bear.

“Did you have a good day?” I ask.

He glances in my direction, lifting the corner of his mouth in a half smile. “I’d say it was fair. What did you do today?”

No way am I going to tell him about packing Guido’s belongings. “This and that. I wanted to mention that Guido’s study hasn’t been touched, and he was always very adamant that I didn’t touch his desk. It might be best if one of your men comes by and takes whatever you need. I’m not sure if there’s anything confidential left in his study, but I would rather you take a look.”

“You haven’t been curious? Not even a peek?” he asks, lifting a brow.

“I wouldn’t do that.” I shake my head. “If Guido had wanted me to know about something, he would have told me himself. I’m not naive, Ivo. I’m fully aware of the type of businessUltimo Morteruns. I also know that Guido wanted me as far removed from it as possible for my own protection. Even after death, I won’t go against his will,” I reply sharply. “I’m not a snoop, nor do I have a death wish.”

Once the words come out of my mouth, I instantly regret it. This man could crush me with one hand, and I’m practically shouting at him. But instead of reacting with anger, he does the most unexpected thing and laughs. Not just a chuckle, but a wholehearted, loud laugh. I watch him, mesmerized.

Then he lightly caresses my cheek. It’s barely a touch, and yet a jolt of electricity runs through me, causing my heart to race wildly. I stare at him wide-eyed.

“It’s good you speak your mind. I’d like to know what you’re thinking right now.” He’s teasing me. Or could he be flirting with me? No way. That isn’t possible. His finger glides down under my chin, tapping it gently. “You’d better close your mouth, regina mia. You’re looking a little stunned.” Ivo focuses on the road. I clamp my mouth shut, turning my head away to look out the car window.

There’s not a chance I would tell Ivo what I’m thinking right now.Idon’t want to be thinking what I’m thinking right now. I wanted him to kiss me. What does that say about me? I’m a horrible person. My husband is hardly in his grave, and I’m lusting over Ivo Avante. I shut my eyes tight and take a deep breath. It’s not far to Raffaele’s place, and then I’ll be able to put some distance between us.

We ride in silence the rest of the way, and I make sure not to make eye contact.

IVO

Elisa’s not immune to me. I see it in her eyes, and I felt it when I touched her cheek. Her perfectly pink bow lips trembled and her face flushed red. Her deep indigo eyes grew wide, her mouth opened slightly, and I could see her pulse throbbing in her neck. I know the difference between fear and desire. This was desire.

Her skin is soft as silk, and her expression is so adorable that I want to pull the car over and kiss her. It’s the first time since my wife passed that I’ve wanted to kiss another woman. I’m not a saint, and I’ve had women since Maria’s death. It was sex. Mostly angry sex, to satisfy a need. I’m not into pain. Unlike some I know that get off on that sort of thing, I don’t hurt women. I’ve always thought it repulsive. If there’s mutual consent, if that’s your thing, then go for it, but to exert your physical strength over a woman to prove you’re a man is unnecessary.

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