Page 83 of The Proposal

That knowledge makes my head fucking ache.

I’m pulled from my thoughts when my phone pings. I slide it out of my pocket and glance down at the screen to see my wife’s name.

Arabella: Do you have any idea what time you’ll be home?

Me: No.

Arabella: Okay.

I feel like an arsehole for not elaborating further, but my mind is too fucked up right now.

I no sooner slide my phone back into my pocket, and it pings again. When I see Arabella’s name on the screen, I tilt my head back and blow out a frustrated breath. I’m still getting used to having to answer to someone.

Arabella: Should I still wait for you so we can eat together?

Me: No. Eat and go to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.

Arabella: The morning? You’re not coming home tonight?

Before I get a chance to reply, a second message comes through.

Arabella: Are you with another woman?

For fuck’s sake. Not this shit again.

I glance over at one of the guards standing nearby andturn on my heels, heading towards the rear of the building. He doesn’t need to hear the conversation I’m about to have. I’m the head of this family, not some pussy-whipped husband.

I press call because this back-and-forth bullshit is not helping my mood.

“Hello,” Arabella whispers down the line. Just hearing her sweet voice calms me somewhat.

“I’m not with another woman,Bellezza.I thought we’d already cleared this up last time you accused me of cheating on you.”

“Then why won’t I see you until morning?”

“Because you will more than likely be asleep by the time I get home.”

“Where are you?” she asks.

I blow out another long breath. I understand she’s insecure, but I’ve done nothing to make her think she can’t trust me. “Taking care of business … I told you before leaving the house.”

“Should I be concerned for your safety?”

That has a small smile tugging at my lips. “No, you have nothing to worry about.”

“You sound stressed.”

“I am. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now. Things I can’t talk about.”

“I understand.”

Her life as a Rossi comes with its perks. “Good.”

“Stay safe.”

“I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Dante,” she says just as I go to end the call.

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