Page 79 of Downfall

He narrows his eyes. “We’re Capulets. You think we listen to him?”

“He’s the Governor.” I hiss as loudly as I dare. I don’t want to be overheard. I don’t want to think about what the consequences of that would be.

“What’s the matter Rose, you too concerned with sucking Darius’s cock to care about our family now?”

“I’ve never…” I snarl.

“Yeah but you wouldn’t turn it down would you? And dear old Uncle Ignatio would be more than happy to turn a blind eye to it if it got us what we wanted. Only it hasn’t.” He shoots me a look like I’m trash. “Maybe you’re not as good as you thought. Maybe you need to up your cock sucking skills.”

“Fuck you.” I retort but he just shakes his head and walks away so I’m stood, like a loser with no mates, trying not to look over at the man who despite everything, all my senses are honed on.

A man starts chatting me up. I smile politely, all non-committal and I guess he grows bored or sees better prospects elsewhere. Besides, what did he think? My husband just died. My cheating, abusive, piece of shit of a husband, but still.

I order another vodka tonic, drinking it so quickly I’m practically downing it. I could leave, I know that. I could go find another place to drink, it’s not like this is the only bar in Verona, but this was my bar. My place. I liked it here, at least I used to.

I glance back to that corner and my eyes instantly find him. He’s talking to a woman with all his attention focused on her. Their conversation looks intense, like it’s more than just flirting and he’s smiling enough to set me teeth on edge. I shouldn’t be jealous. I have no reason to be. The man is nothing to me.Shouldbe nothing to me. And besides, if he’s with another woman then that means he’s got no interest in me, and that’s a good thing, right? I don’t want him to want me. After everything he’s done, everything he put me through, I’d rather he acted like I didn’t exist. Like he doesn’t even know me.

At least, that’s what I’m telling myself as the green eyed monster writhes and stretches inside me.

Only it’s not just jealousy I’m feeling. It’s anger. White hot fury that he can stand here, that he can act like this, like none of it happened, like he didn’t betray me in the worst way possible. Half of me wants to grab Ty’s knife and ram it into his deceitful heart.

I wince, fighting down the twisting grief with another mouthful of vodka.

“She’s his lawyer.”

My head turns. I stare at Sofia for a second before I speak. “What?”

“The woman Roman is talking to.” Sofia says. “She’s his lawyer. Our lawyer technically. She’s helping sort out our father’s estate.”

I blink, trying to keep my face neutral. “Why are you telling me that?”

Her lips curl just a little and she shrugs. “Just in case you were wondering. He’s not interested in her.”

I draw myself up as I’m a statue made of stone. “I don’t care who he is and isn’t interested in.”

“No?” She says quietly. “Pretty certain you used to care.”

My stomach drops. So she does know then. I throw her a look, downing the last of my drink and stalk off to the bathroom, if only to clear my head.

A woman passes me on the way out as I go in but apart from that it’s mercifully empty. I don’t even need to pee. I just need a moment of peace. A moment to gather my thoughts.

My reflection stares back tauntingly from the mirror. In what world did I even think coming out tonight was a good idea? I let out a laugh at my own stupidity. God you’d think after so many years I’d be better at not making mistakes.

The door opens and I vaguely register the shape of a man walking in. I don’t need to look to see who it is. His smirk gives him away. As does his aftershave.

“This is the women’s lavatory.” I state before washing my hands. I don’t really need to but it gives me something to do. Something to focus on.

He laughs but makes no attempt to leave.

I glance around but there’s no one else here. No other cubicles being used. It’s just us.

“No one can see us.” Roman says.

“There’s nothing to see.” I reply moving past him and heading to the door but he grabs my arm pulling me back against the counter which I hit with a thud.

“Let me go.” I say.

“And turn down this opportunity.” His fingers brush my face and I jerk my head away.

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