Page 78 of Ruined By Protection
"Not personally but I know of him." She shifts Sofia to her other arm. "Don't worry too much. Maria Gianelli is excellent at what she does."
"Thanks," I say, leaning against the counter. "It's just... a lot, you know?"
"I do know," she says with a sincerity that makes me believe she truly does understand. "But you're not alone in this."
Sofia starts to fuss a little and Zoe stands, gently bouncing her. "I should get her changed. Help yourself to anything in the fridge if you're hungry."
"Thanks, Zoe."
After she leaves I make some toast and finish my coffee in the quiet kitchen. The conversation with Zoe has calmed me somewhat. There's something reassuring about her practical approach.
Once I've eaten I head back upstairs to my room. I need to talk to Evelyn. I haven't seen her in days, not since before... well, before Matteo.
Back in my room I pick up the burner phone and dial Evelyn's number. It rings several times before she answers, sounding slightly out of breath.
"Hello?"
"Ev, it's me."
"Hazel! I was just thinking about you. How are you doing?"
I sink onto the edge of the bed. "I'm okay. Haven't seen you in a few days. I was getting worried."
"I know, I'm sorry. The café's been crazy busy and I've been helping Noah with some stuff too." There's a pause. "Are you really okay?"
I consider telling her about Matteo but something holds me back. "Just dealing with lawyer stuff. Elliott's hired some shark attorney."
"That bastard," Evelyn says with feeling. "What does Maria say?"
"She says not to worry but it's hard not to." I twist a strand of hair around my finger, a nervous habit from childhood. "How's the café?"
"Chaotic but good. Listen, I'll try to come by tonight, okay? We can catch up properly."
"I'd like that," I say, realizing how much I've missed her.
"Great. I've got to run—literally in the middle of inventory—but I'll see you tonight."
"See you then."
Matteo
I pace the length of the living room, checking my watch for thefifth time in as many minutes. Daniel should be here by now. Every second we waste is another second that bastard Elliott Montgomery breathes.
My apartment feels too small suddenly, the sleek modern furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows doing nothing to contain the restless energy surging through me. I stop at the window, staring out at the Manhattan skyline without really seeing it.
Last night with Hazel plays on repeat in my mind. The way her body moved above mine, taking control in a way that showed she was reclaiming something that bastard had stolen from her. The moonlight catching the fading bruises on her skin, each one refueling the rage simmering just beneath my surface.
Fuck.
I need to focus but all I can hear is her breathless gasps when I pushed deeper, the way she whispered my name like a prayer when she came. The memory of her heat around me, her nails digging?—
The doorbell cuts through my thoughts. About damn time.
I cross the room in long strides and yank open the door. Daniel stands there, his face grim, a folder tucked under his arm.
"You're late," I say, stepping aside to let him in.
"Traffic," he replies simply, heading straight for the dining table. He sets down the folder and opens it, revealing photographs and printed documents. "Montgomery's been busy."
