Page 104 of Ruins
I keep my gaze trained on him, hoping—praying—for someone to walk outside, to interrupt whatever this is.
“Maksim speaks highly of you, Piccola,” he muses, his gaze locking onto mine. “You wouldn’t want to tarnish that reputation.”
My heart pounds. “I have no intention to,” I say quickly, trying to sound confident. Trying to sound like I belong here.
Angelo smirks, apparently not convinced by my assurance. He opens his mouth to say something else when the sound of footsteps approaching cuts through the moment. We both turn toward the noise—Santo.
“Angelo,” he greets curtly, skipping any formalities. His gaze moves to me and softens—just slightly. “Vasilisa.”
“I was just leaving,” Angelo says smoothly before I can reply. With one last look—something between a warning and amusement—he strides away, leaving us alone in the thick silence of the garden.
Santo watches him go before turning back to me. “You okay?” His voice is softer now, tinged with something that almost sounds like concern.
I nod, offering a small smile. “I’m fine.”
His gaze dips lower, lingering just long enough for me to feel it. I shift slightly, and the lace tops of my stockings peek out beneath the hem of my black turtleneck dress. Santo notices.
His jaw tightens. His expression doesn’t change, but his eyes darken, just enough to betray his thoughts.
“I have a meeting to get to,” he says finally, his tone quieter than usual, as if he’s reluctant to go.
“When will you be back?” I ask before I can stop myself.
“Late,” he admits, his voice softening. “But I’ll try to make it before midnight.”
A flicker of disappointment stirs in my chest, but I push it down with another small smile. “That’s okay.”
He extends a hand to help me to my feet. His fingers linger on mine. I expect him to let go once we’re inside, but instead, he stops near the base of the stairs, turning fully toward me.
“You’ve covered up more today,” he says, his gaze dragging over me again, settling on the high neckline of my dress before dropping to my legs.
“But now you’ve left those on display instead.”
I glance down, suddenly self-conscious under his scrutiny. “They really can’t be all that distracting, my legs are very short,” I say quickly, brushing off his comment, trying to lighten the tension.
His lips twitch, his gaze unwavering. “They’re also verymine,” he says quietly, but there’s no mistaking the possessiveness in his voice.
The words wrap around me, leaving me momentarily stunned, unsure how to respond.
Before I can say anything, he takes a step back, his expression calm once more. “I’ll see you tonight, Vasilisa.”
Then he’s gone, heading for the front door.
I stand there for a beat, pulling in a slow breath, steadying myself, before finally moving toward the kitchen in search of a snack.
Julian is at the sink, washing dishes. He looks up when I enter, flashing me an easy smile.
“Need anything, Mrs. Amato?”
“Call me Vasi, please.” I wave a hand dismissively. “I just came in for a snack. I can make it myself.”
I head toward the pantry, but Julian shakes his head, already drying his hands on a towel.
“Nonsense. I’ll whip you up something. What are you craving?”
“Something sweet,” I admit, a small grin tugging at my lips.
He chuckles, pulling open a cupboard and rummaging inside. “I think I’ve got just the thing.”
