Page 71 of Legacy
“That’swhy you went to Florida? You left me in charge during a war, forthat?”
His frustration is barely contained.
Vasilisa grasps Santo’s hand tracing soft circles, trying to diffuse the tension. “Santo—”
He cuts her off, his eyes on her, switching to Russian. The words come quickly.
Not that I could understand if they were slower. Her expression softens, and she nods in response.
I blink, stunned.
“You speak Russian?”
Santo flicks his gaze at me, his expression as stony as ever.
“Of course. I learned it so my wife and I can speak inprivate.”
The casual way he says it, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
Should I learn Spanish?
Of course Santo would do that.
Pretentious prick.
Vasilisa smiles gently at me.
“We’re happy for you, Angelo. Truly. I look forward to meeting her.”
Her words are kind, sincere, but Santo’s silence lingers, heavy and cold.
He doesn’t trust me.
Hell, I don’t even blame him. He knows I’m keeping more from him. This rift between us is my own fault, and I feel every inch of it now.
I nod stiffly. “Thanks.”
This went wrong.
Hollow.
“I should go.”
Neither of them stop me as I turn to leave. The door clicks shut behind me, and I let out a breath.
I deserve this.
I have no one to blame but myself.
Chapter 16
Adriana
My apartment is a mess of half-packed boxes and memories I didn’t ask to unearth. The scent of vanilla from my old candles clings to the walls, mixed with something sharp—cardboard and goodbyes.
Angelo called for me.
I guess I’m supposed to feel grateful he’s finally plucked me from my home and everything I know. But all I want to do is scream or climb the tallest building I can and jump.
