Page 24 of The One
He probably would’ve gone through with it, indifferent to my pleasure, then left me alone in bed, likely broken and in pain.
My entire body shudders at the thought, and I sag against the pillow, clutching the phone to my chest.
I dodged a bullet.
Though a literal bullet might still find its target right between my eyes.
Tears well up, clogging my throat.
They’re tears of gratitude for having been given a way out. Even with an uncertain future looming over me, I’ll take it gladly.
Anything is better than marrying Renaldo.
Instead of texting back, I hit the call button, needing to hear my sister’s voice.
She answers on the second ring. “Mari,” she whispers, her voice sounding strange. “I was hoping you wouldn’t be asleep yet.”
“You sound funny. Where are you?” I ask, my stomach going into freefall.
Did something happen?
“Under the blanket. I hope it will muffle my voice. I don’t want anybody to discover that we have phones.”
I’m glad Isa is thinking about these things.
“Is Father home?” I ask, dreading the answer no matter what it is.
“No, not yet.Mammahasn’t heard from him either.”
My heart sinks. “Do you think he’s still with the Contis?”
“I doubt it. Try not to worry. You know, it’s not unusual for him to spend the night elsewhere.”
That’s true. And I normally don’t care what he’s up to or where he is. But with how furious he was with me? I’d rather know than be left in the dark.
“What if he comes to Rome?”
“And go against the Don’s orders? He wants to be the next consigliere. He wouldn’t risk it.”
What she says makes sense. My father wants the power that comes with the position of adviser tola famiglia. He’s been vying for it for years. He wouldn’t jeopardize it when he’s so close, would he?
Barroni, the current consigliere, will retire at the start of the new year. That’s a little over two months away. Everything Father worked for since he started with the De Marcos decades ago is within reach.
“You’re right, Isa. I’m just being paranoid.”
“You have every right to be given his reaction at the church. But you’re safe. Now, tell me all about Rome.”
I chuckle. “It’s not like I’ve seen any of it. I’m at Carloso now.”
“Carloso? What’s that?”
“That’s what they call the De Marco estate here, after their grandfather Carlo, who built it.”
“Ah. What’s it like?”
I tuck the phone between my cheek and shoulder and take my duffel bag to the walk-in-closet.
“Grand, of course, but strangely homey. The housekeeper is super nice. She even hugged me, and she calls memia cara. Signor De Marco said to help her out, but I’m not sure she’ll let me. What will I do with myself all day long?”
