Page 131 of Liar
“But I like one more than I should.”
“Is that what this is? Youlikeme?” I squirm beneath him, trying to wrestle free.
“No. This is me, loving you enough to protect you.”
I stop struggling. “Say it or get off me.”
He kisses my temple, and I hold my breath. “I am saying it. You’re just not listening.” Another kiss. Ever so gentle, meant to soften the blow of his words.
Or lack of them.
He rolls off me and I scramble to my feet. Chest heaving. Mind racing.
“Fuck.” He stands, head bowed, fists clenched. “Fuck.”
I stare at him, struggling to come to terms with whatever demons he’s struggling with. Losing it, because that’s what is happening.
In that moment, I realize I’m wrong.
I am weak. His rare show of emotion makes me so.
I step toward him and wrap myself around him. “It’s okay. I love you enough for both of us.”
40
He’s gone by morning. I don’t see him for weeks. And then, when I think I can’t bear it any longer, he reappears.
“Luciana.”
The sound of my name wakes me.
Sitting up, I blink under the bright sunlight pouring in from my window, to find him standing at the foot of my bed. My heart skips a beat before frustration takes over. “Did you need something?”
He looks haggard, his shirt wrinkled and hair a mess. “Yes.” He sits on the mattress and I scramble onto my knees.
“Well, you’re in the wrong place.”
“I’m not going to touch you.”
I frown at the slight slur of his words. “You’ve been drinking?”
“Yes. It doesn’t help.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s time.”
My heart skips a beat. “Time for what?”
“To take control of the organization back home.”
“Home? You mean Rome?” It’s a hoarse whisper at best. I’ll be leaving Loreto? Diego?
He hands me the papers he’s holding and a pen.
“What is this?”
“Divorce papers.”
