Page 107 of Flawed

I keep my thoughts to myself and reply, "What I do in my personal time is none of your business."

"It is when it involves your safety!" he claims.

"Then why is Pina allowed to go? Hmm?" I interrogate.

"Dante shouldn't let her," he mutters.

"But he does," I point out.

"Yeah, well, that's between them. And I'm not Dante," he declares.

I lift my chin. "I appreciate your warning. I've noted your concerns. Is there anything else you wish to discuss?"

Shock appears in his expression. He clenches his jaw, scowling.

"I'm exhausted. If there's nothing else—"

"Where were you tonight?" he demands.

My anger rises higher. "None of your business."

He steps closer. "Tell me you didn't leave with someone from the club."

I erupt, "How is this your business, Massimo?"

He sniffs hard, shakes his head, then paces the room.

I stay silent, knowing I'm treading water with him right now.

He spins, asking, "Have I not been good to you?"

I scoff. "So now you're going to throw everything you've ever done for me in my face?"

He holds his hands in the air. "No! That isn't what I was getting at."

I put my hand on my hip, fuming. "Then what were you getting at?"

He points at me. "You aren't listening."

"I'm listening just fine, Massimo. You want me to say I'm not going to the club again. Sorry, I'm not agreeing to that," I admit.

"There are other clubs—"

"Just stop! I don't have tons of friends. I'm a single mom with not a lot of extra time on my hands. Pina is my closest friend. I'm not going to some random club. I'm definitely not going alone. Is that what you want?" I challenge, still unsure why I'm fighting him on this. Would I even care to go back if I hadn't seen Luca?

He softens his tone, asserting, "I know it has to be tough being a single mom."

"No, you don't. You have zero clue, and don't you dare even try to pretend you understand what it's like for me!" I say, then turn and put my hand over my face. It's not like me to complain about being a single mom. I chose not to tell Luca about Zara. My statement makes me feel guilty while all the burdens of my decision weigh down on me. And the fear my daughter will hate me someday for not telling her who her father is hits me harder than normal.

Silence fills the room, and I can't stop my tears. Massimo finally steps in front of me and sighs. "Chanel."

I wipe my cheeks and glance up.

He hesitates then says, "I don't want you to get hurt."

I blow out an emotional breath, answering, "I know. And I won't."

He shuts his eyes then glances at the ceiling.

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