As I push open the front door, I toss my bag down on the floor. After a session with Dr. Jenkins, I need a cigarette and a coffee.
Today we discussed another coping mechanism. Journaling. So on the way home, I stopped and picked up a little notepad with my Capricorn star sign on the front.
I’m going to start with five things I want out of life.
I stop when I spot Dante’s worn-out black boots. He’s home.
“Rosa?” he calls out.
I tug on the sleeves of my cardigan and try to form a fake smile.
Stepping around the corner, I freeze in my tracks. The dining table is scattered with red roses, with two pillar candles flickering on the table and two placements set out.
I take a step back as he appears from the kitchen.
“Come have a seat. I’ve made us lunch.” He looms over the back of one of the chairs and pulls it away from the table. A forced smile twists the scar on the side of his face.
“I-er, just need to freshen up,” I lie and dart out of the room, slamming my bathroom door shut.
Gripping onto the sink, I take a deep breath. In and out. Luca’s voice replays in my brain, soothing me. Telling me to keep focused. Remember why I’m doing this.
I flush the toilet and pull down my dress so it’s at my knees. In a moment of panic, I scramble out my phone from my purse.
ROSA
He’s home. I won’t be able to talk tonight.
L
It’s all taken care of. Don’t worry, baby. I’m all yours for the night.
My heart flutters as I re-read his text. The whole night?
I bite back a smile.
“Rosa!” Dante yells, the sharpness in his tone making me hurry. Making sure my forbidden phone is on silent, I throw open the bathroom cabinet and place it behind a bottle of bleach.
As I re-enter the room, he’s still holding out the chair for me.
“You look lovely, Rosa.”
I nod and take a seat.
“Thank you.”
This whole charade of being nice to him is starting to wear thin.
He sets down a plate of garlic chicken with a variety of vegetables and potatoes. I try to stop the slight tremble in my hands as I pick up the cutlery. I’m about as comfortable as having a gun to my head right now.
He watches intently as I take a bite. The salt on the chicken makes my mouth dry up.
“Could you pass me the water?” I croak out.
“I have wine?” He grins.
“No.” I hold my hand up, hoping he doesn’t press any further.
He starts shoveling in his food like the pig he is. I sit and watch him in disgust, keeping my facial expression sweet and loving like he wants.
“So, I’ve hired a wedding planner. I’ve set the date for the last weekend in July. I’ve already had her pick out a dress for you, too. So, no need to worry your pretty little head about a thing.” He looks up and grins at me, like he’s impressed by his efforts.
“Why so soon?” I watch as his knuckles turn white as he grips his knife. My leg starts to bounce erratically under the table.
“Why wait? I’ve waited six years to claim you, Rosa.”
I gulp down my water, my throat feeling like it’s closing in on me.
“Is that a problem?” He waves the knife as he asks, and I shake my head.
“Good. See, we can get along. You’ll have the best life with me, Rosa.”
I almost scoff at his words. I manage to stop myself just as his phone rings.
“Hello?” He stares at me intently, his face reddening. “For how long?”
“Two fucking days?” His hand starts to shake. “Yes, no, I do want to keep my job. I just don’t like leaving my fiancé.”
My heart rate picks up. It’s Luca.
“I’ll be there in half an hour. I’m just finishing—” His knuckles pop as he squeezes his fist.
“Fine.”
He stares at the blank screen before he launches his phone across the room. His nostrils flare. “Don’t even think about leaving the house while I’m away,” he spits out as he stands.
“Where are you going?” I try to keep my voice neutral and not betray the excitement building inside of me.
“Work.” He slams the chair against the table, making it jolt into my stomach.
“Shit,” I hiss out in pain.
“I’ll be gone until tomorrow evening.”
He downs the last of his wine in one swallow and storms out of the apartment. I feel like I can finally breathe again.
