Total pages in book: 152
Estimated words: 144979 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 483(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 144979 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 483(@300wpm)
Setting those thoughts aside, I prepare for the day. Applying some light makeup, I avoid the most tender parts of my face. Then I slip on my favorite black bikini and a matching crochet dress, accessorizing with big sunglasses and an even bigger hat.
When I step outside, the sun is high in the sky, and it’s a beautiful day. We’re somewhere off the Italian coast, with sparkling blue water in every direction. I don’t know where we’re going, but if I had to guess, this is Angelo keeping up appearances.
People would talk if he didn’t take me on a honeymoon.
I make my way down to the main deck, passing a few of my new guards and several stewardesses along the way. They all greet me formally with my new last name and then go on with their day.
I find Natalia curled up on a lounge chair on the aft deck, reading a book. When I sit down beside her, I unintentionally startle her, and she clutches her chest before her shoulders shake in silent laughter.
Sorry, I sign. I didn’t mean to scare you.
She sets her book aside and shakes her head. Not your fault. I was so relaxed I almost forgot where I was.
I smile at her because it’s been a while since I’ve seen her out of mom mode. She deserves a little relaxation. Where are the kids?
Downstairs with the nanny, she signs. It’s weird to say that. I was the nanny, and now I have one. Alessio insisted I have a break and spend some time with you while he’s busy with Angelo.
Alessio’s here too?
Yes. He and Angelo have some business that apparently couldn’t wait. I hope you don’t mind that we’re here. Angelo insisted we come today and said you’d probably like the company. We flew in this morning on the helicopter.
I completely forgot there was a helipad, I admit. But I’m happy to have you here with me. How long are you staying?
We’ll leave this afternoon and spend some time in the Mediterranean before we head home.
That sounds nice. Are you chartering a vessel?
It’s one of Porta’s, she explains. I get the impression that should mean something to me, but I’m not sure what.
Natalia reads the confusion on my face and frowns.
You know, Porta d’Oro Maritime Holdings?
She offers me a sympathetic look when it still doesn’t register. It’s the charter brokerage company Angelo and Alessio own.
I blow out a breath and shrug. I don’t know anything about it.
Sorry. She winces. This is all still new for you, I suppose, after that whirlwind of a wedding.
It is, I confess.
I swear I had no idea, she tells me. I was just as shocked as you were.
I know. It’s still hard to believe myself.
It feels weird to ask if you’re okay with all of it, she says. But are you?
I consider it for a moment. I am, but… I also feel terrible. I shouldn’t be okay with it.
Is that because of how it all went down…or because of Matteo?
One look at her face confirms that she knows. Alessio told me last night. From his account, it was no loss.
I grimace at the memory, and regret passes through Natalia’s eyes.
God, I’m so sorry. I’m not saying the right thing. Sometimes I feel like this world has completely desensitized me. Of course, you have every right to be upset. You were engaged to Matteo. You were going to marry him. I didn’t mean to imply—
It’s okay, I assure her. I wasn’t marrying Matteo because I loved him. I just… I can’t help but feel like it’s my fault. He was trying to protect me.
None of this is your fault, Natalia insists. He’s gone because of the choices he made. Please don’t put that on yourself.
“Mrs. Vitale?” Veronica interrupts us. “Are you ready for breakfast?”
“Oh, yes… Thank you.”
“It will be out in just a moment,” she says.
Natalia rises from the lounge, and we take a seat at the table, at which point I remove my sunglasses. I don’t want to be rude, and it’s not like I can wear them all day. So I may as well get it over with.
As expected, concern etches across her face as she assesses my injuries. Did your father do this?
It’s nothing to worry about, I tell her. Just a stupid mishap.
I don’t like lying to her, but there’s no good way to tell someone your father smacks you around on occasion. Besides that, Natalia has suffered far worse at the hands of a man. That’s why she no longer has a voice and wears a choker around her neck to hide the scars. Anything my father has said or done pales in comparison to what she’s been through in her life.
You know you can always talk to me, she says. About anything.
I nod and thank her, grateful when Veronica arrives with a fleet of stewardesses behind her, each of them carrying a tray.