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Fuck.
Her shaking fingers moved to her hair. What the hell happened? And why was he still here? The clock read 6.17 a.m. By this time, he was always up and at his desk.
“Y-you don’t have work?”
His eyes narrowed as if questioning her sanity.
She was, too.
“I didn’t want to leave you alone after last night, so I thought I would start a bit later today. And for good reason.” Gio inspected her warily, as if he was seeing an alien creature. “What was that?”
Her fingers dug into the sheets. Terror choked her.
Gio carefully sat down next to her and wound his fingers through hers to calm her agitated movements. The silky mess of her hair shielded her from his gaze, but he tucked that aside too, revealing her pale face to him. At any other time, the gentle touch and heady scent of his musk, along with his half-naked state, would have riveted her. But right now, Ana wanted nothing more than for him to leave.
She had no answers for him. Nothing that wouldn’t raise his alarm further. The old nightmare had wrapped its putrid, vengeful arms so closely around her that it wouldn’t let go. All she wanted was some time alone to unravel it from her head and compose herself again.
“Ana,” Gio beseeched, cupping her cheek.
Tears pricked at her. Would he be as kind if he knew the truth?
It wasn’t her fault. That’s what she told herself time and time again. But the Family was a cold and unforgiving society, and Gio, as its leader, was just as harsh. He dealt out punishments for disloyalty and issued tests to unsuspecting staff.
Did he trust her? Or was she enduring one long test?
Shifting back until his hand was dislodged, Ana pretended not to notice him stiffening at her rejection. The air between them crackled with tension.
“Are you–” his hand fisted, “upset over the guard?”
Ana shook her head in denial, her teeth chattering. “J-just…startled. It must have caused a random nightmare. I-I don’t remember any of it.”
He didn’t comment. The lie was obvious.
“I’ll postpone the introductory meeting with Reggie,” he said. “You should just take it easy today.”
Ana nodded, clenching her jaw to keep from chattering. She was too raw and tired for any meetings with guards. Gio seemed to sense it too, as he discontinued his line of questioning. He just sat there without touching her or talking. But he was a solid mass of support.
That familiar calm numbness gradually returned to her as they sat together in silence, his presence shielding her against the past.
When she blinked sleepily, he asked her if she needed anything.
“I just want to be alone,” she whispered, closing her eyes. Not wanting to see the hurt on his face, or worse, the indifference.
Chapter 11
It felt unreal that the gala was here, mere hours away.
Ana adjusted the gold necklace, which, along with her long brown hair, reflected beautifully against the emerald silk dress. Her fingers adjusted the pleating at each shoulder, counting each fold carefully until all other thoughts faded away.
Everything felt right when she had a dress in her hands. And this one was a gorgeous, slinky creation. Not one of her own designs, but it made her feel like a different woman. Sultry and confident. There was a modest dip in the front where she’d nestled the necklace and a slit up her right leg, which was visible only when she walked. But it was the buttery silk fabric that was the most provocative part, molding to her body like a second skin.
She hoped her makeup did similar wonders for her face. The shadows under her eyes were heavy, her sleep routine only recently returning to normal.
For the last three weeks, she’d lied stiffly and anxiously beside Gio each night, unable to fully fall asleep until he rose at dawn. All in fear of another panic attack.
Her husband had let it go once, but he wouldn’t again.
Ping.
