Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“No, I came down for some water.”
I amble over to the sink to fill a glass, ignoring Uri’s chiseled bare chest. He has on a pair of silk sleep pants and his gun holster. I guess that’s a family trait.
I have my holster on under my robe. I never roam the house unarmed, not after that attack in Chicago. Besides, the weight of the guns soothes me.
I can use all the soothing I can get tonight. I’m having those stupid sex dreams more often. They seem to become more vivid each time.
“You want to talk about it?” Uri asks as he takes a seat at the island.
“No, not at all,” I reply and gulp down my glass of water.
Refilling the glass, I then go to sit with him. It’s been a while since we’ve had one of our talks. I am happy to see Uri, so I’m eager to spend a little time with him.
“How have you been? How’s the ankle? You’re not limping as much,” he says.
“I am fine. It was only an ankle ligament sprain. A few weeks of rest and it was back to normal. I was fine when Adriano made a big fuss about it.”
“You speak as if you’re not a dancer.”
“I am, but you can’t believe that I dance and play year-round. I take breaks from the company to focus on the orchestra. This happens to be offseason for dance.”
“Have I told you how proud of you I am? I’m sorry I have been so busy in the last year. I want to have a meeting with you and Michael.
“You should be with family. I want you to come to New York. This distance serves no purpose any longer,” he says as he stabs at the ice cream.
“Does Micheal know about this? Has he asked for my return?”
Uri sighs. “I believe it is time I intervene. He has been angry since you left Italy. He’s not himself any longer.”
“I had to leave,” I whisper.
“No need to explain to me. Italy wasn’t a safe place for you. It was a good thing you left when you did.”
“Can I think about it?”
“Of course, love. Take your time. It might be selfish of me to want you all in New York with me.”
“You seem happier. How is Nico? I would like to see him if that’s all right.”
“He is recovering, but he has a long way to go. You are welcome whenever you are ready.”
“There are a few more shows booked for this season. I will have to look at my schedule and … I have some other things to sort out.”
I pause to think about my secret business. I will have to shut it down if I move to be with my family. However, that’s not what’s holding me back.
I need to find a way to get in touch with Mrs. Mairettie. I need her to tell me it’s time to return to Michael. If he’s not safe, I won’t return. I can’t.
“Look at me, Symphony,” Uri says.
I turn my gaze to his and hold it. He gives a nod of his head and smiles. I reach for my band and pop it a few times. The sweet sting filters out all the anxiety that’s building.
“I know about your assassin operation. I have allowed it because Adriano believed it suited your needs and you’re good at it. While it’s not something we’ve allowed the women to do in the family, I’ve decided our family will make an exception.
“Michael may not feel the same, but I have someone in my life who’s proving the old ways wrong. Your work is professional and clean. Your decision-making shows wisdom.
“When I say I’m proud of you, Sim. I mean everything about you. I already know the truth.”
“Is that why he has never spent a dime? Because he ratted me out. Stinking buttface.” I seethe.
Uri roars with laughter. “Adriano cares for you. Maybe more than he should.”
“You’re not angry?”
“Why should I be? You have become who your grandfather has wanted. Michael has also exceeded the don’s wishes.
“I think I understand the plan he has had all along. I have fallen into a plan myself. I now understand the plotting and planning of old men. Sometimes it works out better than you can imagine.”
“I hope you are right.”
“I know I am. I just need you to decide if coming to New York and living with Michael is what you want.”
“Will he forgive me? Is that what he wants? I know about the woman he is seeing,” I murmur down at the countertop.
Uri leans over to kiss my forehead. I fight back the tears that burn the backs of my eyes. I was devastated to learn about this Julissa woman.
I hate her, but I can’t be mad at Michael. I ran away. Annabella has told me how upset Michael was.