CHAPTER 9

We took off 10 minutes ago. It's eight in the evening. Lunch with Dom was like breakfast, nobody said anything. And it only made things worse. The rest of the day was terrible. I went to meet Céline for consulting after lunch and stayed with her all afternoon because she wanted to redo her entire closet. At least I tried not to focus on what happened with Lohan. I try to distract myself with my cell phone, but it seems that the only thing on my mind is this. I look at the interior of the jet, bored, with two rows of cream leather seats, arranged face to face. The walls and cabinets are clad in fine, elegant wood, oozing sophistication. In the center of the hallway is a golden ceiling chandelier. Its soft, glowing light adds a touch of glamor. The large windows allow breathtaking views of the clouds and sky during the flight. Blanca nudges me:

“Hey, hey! Are you awake?”

“Blanca, leave me alone here…”, I say, quietly.

I'm facing the window. 

“But it's important. Can you come with me to the bathroom?”

I turn my head in disbelief, meeting her green eyes expectantly.

“Blanca... No!”

“Kiki, please!”, Blanca asks, loud and clear.

“No!”

“Oh, dear! What’s wrong? I've never asked you for anything.”

“Do you want me to list what’s wrong? One by one?”, I say, stressed.

“You know what I think, Blanca? A real friend doesn't list this kind of thing. She does it with an open heart.” Dominique says, “If I were you, I'd review your friendships.”

Dominique and Maurice are in the seats facing us.

“Weren't you asleep, Dom?”, Blanca asks.

“With the two of you chattering like hawks, it's impossible”, Maurice replies, also with his eyes closed.

Angry, I stand up, throwing my coat on the seat.

“Come on”, I say, pulling her by the hand, “I'm sorry, I'm just nervous”, I whisper.

I open the cabin door and as soon as Blanca enters, I close it behind us. The floor is polished white marble, reflecting the soft light and creating a feeling of spaciousness. The countertops surrounding the sink are also white marble, adding a touch of elegance to the space. Despite being a jet bathroom, it’s surprisingly spacious, with the capacity to comfortably seat up to three people.

“Now that we're here, tell me: what happened? Why do you look like that?”, she asks, putting her hand on my face in concern.

“Nothing... I've just had a difficult day.”

I say as I turn on the tap and wash my hand. Then I splash some water on my face and the back of my neck.

“Come on, Kiki. You can open up more than that... can't you?”

Blanca speaks softly as I look at her in the reflection of the mirror.

“I really just want to forget, you know?”

“Was it Dom?”

I turn off the tap with an abrupt gesture and rest my hands on the marble countertop, squeezing it tightly. I feel the tension in my fingers. Tears begin to form in my burning eyes, ready to overflow at any moment. I try desperately to keep control.

“I told you, it's nothing…”

Blanca widens her eyes, bringing me closer, stroking my hair as I lie on her shoulder.

“How can I help you if you don't tell me?”, she says, in a velvety voice.

“Lohan kissed me today…”

“And are you like this because you liked it or hated it?”, Blanca asks, sincerely.

I shoot an incredulous look at Blanca, pulling out of her embrace.

“Why would I be in this state if I'd liked it?”, I move away, leaning against the marble.

“Maybe it was emotion.”

“Blanca, he wanted me to stay in Monaco. He said he would make me happy and that all he needed was a chance. He pressed me against the door and kissed me. I pushed him away, but he wouldn't let me go. He even got pissed off when I punched him in the face. It was completely unnecessary. I didn't know he was interested like that, it was just flirting. Even when he tried it once, I thought I'd made it clear that I wanted nothing more than friendship. I don't remember very well, I was in a really bad shape that day. I always saw him as a cute guy, but never for me. And the last time he tried to kiss me, it was before…”

“What?”, Blanca asks

“I'm just exhausted.”

Blanca puts her hand on her waist.

“You don't want to tell me the whole story, fine. Just don't give me half of it. I'm sorry, you're not like this just because of that kiss. I know it was forced, and it sucks. But it wasn't just that, no.”

“It wasn't, Blanca. It's just that I can tell you now, my head is going to explode, and I'm not cool enough to talk about Dominique.”

“I was sure it was about him... it always is. What you don't say, I see. The atmosphere between you is very heavy.”

“And when is it not?”, I say, recomposing myself, “But it's going to be okay, I'm just PMSing as well.”

“If you'd told me that before, I wouldn't have come. Dominique hardly talks to me, when he does, he's rude AF. The little lawyer going the same way and you with PMS? What will become of me on this trip?”

“Everyone will survive, don't worry”, I pull myself together.

“I deserve it!”, she snorts, leaving

I fix my bangs, pinch my cheek and smile into the mirror, forcing myself to believe in hope. Which seems to be in vain for an amnesiac who will probably never remember anything and doesn't know how to deal with feelings in the slightest. As I return to my seat, I see Blanca standing next to Maurice, holding a bottle of champagne and drinking straight from it. She is visibly excited, shaking the bottle slightly as she walks. However, as she takes a step, she doesn't notice Maurice's bag on the floor. Blanca stumbles and, in an instant, loses her balance.

The scene plays out in slow motion in my mind: the champagne bottle slips out of her hand, flying to one side, as she tries futilely to regain her balance. Blanca lands on all fours on the floor, the bottle rolls and crashes into my seat. In a reflex, she leans on Maurice's legs to try to get up. Maurice, surprised, looks down as Blanca, still on her knees, tries to pull herself together, her face a mixture of shock and embarrassment.

“Since you're on all fours on the floor, go ahead and suck it”, says Maurice, in his mule-like charm.

Blanca turns red and it's far from shame, the anger in her eyes is palpable.

“If you had treated me better and not like a piece of garbage to be thrown away, I swear I would have dropped my mouth without complaining”, Blanca says in a stern tone, tossing her long hair to one side and standing up

Maurice can't believe what he's hearing, his eyes widening. If you ask me, neither do I. The problem with these two is that they say whatever they want without worrying about who's listening.

“Do you think you can cope, Maurice? With someone saying everything they think to your face? Not caring? Behaving like you?”, I say, walking past them.

And I sit down.

“Yes, I have one in training at home. And if you think I'm bad…”

“I'll pay to see that one”, I shrug.

Blanca gives me a doubtful look, while my comment makes him look away, smiling. Which isn't very common, but it does happen from time to time. And this kind of conversation loses its fun when Dominique isn't involved. As I look around, I notice that he's asleep in his seat. I take the opportunity to observe him from afar. His hair is messed up in a way that I find irresistible and his strong arms are crossed in front of his body, in a rigid posture, even while he rests. Her mouth, always so inviting, is slightly ajar. It's a shame we've never been able to understand each other, and it's been throwing me off track. It goes beyond what happened with Lohan. I miss Dom and I don't know how to cope or even understand my feelings. How can we be so close and yet so far apart?

22:02

Italy

Florence

The Palazzo Fiorentino hotel's private and exclusive elevator opens up, giving access to an elegant penthouse. The elegant central lounge is decorated with soft-looking sofas in nude tones, marble coffee tables and crystal chandeliers that add glamour to the atmosphere. The walls feature contemporary works of art and dark wood paneling, giving it a sophisticated air. This room, which connects the bedrooms, is surrounded by four luxurious doors, guaranteeing privacy. I shake my head. How naive I am, I'll have anything but privacy. The bedroom doors are made of solid wood with hand-carved details, adding a classic modern touch. There is also a living space, featuring an elegant bar with drink shelves and a black marble countertop. Next to the lounge, a glass wall opens onto a spacious outdoor terrace, which includes an infinity pool offering stunning panoramic views of Florence. The area is surrounded by luxury sun loungers, with sofas and coffee tables, ideal for enjoying a drink or a light meal while taking the view. I go over to the sofa, remove my long coat and sit down.

“I love this hotel!”, Blanca says going to the bar and pouring herself some champagne, “Kiki, get dressed because we're going out dancing! Which room is ours?”, she points to the doors.

“The first one on the end is mine”, Dominique says as he picks up his cell phone, “And there won't be any dancing for either of you”, He says, gazing at me.

I immediately turn away, not wanting to talk.

“This is absurd. I didn't come to Italy with the intention of being locked up in this penthouse. Tell me, what better way to get to know Italian than kissing?”, Blanca shoots.

“I won’t even answer you”, Dominique goes off to his room, and I follow his gaze, discreetly.

“You said it would be fun!”, Blanca practically glares at me.

“I promise I'll be better tomorrow and we'll do whatever you want”, I get up from the sofa, grab my coat, “I'm going to take a shower and go to bed.”

Maurice enters the lounge looking at us with contempt, heading to his room without saying anything, but the judgment there is visible.

“Chocolate?”

Blanca asks Vlad, who is leaning against the wall next to Dominique's room.

“On duty, ma'am.”

I let out a laugh and walk to the middle door.

“Kiki, that's my room”, Vlad warns.

That leaves me with Dominique's side. I enter the room and find a panoramic view of the city. It’s decorated in a color palette with touches of gold and white. It includes a queen-size bed, a sofa by the window and a luxurious bathroom with marble finishes and Italian spa products.

“How incredible!”, Blanca says, as she enters, removing her heels and throwing them next to the sideboard, “It's the first time I've slept with a friend in the same bed.”

“I take the left side near the door.”

After organizing our luggage in the closet, I take a shower and then realize that a significant part of the hatred I feel is the fault of my period, which has decided to come and disgrace me, as if what I was living through wasn't already enough. I go to bed defeated, just wanting this day to end soon. I lie down, seeking comfort in the soft blanket, hoping that the warmth and welcome will bring me some relief. However, as I snuggle in, I feel a sudden tug. Blanca, asleep next to me, snores softly as she pulls the blanket over herself, leaving me uncovered and feeling the chill of the room. I feel the cold creep over my skin and without the courage to fight for the comforter, I turn on my side, hugging myself. I try to find some warmth and comfort in this position. It's okay, I think, I just need to sleep. I close my eyes, exhausted and quickly falling asleep, much to my surprise.

I  jolt awake by Blanca's scream:

“Kiki!”, Blanca holds my leg, “You've already head-butted me twice, kicked me three times and elbowed me once! Fuck, are you head-banging?”

“Sleep and you'll forget.”

I fall asleep again.

“Holy shit!”, I hear Blanca.

 I lift my frightened body, looking for her, but I can't find her on the bed.

“That's enough!”, I see her get up from the floor, her blonde locks in a mess, “Let Dominique sleep with you. Do you think I'm a woman who can be beaten up in my sleep?”, she gestures with her index finger

I see her put on her slippers and head to the bedroom door. I run my hand through my bangs, trying to understand the situation and when I realize what Blanca intends to do. Suddenly, my eyes widen and I jump out of bed, running towards her.

“Come back here, you crazy woman!”, I shout, as Blanca rushes towards the door.

“The fuck I’ll come back!”, she replies, angrily.

I run out of the lounge, seeing Blanca shoot towards Dominique's room. My heart beats faster with adrenaline and the fear of what she might do. Without thinking twice, I run after her. When I get close, I leap up and throw myself over Blanca before she can reach the door. We fall to the floor together with a thud, our bodies awkwardly intertwined. Blanca lets out a cry of surprise:

“Are you trying to kill me?”

I feel the impact and a momentary pain runs through my body. Before I can get up, Blanca is already on her feet, running in the opposite direction. I watch, still dazed, as she heads back towards our room. I try to get up quickly, but I'm a step behind. Just as I'm about to reach her, she slams the door shut, right in my face. I hear the sound of the lock clicking.

“I love you, but I refuse to be beaten by a woman”, Blanca's voice is muffled because she's inside the room.

“It won't stay that way, no! You can wait for yours to come”, I shout.

I make my way to the sofa in the lounge, irritated. The lighting is low. Only the lamps are half-lit, which is good. I sit down, adjusting the pillow I've taken under my head and curl up, seeking comfort. It takes a while for me to fall asleep, I keep turning from side to side. Holy shit! I was sleeping so well, Jeez!

I open my eyes slowly, feeling the comforting warmth of a warm blanket enveloping me. I pull it tighter against me, enjoying the comfort and the sensation. My head is on a soft pillow and a familiar, woody scent envelops me. Dom's perfume. I feel a brief moment of peace, but then confusion takes over. In a quick flash, I raise my torso and lean on my palms, looking around. Why the fuck I smell his perfume? The room is unfamiliar, lit only by the soft light of the morning sun through the ajar curtains. I blink slowly, trying to process the situation. It's already dawn. The bed I'm in is huge, king size, with an upholstered headboard. All around, the room is decorated in golden tones. There is a sitting area with elegant armchairs and a small round table between them. In front of me, the door to the suite. My heart races as I try to understand how I ended up here. Dominique's woody scent still hangs in the air...

I get up in a rush, as if I'm at a crime scene. This is psychological terror. It's not possible! I go to the door and open it, bumping into Dominique, who is coming towards the room, dressed in a full black suit. His gray gaze is fixed on mine, and I blink several times.

“They set me up! It was Maurice, that's for sure! He wants to send me to the loony bin.”

Dominique still doesn't say anything, she just looks at me seriously.

“It's not possible, didn't you hear last night? Blanca kicked me out of the room and I was on the sofa in the lounge. I wasn't supposed to be here”, I say, exalted.

“I didn't hear you two. I came in at dawn and saw you on the sofa, with your ass hanging out for anyone to see”, Dominique replies

It was he who brought me...

I bite my lip, thinking of what to say, but end up letting the question out before I can control myself:

“Where did you go?”

He holds my face, fixing his gaze on mine.

“ Do I have to explain myself you? If so, I also want to know why you're behaving like this. You've been through worse with me, and you've made it. I doubt it was just that tweet.”

“You're a grown man, you don't owe me any explanation, no way”, I answer, turning my face away.

Dominique holds me tight again.

“Fuck, Kiki, what's going on?”

His gaze seems to want to unravel everything, and I swallow. I get rid of him and leave the room quickly. As I walk through the lounge, I feel Dominique grab me by the arm.

“Kiki!”

Sighing, I finally let it out:

“Eva met me at Dior and sort of threatened me with a bribe to get me to go to your niece's birthday. She said she'd give me whatever I wanted.”

Dominique seems to appreciate what I'm saying, clenching her jaw.

“I asked what I was to you. She didn't believe that we've been friends for a long time and that I'm your stylist. Said you didn't care if I took you to Dior or Armani. It didn't matter what I did, as long as I convinced you to go. For retraction, since I interrupted that, that day in the casino restaurant. She said that she has everything she wants and that it won't be any different now. She even gave me his lawyer's card and said I could ask for anything I wanted, money is no problem.”

“It's not her ass she’s working hard for this, so it really won't be”, Dominique says, “And what do you want?” his gaze is penetrating

“Nothing! I just said I'd see what I could do to get rid of her soon. And she gave me two weeks to convince you.”

“And how do you intend to do that?”, he asks, putting his hand on my waist and squeezing it.

I feel my whole skin shiver at his touch.

“I don't intend to, Dom.”

 Dominique holds my chin with one hand.

“You should. Just be careful. Eva is dangerous in her own way, but she won't give up on the offer she made. Play her game, it's the opportunity I needed to mock her, and you get what you want.”

I let out a laugh

“Do you really want me to do that?”, I ask.

“I do.”

After a hearty breakfast, I feel a little lighter, but not completely. Dominique has been watching me the whole time, as if he's still looking for answers that I don't want to give him. I feel the weight of his gaze on me, assessing, waiting. I don't think he needs to know about Lohan. I don't think that information would go down well, to say the least. If I were in his shoes and a friend did what Lohan did, I'd be furious. And honestly, I don't know what Dominique's exact reaction would be, but I imagine it wouldn't be much different and the idea of someone close to him breaking those boundaries could be dangerous.

Dominique and Maurice have left for a meeting. I waited for Blanca to wake up, feeling an unreasonable anger inside me that had nothing to do with anyone. I find myself crying because none of the clothes I brought look good on me. And there's only one explanation for that: my period. I feel ugly, bloated, horrible, in a way that I never thought would happen. And as I reflect on it, I don't know how I dealt with it before the amnesia, but my current self refuses to go through these moments of stress and deep, meaningless sadness. So I drag Blanca to a nearby clinic to see a doctor so that I can take a contraceptive and not go through this hormonal destabilization that is killing me. It's either that or go out and kill everyone. 

We got out of the car, slamming the door.

“I still don't understand what we came here for, Kiki”, Vlad asks, getting out of the vehicle, and locking the door with the key.

“What have I come here for, Vlad?”, I point to the clinic, “Blanca is going with me.”

“No way, I have orders to accompany you everywhere and you know it.”

“Chocolate, it's just a check-up, okay? Nothing serious. Dominique needs to understand that privacy is necessary. Call him and let him know that Kiki will be in my care inside.”

“I'm sure, Miss de La Rosa, that this will be worse”, Vlad communicates.

“Then it's not my problem, it's yours. Turn around, Chocolate”, Blanca says, fixing Vlad's tie

I nod with my fingertips, turning towards the entrance to the clinic and walking arm in arm with Blanca.

After the initial formalities, I begin to explain my case to Dr. Giancarla. I talk about my decision to avoid menstruation, because I want to have more control over my body. I also mention my retrograde amnesia and how cautious I am about using medication and applications. The doctor listens attentively and suggests using the continuous contraceptive patch, which she believes is a good solution. She explains that by splicing the patches, I'll be able to avoid menstruation. It may sound perfect, but how am I going to apply it to my skin without a test? Because Dominique can't test it, because of the effects it might have and I don't even want that, it's out of the question[1]. I'll have to deal with it alone, which is desperate... Since I'm at the clinic, I decide to do all the necessary tests at once. Fortunately, the results show that everything is fine with me. However, the doctor notes that my PMS is something that really affects me. At the end of the appointment, I leave with the first contraceptive patch in hand, because I chose not to let the doctor apply it. I prefer to do it myself, in my own time.

“You're good at Italian”, Blanca comments, as we go out into the corridor after closing the office door.

“I don't know what I was in the past, Blanca. But it certainly had something to do with international relations. I speak over six languages”, I reply, feeling a twinge of frustration.

“Your family must have invested a lot in you”, she observes.

“They just haven't invested in research. It's been a month and I haven't found a single ‘wanted’ with my face on it, and I've searched tirelessly”, I sigh, remembering all the unsuccessful attempts to find some clue about my past

We walk towards the exit and Blanca starts looking for something in her bag, probably her pod.

“But what about Dominique? Haven't you found anything? He must have so many contacts... it would be easy”, she asks, curiously.

“He looked and said he couldn't find anything on me”, I reply feeling a mixture of disappointment and relief.

“How shallow, right? And you don't intend to do anything else? You can't stay with him forever in this situation. And when you remember?”, she insists, worriedly.

“Blanca, the way my head feels, I'll never remember, and I don't even know if I want to anymore... Dominique said that I'm having a unique opportunity to start over and it's true. Have you ever thought that I was a horrible person? I wouldn't even have met you”, I try to argue.

Blanca stops walking and stares at me, as if trying to understand my thoughts.

“Do you want to be with him, even with this troubled relationship?”, she accuses with an incisive tone.

“No! I... I'm going to look at apartments. There are plenty in Paris, you know. Or do you think Italy suits me better?”, I turn away, trying to change the focus of the conversation.

Blanca looks at me suspiciously.

“Does Dominique know that you want to move out of his house and into a little apartment in Paris?”, she asks, clearly doubting.

“300m² with a view of the Eiffel Tower is not cheap”, I reply, trying to keep my composure.

Blanca puts her hand to her mouth in surprise.

“Aren't you going to feel claustrophobic? I haven't even entered and I'm already feeling suffocated just thinking about it. Jesus!”, she exclaims, almost shocked.

“There are some wonderful apartments with French roofs”, I say, trying to imagine the new life I could have.

“And you're going to eat canned food again?”, she asks, skeptically.

“Blanca, I can't depend on Dominique forever, you know? I have to find my own way. Besides, I'm willing to try eating alone, I just don't have the courage. It's really crazy…”, I admit, feeling a lump in my throat.

“I think everything you've just said is a very bad idea. I'm not going to support you.”, Blanca declares, her serious tone taking me by surprise.

“What's it like? Don't you support me? I need to eat alone, Blanca!”, I gesture, trying to express the importance of my plan.

“I don't support you leaving Monaco. Eating is fine, I'll help you with whatever you need, but not leaving. It's dangerous, you're safe in Monaco. You have all your friends there, so if anything happens, I'm with you. No way. Forget this crazy idea”, she insists, unwaveringly

“Jeez!”, I snort, annoyed

“‘Jeez’, I say!”, she retorts, equally frustrated.

Outside the clinic, Vlad is waiting for us with an apprehensive look on his face. Blanca with a dissatisfied beak, giving me a disbelieving look, still fixated on the conversation we had just had.

“Are you ready to go shopping?”, Vlad asks, gently.

“No! I'm too upset. I want to go back to the hotel”, Blanca opens the car door and gets in, crossing her arms in a tantrum, “Kiki wants to leave.”

“Then let's go”, the guard says.

“To Paris.”

Vlad gives him a silent look of doubt.

“I can't believe it, Blanca? Is it serious?”, I ask, incredulously.

“Get an Italian friend, since you speak so well and want to come here”, Blanca slams the car door.

I walk around the car, opening the door on the other side.

“I speak Russian too, but I didn't say I was going there.”

The drive to the hotel was marked by a tense silence. We each stood at one end of the car, not even looking at each other. If that's how she wants to take things, that's fine with me. Vlad, sensing the mood, turned on the radio, but didn't get involved. When we reached the lobby, Blanca hurried out of the car, her heels echoing with a frantic rhythm. I'm already familiar with this behavior and I know what her intention is: she wants to secure the room for herself again. That puts me on alert. Without wasting any time, I run, determined. We enter the elevator, one pushing the other, shoulder to shoulder. When we reach the penthouse...

“Why don't you ask your little Italian friend to help you find a hotel so you can sleep?”, Blanca says, before leaving the elevator, “You won't sleep in my room.”

“It's my room!”

“Just because my money is frozen, doesn’t mean you can throw me out”, Blanca shouts.

“I don't give a damn about your money, Blanca.”

Horrified, she puts her hands to her lips.

“I need it!”, she says, clasping her hand to her chest.

“You need to work and learn its value. Because 300m² is fucking big, Blanca.”

“So, have you made up your mind? Terrible, Kiki! You're terrible”, shouts Blanca, throwing her bag on the sofa, “I thought we were friends, but Maurice is a better friend than you.”

I even choked. Now it's personal!

“You only became my friend because of Lolla Grace! If it wasn't for her, you wouldn't even be talking to me. You don't even care how I feel!”, I say out loud.

“What I've tried most here is to make you well. All the time. You don't even open up to me, how am I supposed to know how you feel? But I'm always here to take you in, take care of you, for you to turn to me, telling me you're going to live in Paris, alone, with no memory, make other friends, forget about me, you fucking bitch[2]!”

“Exaggerated!”, I say loudly, “Am I not with you all the time? Worrying about you, helping you with everything you need. I set up a wake from scratch without knowing how to do one. I'm not throwing it in your face, I'm just saying... I'm doing my best to make sure you're okay and don't have to go through this phase alone. You came with me to Italy and look how you're acting, because I assumed something…”

“Kiki…”, Blanca adjusts her black dress, changing the tone of her voice.

“No, that's it! I've had enough of this”, I open the door to my room, “You're the one sleeping outside tonight, you clown” I slam it behind me as I enter.

I return to the lounge sometime later, still with no sign of Blanca. I feel terrible that we had a fight. The whole situation weighs on me. Her reaction was so disproportionate and realizing that she doesn't support me, not even in a mere assumption, makes me angry. It's as if she thought I'd get on the first plane and abandon her. Ridiculous.

I go to the bar and get a bottle of water, making sure the seal is intact before opening it. I sit down on the sofa and put the contraceptive patch on the coffee table, looking at it. I take a deep breath. It shouldn't be so difficult. Come on, you can do it. Just peel off the tape and stick it on, no biggie. I take a sip of water and put it back on the table. I feel my anxiety growing. I ruffle my hair with my hands in frustration. Damn it! I slam my fist on the table, feeling the desperation rising. Why am I like this? It can't go wrong. I saw the doctor hand over the box of patches and it's completely sealed. There's no way it can kill me or do any harm. My mind knows this, it's very aware, but my body simply won't obey. It's too scary. I feel a disconnection, as if my body is panicking, even though I know everything is safe. This lack of control leaves me paralyzed, caught between the rational and the irrational. How can I try to eat on my own if I can't even do that? I'm a failure.

I hear the elevator door and heavy footsteps against the floor.

“Kiara, what the fuck is this about Vlad not being allowed in with you? He's your security guard. It's in the fucking contract! No matter where you go, he has to be with you. You've already been attacked inside a hospital, imagine inside a clinic? If you're ill, I need to know. I'll call the fucking doctor for you”, his tone is harsh, angry, with a hint of concern

I get up from the sofa, staring at Dominique with a frown. I, who can no longer stand today, say:

“I can't even go to the fucking gynecologist in peace? How absurd! Can't I deal with my life in my own way, without feeling suffocated? No, Vlad doesn't have to overstep his boundaries. He waited for me outside and that was enough! What a pain!”

“Why didn't you tell me? If you needed anything, just fucking ask”, he says, in disbelief.

“ Listen, I don't know what my life was like before all this, but I miss doing simple things and there are things you can't do for me.”

Dominique runs his hands through his blonde hair, messing it up.

“You're fucked, girl”, he says, impatiently.

I sit back down on the sofa, exhausted. I try to ignore Dominique's presence in the room, diverting my attention back to the sticker. It's hard to concentrate, but I try to focus on the task ahead, even with the silent tension between us. Dominique approaches and crouches down in front of me, level with me. With a calm gaze, he smoothes my hair with one hand and asks:

“Kiki, what did you go to the doctor for? I want to know.”

I take a deep breath, trying to stay calm.

“I'm stressed because I'm in those days. I went to the doctor to do some tests and get a contraceptive. That's all.”

“Did you get it?”, Dominique raises an eyebrow, curious, “Have you taken it?”

I bite my lower lip and shake my head in denial. He turns to look at the table and sees the sticker there.

“Is that it?”, he asks, uncertain

“Yeah”, I answer.

Dominique takes the sticker between two fingers and then grabs me by the thighs, lifting me off the sofa. Instinctively, I wrap my hands around his neck. He carries me to the door of his room, pushing it open and closing it behind us. Dom takes me to the bed and throws me on it. The impact against the soft mattress is unexpected and abrupt. He keeps his penetrating gaze on me as he holds the patch, removing the film and placing it in the palm of his hand.

“Dominique, have you gone mad?”, I exclaimed, not knowing what to expect.

“I said I'll fucking do anything.”

He replies in a firm voice. My heart starts rushing. He puts a knee between my legs and his hands slide slowly down, squeezing my ass hard. I feel a mixture of nervousness and anxiety as he slowly hikes up my dress, lifting the fabric above my waist. With a firm movement, he turns my torso and then I feel the patch being placed on my lower back.

After applying the patch, Dominique places a soft kiss on my lower back. He begins to move up my body, leaving a trail of kisses on my skin. Each touch of his lips sends waves of electricity throughout my body. As he gets closer, I slowly turn around, wrapping my legs around his waist and wrapping my arms around his neck. Our gazes meet, charged with an electrifying tension. It's as if the air around us is charged with anticipation and arousal. I moisten my lips, looking at his with palpable temptation. My heart beats fast and my breat becomes irregular. I lift my neck and reach for his mouth, then kiss him with a wild, desperate intensity. Our lips meet with overwhelming force, as if we were starving for each other, every movement charged with unbearable urgency. We hear a knock at the door, followed by:

“Hey, you son of a bitch, Matteo asked me to reschedule the meeting for tomorrow morning because he hasn't been able to get the paperwork we asked for. The financial reports are already with me, I'll look at them later.”

Maurice speaks from the other side of the door and Dom keeps kissing me. I stroke his hair, slipping my fingers between the strands, pulling, rubbing my body against his.

“Dominique, can you fucking hear me?”, Maurice shouts, impatiently.

He lets go of my lips and stands up, snorting.

“I fucking am. I was pissing.”

“Hey, the two crazy women aren't here and Vlad is downstairs. They're fucking up. I'm going out and I don't have a time to be back, don't call me.”

Maurice's footsteps move away and I look at Dom. I get up and fix my dress.

“Come on, let's have lunch”, he pulls me by the hand.

And I follow him out of the room.

Vlad drops us off in front of a sophisticated restaurant in the heart of Florence. Upon entering, we are greeted by a welcoming and refined atmosphere. The gleaming white marble floor contrasts with the dark wood furniture, creating a perfect balance between modernity and tradition. The atmosphere is intimate, with soft lighting that creates a sense of comfort and elegance.

At the back of the restaurant, a large glass window offers a lovely view of a courtyard with a small water fountain, surrounded by lush green plants. The tranquillity of the setting perfectly complements the dining experience. We had lunch and chatted while tasting the wonderful food. It's one of the best meals I've ever had. I enjoyed a macaroni with funghi sauce, delicious and rich in flavor, while Dom savored a lasagna Bolognese. To accompany it, an incredible Malbec that elevated the experience even further. Dom looks at me with an amused smile.

“Can you handle a wine tasting?”

I smile in response.

“Right away.”

The terrace is an elegant and welcoming refuge on top of a historic building in Florence. Around it, terracotta pots filled with aromatic plants such as rosemary, lavender and basil, as well as vibrant flowers, add color and scent to the atmosphere. On the horizon, the majestic dome of the Duomo and the iconic tower of Palazzo Vecchio stand out against the sky, creating a breathtaking landscape. As well as the view of the city, you can see the Tuscan hills in the distance, covered in olive trees and cypresses. In one corner of the terrace, there is a small seating area with a sofa and a coffee table. Colorful cushions and a wool blanket are laid out, ready to be used when the temperature drops. We sip one glass after another, in between conversations and laughter.

“Try this one”, I take the glass to Dom, who sips it, tasting it.

“A refreshing white with citrus notes and a mineral touch”, says Dominique, after his fourth glass.

He passes it to me and I turn at once, putting aside my finesse, agreeing with all the characteristics Dominique has said.

“You know wine.”

“I'm wrong.”

“Fool me with this one, then”, he picks up a glass from the tray and hands it to Dom.

Dominique frowns, his expression contorting in disgust, before spitting into the terracotta pot next to her.

“Dom, what's wrong? Is it spiked?”, I say, alertly.

“No, it's juice. That's disgusting.”

I let out a laugh. And I realize that I'm quite drunk. A feeling of lightness comes over me, as if the world is slightly out of focus and a warm joy invades me, making everything brighter and more distant.

“Try this one”, Dom, who is tasting another wine, stretches his glass towards me.

As I picked up the bottle and looked at the label, it flashed in my direction.

“I spent some time here in Italy. I have a friend who owns this winery here. He's a cool guy, he's a heavyweight, but he's a good guy. We turned the Mediterranean upside down. But fate was ungrateful to him…”, Dominique's tone is one of regret.

I put my hand to my chest, astonished at the tragic turn the conversation had taken.

“Is he dead?”

“Worse. He got married. I saw him yesterday at dawn.”

I raise an eyebrow, not holding back a laugh.

“Do you always come to Italy?”

“I'm coming lately. I have business to settle with the people here. Investors and all that. When I was a kid, I lived here for a year.”

And I'm curious, I rest my glass on the high table, listening to him.

“Why did you come here?”

Dominique takes another glass and turns the drink over.

“It was necessary”, his gray eyes are lined with a contained anger.

“What happened? Does it have to do with what you said to me that day in the garage?”, I ask.

Dom holds my chin firmly, his fingers warm and firm against my skin. His eyes meet mine, fixed and penetrating. There's a raw intensity in his gaze, a mixture of desire and defiance that makes my heart race.

“What's all this about Paris?”, he misleads me.

His gray eyes locked on mine. Rolling my eyes, bored, I say:

“I've already had a fight with Blanca today and I'm not willing to continue with you, Dominique. Vlad must surely have told you about what he heard earlier today.”, I take his hand off my chin and continue, “Dom, it was just an idea I had, I can't stay in your house forever, I need to start organizing my life, you know? The way you talk, it's like I'm packing my bags and bon voyage. It's just plans.”

Dominique keeps her gaze fixed on mine, her face serious.

“The way you say it, it sounds like I've set a date for you to go. But you don't understand, Kiki. You're not going.”

“Why?”

“Because you're staying. If you want to start again and whatever, Monaco is the best place for it.”

“What if I want an apartment in Paris? What's the problem?”

“ If you want an apartment so badly, I'll give you one in Monaco. You can watch the GP from your balcony.”

“I don't want one, thank you. That's not the point.”

“What's the point? To annoy me?”

I snort, out of patience.

“I like Paris, there's more choice there, incredible sights, there's Disneyland... just imagine how incredible it must be to go down a rollercoaster with Mickey by your side”, I say, my voice a little groggy.

Dominique, with a slightly exasperated look on her face, takes the wine glass from in front of me.

“I think you've had enough wine.”

We left the tasting with the sun setting over the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink. We continued chatting in the car, without involving Paris, while Vlad drove us back to the hotel. The atmosphere was quiet, but there was a silent tension in the air. Dominique was certainly put off by what I'd said.

On arriving at the hotel, Dominique received an important call and turned away to answer it, his expression serious as he concentrated on the conversation. Watching him for a moment, I felt a mixture of curiosity and tiredness, but decided not to go any further. I walked towards my room, just wanting to sleep and forget about the day's discussions. When I entered the room, it was cool and quiet. I tried to call Blanca, but her cell phone was switched off. Vlad said she was out shopping, probably taking advantage of the free time to distract herself. I lay down. I close my eyes, trying to shut out the tumultuous thoughts. Monaco, Paris, Dom... everything seemed to be spinning in my mind, but at that moment, I decided to put it all aside and just try to rest.