16

Gianni

What’s taking Caterina so long to get home from work?

I know it’s irrational. One physical encounter, and now I feel like she owes me an explanation for everything. I’m being ridiculous.

The past few days have pushed my self-control to its limits. The constant push-and-pull, the battle between wanting her desperately and wanting what’s best for her, has created unbearable tension between us. It’s maddening to know how easily I can influence her, and I’m fighting not to give in to the urge to have her right there on the kitchen counter whenever we cross paths.

Every moment I resist only makes her occupy more of my thoughts. She’s all I can think about.

Today was her first day at her new job, but there’s no reason for her to stay late. It takes half an hour to get from town at this time of night, yet the beat-up Corolla she drives is still missing.

And I’m ready to rip some fucking heads off.

“Roger!” My bark brings him from his smaller office across the hall in record time. “How