[ S E R A P H I N E ]At 6:45, my concentration gets shattered when Dominico shows up at the entrance and strides in with his stepmom.The ever-gorgeous Mrs. Tomassini. Like always, she's wearing expensive-looking clothes that show off her slim and athletic body, exuding class and sophistication with every step. Her ensemble this evening is a pair of leggings and a black racerback sports bra. They match her trainers, as well as her shiny brown hair bound by a high ponytail.I put on my best smile the second we make eye contact. The receptionist desk hides me from the chest down to my high heels, but I'm pretty sure she remembers my face.Behind her, clad in a dark suit and white shirt, Dominico focuses on his phone and looks like he just got out of the office. Tentative steps and a frown make him look a tad uncomfortable. I feel like a deer caught in headlights. Right now I want to pull him to the side, confront him and punch him in the throat before his stepmom can strike up a conve
[ D O M I N I C O ]So this is her on a bad day. I bet she's itching to tell me to get lost. And not in a nice way this time. My fiancée wants me out of here. As far away from her as possible. She thinks I'm just a pain in her neck, and I get it. No woman in her right mind would hang around me for more than five minutes. Unless they need something from me. Or they want something from my family and their handy, mostly shady connections. I'm sitting in this plush couch alone with my buzzing phone. Tired. Restless. Covered in sweat. I sigh and unbutton the front of my shirt. This humidity is fucking distracting. But still not as much as she distracts me. She doesn't even have to do anything. Merely existing in my peripheral vision is enough to throw me off my game.I bite back the urge to swear while my pretend girlfriend leans on the front desk, tirelessly greeting clients with a smile that could end wars. Wait. Shit. We're not boyfriend-girlfriend anymore. People think we're get
[ S E R A P H I N E ] Darn. It's past my bedtime. I'm stupidly waiting up for a phone call that isn't coming. I'm back on morning shift tomorrow, but my mind's still a mess. A putrid wasteyard filled with unwanted memories and equally vexing presumptions. Like the past couple of nights, sleep eludes me as my brain wrestles with the unknowns. I'm all alone again here in Dominico's old room, here in his old apartment, staring at the windows I've left open. The night feels warmer than I expected. There's a hint of his scent in the air, but maybe it's just the clothes he left in the closet. I grab my phone on the nightstand and check my notifications again, half-expecting a new message from Angelo. But there's nothing from him. I groan. A sigh of exhaustion comes out of me instead. I lie on my back and shut my eyes. “Stop it. He's just not that into you. Stop deluding yourself.” I yank my pink wig off my head and toss it on the thick covers. It's beyond unsettling... This
[ D O M I N I C O ]The exhaustion lingers. But it won't let me fucking sleep. Not that it's anything new. “Shit.” I fist the edge of the pillow under my throbbing head, forcing my eyes to stay closed. The pills haven't kicked in. I don't know if I'll ever be able to reset my sleep cycle with all the shit that's been going on. But it's not what bothers me most. It's her. Just her. It's becoming a problem. Separating my fantasies from our reality. That phone call is still gnawing on my brain. Relentlessly eating at the peace I'm trying to regain. I just can't get her soft, beautiful voice out of my head. That was not the conversation I wanted us to have. I didn't plan on riling her up like that. That was fucking stupid. Immature. Unnecessary. “Way to go.” I slap my forehead over and over until it stings. I don't think she realizes how much our agreement has changed the dynamic between us. It's only been weeks since we met, but, it's happening. It's brewing. And it's not going awa
[ S E R A P H I N E ] Wow. Just wow. I don't know why I believed him when he said this is “just another fancy house”. This isn't a house! This place is the definition of grand. Huge. Imposing in every way. The first mansion I've been invited to. And not one room disappoints. The cream and gold color scheme reminds me of a modern castle, and knowing Mrs. Tomassini's impeccable taste, I'm sure just the furniture in here cost them at least a million euros. I hide a frown when she tells me there are eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms, excluding the maid's quarters by the poolside. They don't have any kids. Who's using all those spare rooms? Because I'm sure Dominico isn't. Just minutes ago he said he rarely sleeps here. We're surrounded by luxury and big, gorgeous artworks, but he doesn't look the least bit impressed. I mean, I get it. This is his childhood home, after all. I don't think any of this is new to him. But I don't doubt his stepmom. The garage alone looks bigger than my
[ S E R A P H I N E ]One down. Zero to go. I wish.We're finally back here in his old place. All alone. No more peering eyes. No more faking smiles. No more pretending. No more audience to perform for and impress. No more lies and half-truths to rehearse. Well, for now. Tomorrow's another story.Apart from the burnt coconut apple pie, the dinner with his stepmom went smoother than we anticipated. She even said she can't wait to hang out with us again. The experience wasn't as bad as I imagined. Yet the weight of the past week is still messing with my thoughts. My peace of mind. I sink onto the couch. Another long day. I need a solid eight hours of sleep.While his keys jangle in his pocket, Dominico joins me and sits to my right, looking more exhausted after driving for almost two hours. We enjoy the silence for a moment, his eyes closed, his long legs spread open.“You okay?”“Half-dead. But, sure. I'm okay.”A giggle escapes me when he imitates a gun with his fingers and prete
[ S E R A P H I N E ] I hope he likes redheads, too. This wig isn't even three months old, but it's already got signs of wear and tear. Some of the color has faded, and under bright lights, some sections look a pale shade of pink. But it still looks cute on camera, so I'm keeping it until the roots disintegrate. After I finish sending the last of my newest photos to my sugar daddy, my phone buzzes in my hands. I yank my mask off and gawk at the screen.It's him. Angelo. Finally, his name flashes across my notifications panel, his first message today accompanied by his usual greeting. [ Hi baby. Sorry for the late reply. Work problems since yesterday. ] Before I can start typing my response, he sends another message. [ You look so fucking hot and cute in these pics. ] [ You still like me with red hair? ] My heartbeat quickens before I can even send my reply. The funny feeling in my belly only grows as I rack my brain for something else to say. While I'm mentally organizing my next
[ D O M I N I C O ] The next day, I leave the office around three. It's hours earlier than usual, but they'll survive without me. I'm no good to them when I'm this distracted. Anxious. Scatterbrained. I go to the gym, work out, then take a shower before I drive the Maserati to the country club with Fico in my other car trailing behind. Raindrops blur the windshield and match the tempo of my racing thoughts. I sigh and focus on the road. I navigate the curves and turns as best as I can. As best as my temper allows me. Guilt is still churning up my gut, incessantly gnawing at me like a persistent itch I can't reach. My conscience is screaming at me to stop lying to Seraphine and just tell her everything. But doing so will also jeopardize her safety in more ways than I'm willing to admit. The auditing job Enzo expects her to say yes to — it's much more than a confidential temp job. The list of risks only keeps growing every time I think about it. She's a fast learner and mentally ca
[ S E R A P H I N E ] “One last sheet. One last,” I sigh to myself, stretching my aching back as I recline. Looks like I'm still alone out here. I'm sitting by the pool, enjoying the gorgeous pink-orange sunset while waiting for Dominico to finish working. I stare at my laptop screen. I'm almost done with my work for the day, but my focus is split, already dwindling. Some mornings, I don't even feel like checking my emails. But I can't just quit now. I don't wanna feel like a freeloader or look for another job. Dominico can take care of me and provide our baby's needs. I know. But I don't want him to think I'm getting too comfortable. He's still upstairs, probably not done with their virtual meeting. “Emergency board meeting,” he told me an hour ago. Dom's been working from home all week. The new virus is still wreaking havoc all over the country. It's starting to scare me and Mamma, actually. Dominico agreed to stay home because he doesn't want to risk it. Our health and our b
[ D O M I N I C O ] “Look, Freja. It's my own money. And this isn't a loan. You don't have to pay me back. Okay?” Do I sound like an arrogant douche? I hope not. I sit back and buckle up, dying to get home. Freja’s tear-streaked face stays on the edge of the screen. The gray skies outside her window match the somber look in her eyes. She dabs at her pinkish cheeks, trying to put the waterworks on pause. It's not that she's been blindsided by her ex-husband's death. The sudden loss and grief. She knew what she was getting into the moment she agreed to be his wife. But it's not really her fault that she can't give her child a better life right now. I can't undo any of my father's actions or rewrite the past. But I could at least make sure that she and her kid won't struggle for another couple of years. “I just wired you the money.” “Thank you,” she murmurs with weak nods. I glance at the damp road. “Should cover tuition and some bills. If you need more, just call or text
[ S E R A P H I N E ] “We were gonna tell you. I-I just…” Just what? Forgot that I exist? That I have feelings, too? That I'm her best friend and they should've told me they're... Sheesh! I don't even wanna imagine what they've been up to. “Just what? It just slipped your mind?” Pierre glances at me, still can't look me in the eye. Like he knows how hurt I am. He should. This is like... It's betrayal. Right? I'm their best friend! I have the right to feel this way. “You just conveniently forgot?” My voice wavers. The odd numbness in my core spreads down my legs. Shucks. Breathing feels like a chore now. “Was it that hard to send me a text? Pick up the phone and just give me a call?”I probably sound hysterical. Overdramatic. I really don't care. I glare at Pierre, trying to dismiss the shock and hide the barely repressed anger. But I'm sure it looks like I'm failing miserably at it. Pierre sighs briefly, his hands on his hips. He's staring at the ground. Like he can't be bother
[ S E R A P H I N E ] “Hey. Alfeo looks more buff. Like, he looks bigger than you now.” Must be because Alfeo isn't taller and often wears clothes that flaunt his broad shoulders. I sit up on the bed, ogling my hot baby daddy as he walks out of the bathroom. “Is he taking anything? Steroids, or...” Dom snickers, glancing at me while he dries his hair with a black towel. After locking the door, he grabs a few clothes from his closet. “Why? Couldn't ask him yourself?” I scratch the back of my head. I don't know what his best friend's been up to lately. I haven't seen Alfeo in months. But I'm glad that he's not too busy to hang out with us. Maybe he's bulking up to impress a girl. Or girls? Not that it bothers me. He's always gonna be welcome here. Dominico still trusts him with his life. And no matter what his family thinks, Alfeo is still his most loyal friend. “Is he dating someone?” Dom scoffs and scrunches up his nose. It's straight, but the tip is a little bulbous, not too f
[ D O M I N I C O ] Are they downsizing? Or my dad's running out of payola? What even is this room? This is much smaller than the well-guarded room they let us use before. Smells like dried piss and sweat, too. Unlike the last time I was here, the prison guard stands behind the door. Just one. No weapon in sight, but I bet my left kidney he's carrying at least two. I sit down in front of the divider, surprised that the only prisoner I'm visiting agreed to see me today. I know he's still pissed that I didn't come by much sooner. That I didn't show up the last time he told me to be here. He wanted me to deliver more hush money, and of course more cash for his protection. And he's probably more pissed that I didn't help Ricchar Falco find his missing uncle. Stefano. The disgraced shipping mogul. The big-time swindler who ran off with the redhead. Daddy Dearest's former number one whore. Only because the bitch impressed him in and out of the sack. Glancing at the tall, dusty walls,
[ S E R A P H I N E ]What if Leandro found out about everything we did, all the sleuthing I tried, and the heap of evidence we contributed to the investigation, and then he got furious enough that he...Any way you look at it, my theory isn't farfetched. The guy's got motive. I don't wanna be the one to dwell on these negative thoughts. But we should consider the possibility. My privacy, my career, and my family's safety might be compromised.I'm pretty sure he's not here in Florence. Yet the feeling that he's somewhere near won't leave my head. Even now. Here in Dominico's house, a well-guarded private property in a gated neighborhood. I feel exposed. A little vulnerable. Even though I'm so much safer here with Dominico and Mamma keeping an eye on me. Plus the security staff guarding the property 24/7."Okay. I'll talk to Enzo again," Dom mumbles before reaching for my hand, giving it a light squeeze before he lets out a breath. Regrets and some frustration replace the pent-up anger
[ S E R A P H I N E ] I step out of the bathroom, my skin still warm from the shower. I took a quick one just to help me relax. To help me fall back to sleep. I'm not sure if it will. The rain outside taps lightly against his windows, an almost soothing rhythm that contrasts the weight of my thoughts. Although I'm wearing a robe, I feel the chill in the air as I walk towards his bed, my footsteps quiet. Dom's still wide awake like I guessed. He's sitting on the wrinkled covers, his attention fixed on his phone. As I approach him, he sets his phone down, and his heavy-lidded gaze shifts to my face. I sit close to him and try to ignore the tension in the air. It's not the same awkwardness I felt right after I tried to kiss him for the first time. It's something else. Can't quite put my finger on it. But it's nothing we can't address. I'm sure. “Hey.” “Feel better?” “A little.” I put on a smile. I hold onto his forearm when he goes back to reading some emails. ”Babe, that ema
[ D O M I N I C O ] Shit. I almost tore the label off. Cracked and nearly broke the cap into pieces, too. It's not clumsiness, though. I'm too distracted. Tired. Impatient. Frustrated. With caution, I press down a strip of tape over the torn label, running my thumb across it to smooth out the small creases. I can't just look up the right dosage on the internet. This label is practically the only thing helping me keep track of the proper dosage. I reach for the roll of tape again. I tear about an inch off the roll. Right after I put the bottle away, soft shuffling noises behind me interrupt me before I can get rid of the clutter on the counter. I look up and stare at my reflection in the mirror. Seraphine is standing at the bathroom door, just a couple of steps away, her eyes wide and unfocused. She's wearing the blue shirt I gave her before she went to sleep. There's some tension in her posture. Why is she out of bed? I turn to face her and put down the roll of tape near
[ D O M I N I C O ] “Cara, dico solo che...” [Dear, I’m just saying...] “Sì?” [Yes?] I tilt my wine glass, sitting back and interrupting my stepmother again. I don't have to keep my mouth shut. I already know how uncomfortable Seraphine feels. Trying to sit still beside me, she takes a small bite of bread and stares at Mamma, who's seated across from us and not really minding the food on her plate. Rain still patters on the windows. But it shouldn't turn into something worse. This should be a calm, quick, easy dinner. Unless Mamma brings up what happened last night. If that happens, Seraphine will probably... “Sephie, è più prudente se tu rimani qui ora.” [It's safer if you stay here for now.] My stepmother is talking a bit slower now, dragging her vowels. She drops her delicate smile, then sets down her fork with a soft clink. “Non preoccuparti, Mamma. Porto sempre una mascherina extra nel caso mi dimenticassi di indossarne una,” Seraphine replies with a polite smile, her vo