“I’m supposed to be learning. The people are frightened of your men. They showed that today when your men came to take me. If I’m to have any patients to actually work on, your men need to blend. I can find them scrubs and tell the patients they are my assistant.”
Bash ponders on my words. He leans into Lo then Giovanni, each whispering in his ear. He nods then looks back at me.
“We can make that work. Be extra vigilant, Mia.”
“Understood.”
“You may leave as well.”
“Before I leave, may I request Angelo or Dante be the one in the house? I know I don’t have the right, but I would feel better, and I’m sure Izzy would too, where we know them.”
Lo growls as Bash smiles. “Of course, Mia. It won’t be a problem. I will talk to them and figure out which one would be up for it and let you know.”
“Thank you.”
Sofia walks out with me and pulls me into the den.
“What happened with you and Lo? Izzy gave me some of the details, but she doesn’t even know them all.”
I walk to the window and stare out. “I was a fool, Sof. An utter fool. I let myself care too much, and I got burned. You warned me. Izzy warned me. I didn’t listen. I suppose the ending was inevitable.”
“Oh, Mia. I’m so sorry. I know I was cautious at first, but I thought he really liked you. He’s so protective of you.”
“Seems the only reason he’s protective is because of you. Or maybe because he sees me as innocent. Either way, it’s over. No need to cry over spilt milk.”
“Mia, you don’t have to act so strong all the time. It’s okay to break down.”
I finally turn and meet her eyes. Had she said this a week ago, I might have broken down like she expects. I might have cried like I did all those nights into my pillow.
But seeing him again today? It changed my sorrow to anger. My tears are all dried up.
“I’m not going to break down, Sof. He didn’t want me. Did it hurt? Yeah, but not every man is going to want me. I know that. I’m not conceited or vain. Do I want to talk to him again? No, but I know not talking to him isn’t realistic. I went down this road, and now I have to see it through to the end. I’m going to move on. I’ll be cordial because I have to. Other than that, I’m done with him.”
I turn to leave the room. Before I’m fully out, I catch her whisper.
“I don’t know who is a worse liar. You or him.”
∞∞∞
“Good morning, Angelo.”
“Good morning, Miss Mia. How did you sleep?”
Like shit. As usual.
“Great. How is the couch treating you?”
He stretches his shoulders, and I take in a bunch of cracks.
“As well as can be expected.”
“Oh, Angelo. We need to get you an air mattress. The couch is going to cause permanent damage.”
“No need, Miss Mia. I will be fine.”
“Enough of that. I need you limber so you can protect me. We are getting you an air mattress. Today.”
He rolls his eyes as he picks up the paper. I ordered a subscription when I noticed one of the guys bringing him one each morning.
