As I pondered what this meant, I gifted her an hour with my sister, knowing Giada had the ability to calm even the most restless of souls. But an hour was all she had. A quick glance at the heavy silver watch on my wrist said we had dawdled too long already.

Under alternate circumstances, things might have been different.

I didn’t beg permission when it came to things that were mine so I did not knock, simply put my hand to the lever and let myself in. Both women turned to look at me. I told myself I didn’t care that Vittoria had regained color to her cheeks, but the easing of my gut spoke otherwise.

“Come, Vittoria. It’s time to go.”

She stood with little hesitation, only stopping to thank and hug my sister, and then she came to me, standing dutifully by my side, awaiting instruction.

Fuck me. She would never understand what her passive nature did to me.

My cock jerked happily in my drawers.

We said our goodbyes and when I walked around the car, opening the door and holding my hand out to Vittoria, she did something… odd. Her expression softened, she placed her small hand in mine and when she was seated, offered a heartfelt but breathy thank you.

Her gratefulness for bare minimum was troubling and, quite frankly, pissed me off.

Who the fuck had treated my wife so poorly that opening a car door for her was some grand gesture?

I didn’t know, but when I found them, I’d kill them.

I would offer their heads to her on a pike as an act of devotion, bury them beneath the shadow of her sadness and craft her a crown from the midnight flowers that sprouted there.

My blood boiled. I slammed the car door harder than expected and my fury rose until I turned and saw my sister standing on the porch, wringing her fingers together, wearing a look of trepidation.

She stepped forward as I went to her, meeting me half way, and her eyes were heavy with woe. She spoke quietly so Vittoria wouldn’t hear her plea. “Don’t do this. She’s just a confused girl. She’s not a bad person, Tor. You see it, don’t you? I know you do.” My sister peeked around me, finding my wife. And then she gently took my hand and squeezed as she beseeched, “Please. As your sister and a mother, I’m asking you not to do this. Please don’t do this.”

I think deep down she knew my mind would not be changed, but she had to tell herself she tried.

My hands rose to hold her upper arms. I lowered my lips to her forehead and pressed a gentle kiss to it. Then, I pulled back, peered down at her and uttered regretfully, “I have to.”

10. Northport

Chapter 10

Northport

Vittoria