Page 43 of House of Lies
She chose Mattia, and he failed to protect her like he was unable to protect his wife.
“Oh, so it’s just me sharing. Fine.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. There’s just not much I can tell you about our relationship.”
I’m saved when we arrive at Ermanno’s mansion. I’ve already lied so much to Caelia, and I’d rather avoid it if I can. If there’s something I hate, it’s the media. And, of course, Ermanno wants his charity ball to hit the press.
“It’s just a night,” Caelia whispers as I stop the car in front of the mansion.
“What?”
“You look stressed.” She takes my hand in hers and rubs my skin with her thumb. “I’m sure it won’t be that bad. Try to look at the bright side. You’re still wearing underwear.”
She makes me laugh without trying too hard. It’s concerning that she can say something is wrong just by looking at me. I lean in and kiss her.
“Whatever you do, don’t leave my side.”
She nods, licking her lips. I step out of the car and open the door for her, remaining expressionless as flashes go off left and right. I smirk when she looks up at me, though. The valet takes the car away, and we make our way up the grand steps to the front door, where we’re being met by two footmen dressed in black suits. As we step into the hall, my stomach recoils. Rich tapestries hang from the walls, and marble statues of ancient gods and goddesses line the corridors. Everything is illuminated with a soft light from the intricate chandeliers. Everyone is smiling and chatting, with glasses of champagne being delivered by staff in crisp white shirts and black trousers.
With Caelia’s arm wrapped around mine, we make our way through the crowd toward the ballroom, where a live orchestra is playing classical music. It is quite a sight. It makes me sick. The room is filled with couples walking around the floor, their movements lit by the many candles that line the walls. A large table at the end of the room is set up with food and drinks.
“Mattia, my son!”
Without even thinking, I place my hand on top of Caelia’s and squeeze her lightly. I see her smile before I turn toward Fiona. She’s wearing a long black dress with her dark hair braided back. My jaw clenches, my hand wraps itself into a fist, and I feel like lightning struck me. I’ve heard stories about her. I had to gather information, but this is the first time I've laid eyes on her. I’m not nervous. I’m not excited. There’s no anticipation or dread. I’m grateful to her in a way she will never understand. In a way that no one will ever understand. This is not the family I wanted. Alexei wasn’t flawless, but he was a good father. She’s one step away when she smiles. Caelia drops her arm when Fiona wraps her hands around me, kissing my cheeks.
“I’ve missed you.” Her voice trembles.
I nod, touching her lightly on her back. I feel a surge of emotion I can’t quite place. She looks too tired for her age. She tried to hide the dark circles with makeup, and I wonder how many bruises she’s hiding under that dress that only lets her face and hands be seen.
“Mother,” I nod.
The word tastes bitter on the tip of my tongue. It doesn’t belong there. This is not a joyful reunion. I don’t ask her if she ever thinks about me or offer her my forgiveness. I would have helped her had she ever asked for my help. Alexei would have. But for some reason, she decided to comply. Caelia is ten thousand times stronger, fighting Mattia every chance she gets and planning to escape, although she knows that might bring her death. She’s more afraid of living with Mattia than she is of dying. I resent Fiona for that. For not even trying to get out. For not even trying to get help.
She speaks with Caelia, but I don’t hear a word they’re saying. There’s so much noise in the background that I struggle to keep myself steady. I see Ermanno talking with someone in the room’s corner.
I turn toward Caelia, ignoring Fiona. Mattia would. He would ignore both of them.
“Can I have this dance, Caelia?”
“Only if you don’t care about your feet.” She briefly smiles at Fiona and turns toward me.
I didn’t care much about my nose, knees, or groin until now. We’re still training, and so far, I didn’t have to drag her out of bed. This morning, she was in the gym before I was, excited and ready to kick my ass.
I stretch my hand for her to take.
CHAPTER 26
Caelia
There’s something off with my dear husband tonight, but I can’t quite figure him out. I don’t like that I know this. Being able to tell that something’s off means that I spent way too much time around him, studying his every expression, tracing every inch of his skin, knowing him, and memorizing him. His jaw twitches so subtly that I would miss it if I weren’t already looking. He takes sharp, quick breaths like he’s in pain. His knuckles have turned white. Whatever is bothering him, he’s trying to distract himself by asking me to dance. I know better than to ask him about it, so I keep quiet.
The ball is in full swing, and people enjoy the music and food. Our eyes lock, and our bodies are drawn together by an invisible force that neither of us seems capable of fighting. My hand is clasped in his, and I worry it will become clammy. My other hand rests on his arm as we move together perfectly. Contrary to what I made him believe, I’m not a terrible dancer. I hate how easily we get lost in each other; our movements are fluid and effortless as he twirls me across the dance floor. I keep my eyes fixed on his, not wanting to break the connection, my dress trailing behind me as we spin.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Mattia smirks, raising an eyebrow.
“Like what?”
“Like you hate me less.”