Page 76 of Trapped
The idea seemed ridiculous. He’d just been shot, but the hard edge in his eyes softened just for me and made it impossible to say no. I folded my hand in his, smiling.
“Where are we going?”
His smirk widened. “Somewhere that’ll remind you why you’re with me. But first, a quick stop at a cafe.”
Holding my hand, he led me out of the room.
We went outside and strolled to the village down the road, the street bustling with people. We entered the same cafe of the other day. Santino chose a secluded table at the back and sat against the wall.
Unease began to creep back in, gnawing at the edges of my happiness. I’d been here before—caught in the warmth ofsomeone’s affection, only to be burned when I let my guard down.
But Santino was different. He wasn’t trying to charm me with empty words. He’d seen the worst of me, and still, he stayed. The thought made my chest ache. He made me believe in us.
After our coffee, we walked down the cobblestone streets, the vibrant energy of the village wrapping around us like a comforting blanket. Santino led us to a record shop, its exterior plastered with old posters.
Inside, the air was filled with the musty scent of old vinyl covers. Classic rock played on a turntable in the corner, and Santino watched me with an amused smile as I darted from bin to bin, my fingers dancing over the records.
“How did you know I like this stuff?”
He gave me a sly smile, shrugging. “You mentioned it once.”
I couldn’t remember. It must’ve been an offhand comment that he’d stowed away. My heart fluttered. Santino paid attention to me. How much of his time had he spent thinking about me? Creating lists of what I liked and didn’t like?
We spent the next hour flipping through records, sharing stories about our favorite bands. Santino surprised me with his knowledge of ragtime music. As we walked back to the villa, the sun setting behind us, I felt deliriously happy. Even with all the chaos surrounding us, this felt right. But that sense of peace shattered the moment I checked my phone.
An urgent email flashed on the screen:
Subject: Urgent: Retro Rose Boutique
Delilah, we have a major issue with the zoning permits. They’re threatening to revoke them unless we provide additional documentation by the end of the week. We need you back here ASAP to sort this out. Please respond immediately.
My heart sank.
“Everything okay?” Santino asked.
I forced a smile. “Yeah.”
He studied me for a moment, then nodded.
I couldn’t shake the dread settling in my stomach. I needed to get back to Boston, but how could I explain that without revealing everything to Santino?
As we had dinner on the terrace, my mind raced. I had to figure out how to fix the situation with the boutique without tipping him off. Miraculously, Santino himself solved the problem. As the sun dipped below the horizon, he turned to me, frowning.
“We have to go back to Boston. There’s something I need to deal with back home. I wish it could wait, but it can’t.”
Perfect.
As much as I loved the rolling hills of Tuscany, I needed to get back to Boston, too. I had a mountain of other work to address besides the zoning permit.
“That’s fine with me,” I said.
“And from now on, you’re staying with me. I’m moving you into my house.”
I blinked, taken aback. “Santino,no.”
“It’s not up for discussion.”
“I can’t just move in with you.”