Page 45 of Mafioso's Muse
As the car pulled away from the kerb, Vaughn said, ‘She’s a good friend. I’m pleased you have her.’
It was an unexpected comment given how openly Lili disliked him, but he sounded sincere. ‘You might take that back if you heard some of the things she says about you.’
He released a soft chuckle as he leaned his head back on the headrest. ‘I’m sure it’s all valid.’
They drove the few blocks to Willow’s apartment. When the car stopped, Vaughn looked at the dark path leading to her building, then said to Finn, ‘I’m going to walk Miss Hayes inside.’
Her hand froze on the door handle. ‘That’s really not necessary?—’
He was out of the car before she could finish objecting. Willow watched through the glass as he fixed the sleeve of his shirt before opening her door. She kept her gaze down as she climbed out and stepped past him, heading towards her building.
He caught up with her in a few strides. ‘Something the matter?’
She shook her head. ‘No.’
‘You’re angry at me.’
‘A little.’ She glanced sideways at him. ‘You shouldn’t have invited us into Titian.’
‘I should have left you out in the heat?’
‘And you definitely shouldn’t have driven me home.’
He watched her as they walked. ‘You expect me to say nothing while he tries to run your entire life?’
‘Yes, I expect you to say nothing. He’s the director.’
‘A director who puts his hands on you.’
She swallowed in place of a reply.
They entered the lobby, and as usual, only one of the lifts was working.
‘I’ll be fine from here,’ she said, pressing the button fifteen times despite knowing the lift wouldn’t come any faster.
‘I wasn’t planning on going inside your apartment,’ he clarified whilenotleaving.
She turned and looked at him. ‘You think that’s what I’m worried about?’
‘Okay.’ His eyes searched hers. ‘What, then?’
Willow could feel the frustration bubbling inside her. ‘Everything else. Especially how I feel when I’m around you.’
He didn’t reply.
‘Every second I spend with you is another second I’ll replay in my mind later, and you’re taking up enough space in my head as it is.’ She drew a hurried breath because she had a habit of forgetting to breathe in his presence. ‘If you want me to stay away from you, then I’m going to need you to stay away fromme. Stop popping up with your rolled-up sleeves and ink and that silver stare. Don’t even get me started on your cologne. It lingers on my clothes for days.’
He nodded slowly, nothing changing on his face. ‘Everything you just said is fair.’ His gaze fell to the bag she was carrying. ‘Do you have your key?’
Willow hadn’t been expecting him to calmly agree with her, and she felt oddly disappointed by his reaction. ‘Yes.’ She swallowed. ‘Yes, I have my key.’
‘Then you have a good night, Miss Hayes.’ He took a step back. ‘Don’t forget to phone Lili. I’m sure she’s waiting for your call.’ He turned and left, pulling his cigarette case from his pocket as he walked.
The last thing Willow saw was the glow of a lighter as he stepped out into darkness.
14
August 2024