Page 25 of Dare To Free Us
“I love you, Arianna.” I didn’t even feel like that word was strong enough for how I felt.
A hard knock sounded on the door.Shit.For a moment I’d forgotten about the huge bomb that Jasper had dropped on my head.
The special moment came to a stop as the current problem reared its ugly head in my face. This was not something that could be put aside.
“It’s Nico. I called him just before you came. We have important things to discuss.”
She pulled away with a shocked expression. “It can’t wait?”
“No.”
“I just told you I was pregnant and you what… thank for the info but I’m really busy,” Arianna snapped with far too much attitude.
“It’s important.”
“And I’m not!” Her voice rose with anger.
“Of course you are. You know I wouldn’t ask you to go if it wasn’t serious.”
She glared at me like I’d told her a lie. “No, this is bullshit.”
“Why are you being so difficult?” I got it. I didn’t blame her for being mad that I had to work after she just told me one of her dreams came true, but this was a bit over the top even for her. “I’m just asking you to wait for a few minutes and then I’ll take you to eat somewhere. We can spend the rest of the day together.”
Arianna angrily crossed her arms. “I’m not hungry.” Her stomach growled to prove she was lying.
Nico knocked again.
“Knock again and I’ll break your hand!” I yelled at the door. “Arianna seriously, what’s gotten into you?”
“I’m mad, ok!” she cried out. “And I’m sad, and happy. I thought I was going crazy the past couple of weeks. I feel everything times ten. I can’t stop… feeling. I know it’s the hormones but I don’t care. What could possibly be more important right now?”
Fine she wanted an answer, I’d give it to her. “Shura is coming back.”
The color drained form her face as she stood stock still. “Matteo, what are you going to do?”
“Take care of it. But I need to talk to Nico.”
With a nod Arianna headed to retrieve her bag. I followed her to the door. “I’ll see you at home later,” she muttered quietly.
“We can still go out. Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I just see you at home,” she pouted in defeat.
“I’m sorry, Arianna.”
“I know,” she replied without looking at me.
I didn’t like sending her away looking so sad but unfortunately this took precedence over the joyful moment. Because if I didn’t get a handle on it we might not have a happy future to look forward to.
Arianna walked out as I opened the door. Nico was standing in the hall leaning against the wall. I gestured with a jerk of my head for him to come in.
“Smells like…”
“Don’t you dare say it,” I warned, then poured myself a small swig of bourbon to wash away the remnants of Arianna’s taste. Not that I wanted to but it would only distract me from the problem.
Nico put his hands up and smiled. He had a boyish face and kept his dark, curly hair a little too long to show it off. His classic, handsome looks served him well in the ladies department. Though he was young, he was also smart, but unfortunately, hot headed.
When I’d promoted Luca above him it took months for Nico to cool off. He couldn’t understand me putting a friend ahead of blood. Eventually he’d accepted his role but daggers were always being thrown between him and Luca. The drama gave me a headache but as long as everyone did their job it was minor on my list of problems.