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“I’ll see what I can do.”
“Good.” She heaved a breath, shifting so she was lying down more and moving the phone, so it was resting on the other pillow. Patti padded up from the blanket, curling into Stef’s neck, purring. “Do you like my pussy?”
I couldn’t hold back the laugh. “It’s very cute.”
“I bet you say that to all the girls.”
More laughter. “Seems like you’re feeling better.”
“I am.”
“How about you close your eyes?”
“Don’t want to.” She yawned, just the same. “I’m not ready to let you go yet.”
“How about I stay right here until you go to sleep?”
“Hmm, can’t decide if that’s hot or creepy.” Blinking slowly, she sighed softly. “Yeah, I can. It’s hot. And sweet. Are you sure? You’re looking super fancy in that suit. I’m sure you’ve got more important things to do.”
“I don’t.”
“Okay then.”
I watched Stef’s face on the screen as she slowly drifted off to sleep. Her eyelids fluttered closed, and her breathing evened out. She looked so peaceful, so beautiful. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her.
As I sat there, staring at her sleeping face, I felt something shift inside of me. It was like a dam breaking, and all these feelings came rushing forward. I realized, with a sudden clarity, that I was madly in love with her.
I loved her fiery spirit, her quick wit, her infectious laugh. I loved the way she threw herself into everything she did, whether it was performing on stage or taking care of her friends. I loved the way she challenged me, made me see things in a different light.
But most of all, I loved the way she made me feel. When I was with her, I felt alive. Felt like I could do anything. She brought out the best in me, and I wanted to be the best for her.
I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. We had our fair share of obstacles to overcome. But I would do whatever it took to make it work. I wanted to be with her more than anything.
I reached out and touched the screen, tracing the outline of her face with my finger. I wished I could be there with her, holding her in my arms. But for now, this would have to do.
I leaned back against the wall, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. I knew what I wanted, and I was going to do everything in my power to make it happen. I was in love with Stefania Moretti, and I wouldn’t let anything stand in my way.
CHAPTER 47
Stefania
“Ican’t believe I’m saying this, but I hate the fact that he hasn’t called.” I was pacing up and down Scarlett’s flat, shaking my hands out, imagining I was shaking out all the fucking stress.
“No, I get it.” Scarlett did what she always did. Put on that calm, authoritative voice and handed Patti to me. At least that stopped the jazz hands. “He’s been calling every single day, almost nonstop. A break in that routine is worrying.”
“Exactly. Like, maybe he’s, what’s that saying you guys use…in the wind? Yeah, maybe he’s in the wind already.”
“Doubtful.” Daniel went to hand me the mug of coffee he’d just made, but I gestured to Patti, so he put it on the coffee table.
“You think?” Please, God, give me all the reassurance you’ve got.
“He’s way too invested in what he thinks he has with you to leave it on the table. He’ll call.” He rubbed his hands over his face, looking stressed. “We’ve, uh, we’ve pulled in more resources for the case and we’re confident we’re closing in on his location.”
“More resources, huh? How about next time, you try that first? Save us all the fucking agony.”
Daniel nodded. He was pretty used to my outbursts now.
The phone rang. The shrill sound echoed through the small apartment. I was filled with a slick dread as I stared at it vibrating on the coffee table. Dread that sat like a cold, hard rock, deep in my belly. Foreboding. That’s what it was. Somehow, I couldn’t seem to make my body move. To make the necessary steps towards the coffee table, to reach down and grab the portent of doom. Jesus fuck, I was losing my mind.