Page 56

“Sure, Luce. Coming right up.”
I put Sophie down and went to the kitchen, wondering how I was going to cope with what already felt like a strained dynamic in my little sanctuary.
Yep, it was all definitely strained. Dinner was all about Lucy’s attempt to keep the conversation going. Between Dante’s suspicion and Grayson’s cool politeness, it was no simple job. I did the best I could, but I found the whole thing pretty exhausting, to be honest.
At least Sophie and Patti were a good distraction, with Sophie insisting on sharing her dinner with Patti and Patti not arguing.
One saving grace was Lucy and Dante deciding to turn in early, so that Sophie could sleep undisturbed, and Lucy could get some much needed rest.
“Good night,” I hugged Dante. “I’m so glad you’re here. “
“Me too.” He held me a little longer than was necessary.
And of course, there was Lucy, watching me with that sharp, assessing gaze. “Good night! We’ll probably be up pretty early, with this munchkin.”
I pressed a kiss into Sophie’s dark curls. “All good. I’d love to get up and have breakfast with you guys.”
“Great. I’ll knock on your door on my way past.”
“Perfect!”
Dante and Lucy went out, their footsteps fading down the hall. The kitchen was quiet now, just Grayson and I left at the table. I felt awkward, like there was an invisible wall between us now. “Sorry about my brother,” I said, trying to break the silence.
“He’s just being protective.”
“Yeah, but still...” I trailed off, not sure how to explain the tension that had settled between us.
“It’s okay.”
I sighed, feeling a bit defeated as I stood up from the table. “I think I might turn in.”
“Okay.” His tone was totally expressionless.
“It’s, uh, probably better if I sleep in my own room tonight. You know, with Dante...”
“Of course. I understand.” There was a hint of something in his voice that made me wonder if he really did.
“Okay. Great. Well, good night, then.”
“Good night.”
I headed to my room, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment as I climbed into bed. Patti was curled up on the pillow next to me, her soft purring a comforting sound in the quiet room. I tried to meditate to some calming music on my phone, but my mind wouldn’t settle. After what felt like hours of trying to relax, I gave up and just lay there, staring up at the ceiling.
I heard Grayson walking down the hall to his room and rolled onto my side, letting out a heavy sigh. I figured enough time had passed that Dante, Lucy, and Sophie were probably asleep now. They wouldn’t hear me if I snuck out and went to Grayson’s room.No! That is a terrible idea.
But now that the thought had occurred to me, the idea wouldn’t leave my mind. It was nearly eleven o’clock, and I was still wide awake. Way too bored and restless to sleep. That’s it! I gave in to the temptation and scooped Patti up, creeping downthe hallway. “Grayson,” I whispered, just inside his bedroom doorway.
“What is it, Stefania?” His voice was low and rumbly, making me shiver a little.
“I can’t sleep,” I admitted, feeling self-conscious.
I heard him moving in the bed and let out a breath of relief when he said, “Come on, then.”
I trod lightly across the room and climbed into bed, placing Patti gently on the pillow. Snuggling against Grayson, I could finally let my whole body relax. “I’ll have to make sure I’m back in my room before Lucy gets up.”
“I’ll make sure you wake up in time,” he promised, his arms cradling me.
“Thanks,” I whispered back, feeling more at ease than I had all night. With Grayson’s arms around me, I finally relaxed enough to go to sleep.