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I didn’t believe her. I would’ve in the past, I realized, but that was before I opened my eyes about my wife. Elysa didn’t have any reason to make up stories about Lucia. She was the one pressing for a divorce.
I kept my expression schooled. “And the part where you told her how you and I are meant to be together?”
Her eyes widened, and she scoffed. “Ineversaid that. What is Elysa up to? Do you think she misunderstood something I said?”
She was good. I had to give her that.
That’s when it clicked for me. I knew how she knew about the divorce.
“You mean like she did with Patrizia?”
“Exactly.” Lucia shook her head as if amused. “Elysa is so young, and it sounds like she’s got her head in the clouds.”
Elysa was young, yes, but her feet were planted on the ground, and I didn’t think her head has touched a single fucking cloud in her life.
“How did you know about her asking for a divorce?” I asked, and the question threw her off.
“Ah...I told you. She was seen in Carmen DeLuca’s office. Rome is a village sometimes, isn’t it?”
I steepled my hands. “Elysa has never been to her office. She met Carmen at Carmen’s niece’s flat. She did that to be discreet. So, once again, Lucia, how did you find out?”
She shrugged. “I heard that she was with Carmen…I mean…does it matter?”
“Yes, in fact, it does.” I steepled my hands. “Let me see if I guess this correctly. Patrizia told you.”
“What?” She spoke too quickly, and I caught her lie.
“Patrizia was in the flat. I’m very displeased that she snooped around because those divorce papers wereinsidemy dresser.”
She fumbled now. “Patrizia? You’re imagining things.”
“You should let Patrizia know she won’t be working in Italy again for two reasons: one, for calling my sexy, beautiful wife a fat cow, and two, for breaching my privacy.” I looked at my watch. “As for you, you’re on thin ice, Lucia.”
She shook her head. “Dante, you’ve got it allwrong. I don’t know why Elysa is saying these things to you. She’s a child and?—”
“Elysa isnota child. She’s young when it comes to her age, but she’s more mature than most peoplemyage.” I tucked my hands in my slacks. “Lucia, consider this a warning. You fuck with my wife again, I’ll destroy you.”
She cocked an eyebrow. “Are you threatening me?”
“Yes.”
“With what?”
“You crossed a line. Going to my wife and saying we’re having an affair is?—”
“Your wife misunderstood,” she blurted out, talking over me.
I knew this was the direction she’d take. I smiled coldly. “You, of all people, should know not to make an enemy out of me.”
She paled for an instant and then shrugged. “I’m defending myself, Dante. You’re accusing me of things that I didn’t do.”
“Watch your back,cara.” With that final threat, I left her. I was halfway down the stairs when I wished I’d at least brought the bottle of Pinot Grigio with me.
I’d cocked up my life that much was obvious. Nonno would not be happy with me.
SIXTEEN
Elysa