Page 20 of Dark Breaker

“Oh hey,” I smile sweetly. “What the fuck do you want?”

“Rosa,” he says. “Why are you always so pissed at me?”

“Maybe because I caught you with your tongue down the throat of a ho?” I produce the Mace and point it at him. “Stay back.”

“I was drunk,” he says. “Can’t you give me another chance?”

I shrug. “Haven’t you heard, I’m getting married?”

His face drops. “What are you talking about?”

“That’s right, I’m engaged now.”

He nods at my hands. “Then where’s the engagement ring?”

“Fabio D’Alimonte doesn’t believe in engagement rings.” I want to see what effect dropping his name has.

Carlo’s eyes widens. “You’re mixed up with that asshole?” He shakes his head. “Rosa, you can’t marry him.”

I smile drily. “I already said yes.”

“At least come to Nunzio’s party tonight,” Carlo says.

“And put myself in the same house as another one of my exes? No thanks. Why would you even invite me? You know how I feel about him.”

I was actually seeing them both at the same time. That was back in my “open relationship” days. Well, I’ve always been casual when it comes to feelings, actually. Never really loved anyone. I’m probably a bit messed up, having grown up without any parents.

Back to Nunzio and Carlo… even though they both knew about each other, I didn’t realize how attached they would become to me, and I had to break it off. I decided I was through relationships after that. Only one night stands for me.

Though to be honest, I actually haven’t slept with anyone else since then. I haven’t seen the need: it’s amazing what a magic wand can do.

“I just figured it would be a fun night out,” Carlo tells me. “It’s going to be a big party. The odds of bumping into Nunzio are pretty slim, I’d say.”

“Just like the odds of bumping into you out here, huh?” I narrow my eyes. “Are you stalking me again?”

“No, I was just driving by and saw your Vespa in the area,” he replies. “We used to come here all the time.”

“We cameonce, maybe,” I tell him. “Look, I’m going to go. Try not to follow me again. I’d appreciate it if you fucked off. Forever. Seriously.” Harsh words maybe, but if they get him to leave me alone, then it’s worth it.

I rise from the rock and back away from him. I make my way toward the road and when I reach my scooter, I shove the Mace away and slip on my helmet. Then I hop on my Vespa and take off. I glance in my rear view mirror and see Carlo lean sulkily onto the hood of his Alfa Romeo, his hands shoved into his pockets.

Well, at least he’s not trying to follow me.

I return home and when I’m walking inside my phone buzzes again.

It’s Fabio.

I called Massimo earlier and had an engagement ring delivered. Angela is going to help you pick out a dress as well.

I don’t answer him.

I find a note from Massimo on the kitchen countertop, next to a box. I open it and find a plain gold band inside. It actually suits me—I guess Massimo told Fabio all about my tastes in jewelry, which is why he picked it. I’m not going to put it on, of course. I absently shove the box into my handbag and head up to my room.

My bag seems heavier somehow, like I’m carrying around a ball and chain.

As soon as I reach my room I set down my handbag on the nightstand and immediately take out the box with the engagement ring. I place it next to my bag and stare at it infuriatingly. Maybe if I stare at it angrily enough it’ll vanish.

Nope.