Page 65 of Dark Breaker

Meet here tonight. It’s time we had a real date.

It’s followed by a map link. It’s an expensive Sicilian restaurant popular among the elite crowd. Politicians and mafia dons eat here. It’s known for being notoriously difficult to get into, with a waiting list that books out three months in advance. I’ve only actually eaten there once before, and the food was amazing, though incredibly overpriced, with the portions basically thimble-sized.

I don’t know whether to be impressed or insulted. On the one hand, I think it’s a sweet gesture that he actually wants to go on a real date with me. On the other, does he really believe he can buy my… what, loyalty? Love?

I’m definitely reluctant to go on this “date.” I meant what I said to him earlier about not wanting to get attached. But I realize I already am, a bit. Otherwise I wouldn’t have been so jealous after seeing his ex in our apartment.

I suppose it can’t hurt. I’ll go for the food. I don’t plan to order very much though. I don’t want to feel like I owe my husband a thing.

When all my classes for the day are over I dawdle with Michela, not wanting to go home, or to even stop by the restaurant for our “date.” I suppose I’m just avoiding the inevitable.

“Are you actually going to take him up on his offer?” Michela asks me.

“I think so,” I tell her. “I haven’t responded to his text, though.”

“You want to surprise him, huh?” she presses.

“Something like that,” I agree. Though it’s more like I’ll make up my mind at the last minute. Sort of like the wedding.

“You’re not going home first?”

I gaze at my café latte. “I’m not ready to. He’ll probably try to force me to wear a dress or something.”

Michela frowns. “He sounds really controlling.”

“He can be,” I agree. “He’s very protective. He almost killed those two who were following me after all. But I stopped him.”

“You did,” Michela agrees. “So he listens to you occasionally. That’s a good sign at least.”

“I suppose,” I reply.

“And he is amazing in bed,” Michela reminds me. “You’re always gushing about that.”

“The sex is amazing,” I agree. “But I can’t help but feel it could be better, you know?”

“If you actually cared about each other?”

“I think we already do, to some degree,” I reply. “But we hide it from each other. And even ourselves. I don’t know, it’s hard to explain.”

“No, I think I understand,” she tells me. “Your marriage was arranged. You’re doing everything in the reverse order. Building backwards. You get married. Then date. And then potentially fall in love. Of course things are going to be messy along the way.”

I sigh. “I don’t think we’ll ever fall in love. We’ll be friends, maybe. But love? We won’t allow ourselves. I can see that now.” I smile sadly. “Our relationship is all physical. We can’t decide whether we want to rip off each other’s heads, or our clothes.”

Michela nods. “I want you to let go tonight. Be open to possibilities. You can’t jump to conclusions like you’ve just done. Anything can happen. And if nothing does, then maybe tomorrow will be the day. Or the night after. Just be open.”

I shake my head. “I don’t know…”

Michela grips my hand and I meet her eyes. “Be open.”

I nod slowly. “I’ll do my best.”

“That he’s inviting you on a date tells me he’s at least partially open to something more with you,” she insists. “So you should at least be open to a similar possibility yourself.”

“I think he’s just worried about his stupid alliance,” I mutter. “And this is his way of insuring my loyalty. He wants me on his side.”

“There’s probably a bit of that, yes,” Michela agrees. “But again, try to give him a chance. You never know what might happen.”

I smile at her and grip her hand. “All right. You’re a good friend, Michela.”