Page 20 of Die for You

Our inability to converse soon loses its charm, and I decide to use Google Translate ASAP.

Reaching into my pocket, I show Nico the note with the address.“Can you take me here?”

He looks at his watch and nods.

A relieved sigh leaves me.

He makes a hand gesture that he’s going inside.

I gesture back that I’ll stay here and wait for him.

We stand staring at one another, both openly checking the other out.

He is tall, dark, and Italian—of course he’s handsome. But he doesn’t set every part of me alight with a look alone.

I quickly look away, embarrassed and feeling guilty for looking at another man.

Baby steps, I remind myself because my love for Lenny won’t disappear overnight. But when Nico walks inside, I wonder if my love for Lenny will disappear at all.

I pat Lupo as I wait for Nico. I feel uncomfortable all of a sudden, which proves I fooled myself into thinking I could try this normal on for size.

Nico returns a moment later. Thankfully, he had gone inside to put on a shirt. He offers me a helmet. I look at it, then back at him, confused.

He gestures that the helmet is to be put on my head, as he believes my confusion stems from not understanding the role of a helmet.

“No car?” I ask, mimicking turning a steering wheel.

He shakes his head.

He gets on the bike and looks at me, waiting for me to sit behind him. But honestly, I don’t know what to do as I’ve never ridden a bike before. He extends his hand, and his eyes reflect nothing but kindness.

I read no ulterior motives. I really need to arrive at this meeting on time.

After putting the helmet on my head, I place my hand into his and accept his help as he guides me onto the back of the bike. I don’t know what to do with my hands or body, to be honest. Nico guides my hands to rest around his waist and encourages me to shuffle forward and press my chest to his back. He rubs his fingers over my knuckles kindly, assuring me that I’m safe.

Once I’m settled, the engine roars to life, and he turns with precision. Giving the bike two revs, he zips down the driveway, gravel spurring up under the wheels. Lupo barks excitedly, following us until Nico turns onto the street and roars down it. I grip him tighter because I can now see why he encouraged me to hold him like a spider monkey. Holding on to him is literally the reason I haven’t fallen off. I didn’t realize how much you need to trust the driver because it’s what stands between you and death.

Nico takes the turns with ease, and once I no longer fear for my life, I appreciate this beautiful landscape before me. Sicily is abundant with fruit trees, the vibrant colors standing out against the backdrop of dormant volcanoes in the island’s mountainous landscape.

As we drive down a narrow road that wraps around a mountain, I close my eyes and grip Nico tighter. His abs ripple from his laughter. I like the way that feels.

If I didn’t need to hold on to him, I would let him go because I don’t like these feelings he’s evoking in me. It feels like I’m betraying Lenny.

However, I think about Bria and Lenny together and how he didn’t seem to feel guilty for making me watch him with another woman, a woman who I know has feelings for him. The memory still burns, and I wonder if they’re now a thing.

Gianna did kill Bria’s father and Lenny’s mentor, so the need for revenge will bond them. It’ll have them depending on each other and existing in their own little world. I should know because once upon a time, I was a part of Lenny’s world.

Now, we are worlds apart.

The ride into town takes about thirty minutes. I try my best to remember all the important landmarks because this is the first and last time I’ll rely on anyone. Nico turns a corner, and when we arrive at a street market, I wonder if perhaps we’re lost.

But when he finds a spot to park and kills the motor, I realize we’re here.

The sight before me is that of a vibrant street market. The backdrop is the main street. It’s lined with old white buildings that appear to be three-story apartments. The occupants are out on their balconies, sipping a glass of wine or smoking a cigarette over the balustrade, taking in the bustle below.

Vendors are spread out as far as the eye can see, their striped umbrellas a burst of color and fun. The stalls sell every fresh produce you could ever want, as well as clothes and ornaments. The smells are a blend of spicy and sweet.

I cautiously get off the bike. My legs resemble jelly as my feet touch the ground. I take off the helmet and unfasten my ponytail to shake out my hair. Once I’m done, I pass the helmet to Nico, who I notice is staring.