Page 36 of Various Intentions

“I suppose. Yes. It’s a comfort, you know? It’s something I can predict. Zarah has, unfortunately, taken my predictable life and smashed it, at least for the moment.”

Vincent nodded. “I think we need to get together for a scene or something.”

I shook my head. “Matteo’s too distracted.”

“Wouldn’t that help take his mind off everything?”

“I don’t know if he wants to do that. He must be thrilled to have Zarah back in his life.”

“I thought so, originally. But he’s seemed so stressed out. We should talk to him,” Vincent suggested.

I nodded, and when Matteo poked his head in to give us a vague wave goodbye before he headed off to work, I lifted my chin.

“Hold up. We need to talk to you.”

Matteo seemed startled. “But I’ll be late for work.”

I narrowed my eyes. Matteo didn’t normally act like this. His job was his job. It didn’t interfere with our lives, and it always took a back seat to more urgent things.

“You’ll be fine.” I pulled out a chair. “Sit.”

He looked like he wanted to argue with me but he sat.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

“For what?”

“For whatever you’re mad about.”

“Matteo, I’m not mad. But I need to know whose face got the attention of your knuckles last night.”

Matteo paled and moved his hand farther under the table. “I fell.”

“Try again.”

“I scraped my knuckles on the pavement. Really, I—”

I slapped the surface of the table with my palm, and hell it felt good. It made a really satisfying sound, too, making both Matteo and Vincent jerk.

“Don’tlieto me. Don’t start outright lying to me, Matteo. A lie of omission is one thing, but when you look me in the eyes and tell me something that’s not true, I draw the line. I won’t accept it. Tell me where you were last night and why your knuckles were bleeding. I’m not a fucking idiot.”

Matteo’s lips pursed together as if he were waging an internal war.

“Is Zarah asking you to lie?”

“No! She’s— She’s the victim here!”

“Of who? Her ex?”

Matteo nodded. “He threatened her. What the hell was I supposed to do?”

I blinked. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe go to the police?”

“She’sgoneto the police!” he stated, staring me down. “They’ve done nothing, Nic.Nothing!”

I gazed at Matteo, who had never shouted at me before this moment. My voice was quiet when I said, “Did you punch him? Zarah’s husband?”

Matteo suddenly looked like he might cry. He pushed a breath through his lips and said, “Yes.”