A Madness of Crows: Mafia University #3

20. Day 43 – Stefano

My feet drag along the floor as I make my way back to her room, my chest heavy and aching.

It’s foolish.

She’s gone. She’s safe.

That’s it.

And whatever happens now – it was worth it.

The thought pounds in my head as I push the door open.

It takes me a second to notice.

On the floor, a few feet away from me, is a blue crumpled dress.

And my heart – it stutters. Stops completely, the organ ceasing to pump as my head slowly rises.

A splashing sound comes from the bathroom.

No.

It’s not possible. Not possible—

I charge across the open space, my hand slamming into the door.

Golden skin glimmers beneath the still water of the bathtub. Bronze hair floating, her eyes closed below the surface.

An enraged sound erupts from my throat as I reach in and yank her out. “What the hell are you doing?”

Caterina splutters, water cascading from her body as I grip her shoulders, shaking her. “Why are you here?”

My mind races. The guards. Someone found her—

But she’s quiet, those brown eyes focused on my face. “I came back.”

My grip tightens. “What?”

Her hands land over mine, and I immediately ease the tightness of my grip. “Explain. Now.”

Her wet hands slip from the back of my hands. Move to my wrists. Slide up my bare forearms until she reaches the edges of my shirt sleeves, rolled up to help with the clean up outside.

“You were free.” My voice is disbelieving. “Where’s Fusco?”

“On his way home.” Her fingers keep going. Trace up my sleeves. Water sloshes as she rises up on her knees, and I look away.

“Cat.”

There’s a growl in my voice. A growing suspicion. “Tell me you didn’t.”

Tell me you didn’t come back for me.

Fingers on my face. Turning me back to face her, until I feel her breath against my lips.

“I came back,” she whispers, “because I am not done.”

Soft lips press to mine, before she pulls away.

“I am not done with you, Stefano Asante. And there are things I need to do before I go.”

She half-smiles. “It’s not all about you, you know.”

My hands begin to shake as they rise, rise to cup her cheeks.

“You’re a fool,” I breathe. Fear for her ices over my veins. “You were safe, Cat. Damn you.”

Her hands slide around my neck. “Are you done with me, then?”

Speechless, I slowly shake my head. Run my eyes over her, still disbelieving.

She came back.

“Good.” I glance down, to where her fingers flick open the buttons of my shirt, revealing inches of skin beneath. “You need to clean up, too.”

My hand slips down to pinch my thigh. Just in case.

She sees it, laughs softly as she pushes my shirt over my shoulders. “The water is getting cold, Stefan.”

My clothes slip to the floor, and she takes my hand. Pulls me into the bath with her, pushing me down until my back rests against the porcelain.

Thudding heartbeats, banging inside my chest as we face each other.

She came back.