Chapter 31 Massimo
MASSIMO
Falling asleep is going to be nearly impossible tonight. As I lay in bed, only a few feet separating me from Liana, all I can focus on is what the hell happened between us at the club.
Just when I thought I had finally knocked down the wall she had set up, she surprised me by putting that mask back on and shutting me out.
I wanted to force her to speak to me, shake her until she finally broke down and came to her senses about the two of us, but if I’ve learned anything about my scared little wife, it’s that forcing her to do anything will only result in more pushback from her.
Thankfully, I already have her. She’ll be stuck with me until the end of time. And after the way her body responded to me tonight, I know she’ll give up this resistance she has to me sooner rather than later.
I just need to be fucking patient.
When I wake up the next morning, I’m annoyed—but not surprised—to find I’m in an empty bed. I knew she’d sneak out this morning. I even prepared for it.
Instead of letting my temper control me, forcing me to go to Liana’s boutique and demand she speak to me, I head into the office and throw myself into work. Before I have time to realize it, the sun is setting.
Glancing at my phone, I realize I’ve gone the entire day without speaking with her.
I dial her number, and as expected, she lets it go to voicemail, so I send her a text.
Me: Dinner tonight?
I take a deep breath and set my phone down. I wanted to send her something snarky about sneaking out of our bed and then ignoring me all day, but I’m trying to be the bigger fucking person here.
The message says it was delivered, but she doesn’t respond, so I decide to head home. When an hour has passed and she still hasn’t responded, I text her again.
Me: You’re really going to continue to ignore me?
I decide to change out of my suit and take a shower, hoping it’ll give her enough time to respond, but when I see an empty screen, I begin to question.
Me: If you don’t respond to me, I’ll take that as a sign that you want me to come get you from the boutique.
So much for giving her space, but what the fuck? The least she could do is respond so I know she’s not fucking dead.
My phone dings, and my heart begins to beat again when I see it’s Liana.
Liana: That seems a bit dramatic, don’t you think?
Me: Sneaking out of our bed and ignoring me all day also seems dramatic, don’t you think?
Liana: I just need some time to myself.
Me: To do what?
Liana: Massimo …
Me: We’re going to have to talk about this at some point.
Liana: Yes, and we will, but now is not the time. Right now, I need to think, and I’d appreciate it if you gave me the space to do so.
I let out a sigh, already knowing this is what was going on but still fucking pissed it’s come down to this.
Liana has always been mine, so this space she’s trying to put between us just grates on my damn nerves.
But I also understand this is all new territory for her and maybe if I give her the space to come to terms with it all, she’ll finally get it.
Me: Fine, but I can still make you dinner. You don’t even have to speak to me. We can sit there in silence, nothing but the clanking of our forks happening between us.
Liana: I actually think it’d be best if I stayed at my place tonight.
My skin boils at her use of the words my place. Liana’s place is here. In our home. In our bed. Before responding, I take a deep fucking breath. Lord, please help me, because this woman is testing my damn patience.
I type out a response and go to send it, but when I reread it, I decide to delete and take the approach I keep telling myself to take.
Me: Fine, but don’t make this a habit. You’ll be back in OUR place tomorrow.
Liana: I promise I will not stay here tomorrow.
That puts a smile on my face, even though the frustration still courses through my body.
Me: Goodnight, mia moglie. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.
Liana: Goodnight.
I toss my phone onto the counter. I didn’t think she’d take the space to this extent, but it’s fine. She can have tonight because tomorrow she’s mine, and whether she likes it or not, we will be having this conversation.