Chapter 29
Rocco drives me home in silence as I stare out of the window and wonder how the hell I got myself in this position of being the other woman, a mistress no less, after everything I told him.
The notion sits heavy in my stomach, leaving me feeling dirtier than the mud coating my skin and clothes.
“He cares for you, ya know.” Rocco’s smooth voice filters through me, but I shake my head, refusing to accept his words, and watch the lights flashing past as he drives through New Jersey and back to Rafael’s home. A home I no longer want to be a part of, no matter how much it pains me.
“Just hear him out, Ellie.” The window reflects Rocco dragging a hand through his wayward hair. “The Mafia life is different to any other. We have little to no choice sometimes, and that has our actions appear extreme to some.” There’s emotion laced in his tone, and for the first time ever, I know there’s more to Rocco Marino than the joker of the family. There’s resentment and hurt, a deadly concoction that has me wondering what the hell is going on in his life.
“He lied to me.” My voice comes out trembly and weak, and in all honesty, it’s how I feel, coupled with a sore ass. Every inch of me hurting beyond repair.
“He cares for you,” Rocco repeats, as if convincing himself. I huff at his statement, unwilling to be drawn into an argument.
As much as I know that to be true, I refuse to let the words sink in and refuse to be the other woman. How can he have me around Oliver so blatantly, knowing he’s cheating on his mom with me. Not only is he disrespecting his son and mother, but he’s also disrespecting me, and not one part of that screams he cares for me.
When the car pulls up outside the mansion, I’m out and into the house as quick as I ran in the woods. I dash up the stairs and into the bedroom, slamming the door behind me. Then I sink to the floor, finally able to let the sobs rack through my body, feeling worthless, spent, and destroyed as I wrap my arms around my legs for comfort, realizing I’m alone once again.