Chapter 8 #3
“Why did she keep hiding it? Don’t you think that’s suspicious?”
“Antonella knows her father better than we do. Have you considered the possibility that she didn’t tell him precisely because she knew what his reaction would be?”
“Would it really have been the same as yesterday? Or did it only reach that dimension because she deceived him? And let me tell you, sister, no one likes being deceived.”
“Well, I’m certain it would have been the same as yesterday.”
“That still doesn’t explain why she didn’t tell him. It’s not like a child can be hidden. And, well, how would it be, then?”
“Pietra, go finish washing the dishes and let me talk to your brother.” And she added to me, “Are you afraid she’ll regress because of what happened?”
Pietra huffed again, but said nothing.
I ran a hand through my hair, not knowing what to think. “Yes.”
“Don’t be, caro mio. Even though I was here, I also don’t know how that change happened.
When we noticed, it had already happened…
I imagine it must not have been easy, especially with her being so guarded when it comes to her own feelings.
But I know the bambina traveled a long road to get here.
Antonella loves her baby the way only a mother can love. Unconditionally.”
“I’m counting on that, Mother.”
That night, I couldn’t resist the impulse to go to her room.
“Ella?”
I entered without making a sound when there was no answer.
The room was in shadows and in the most complete silence.
Ella was asleep, not in the middle of the bed, but on the same side she used to sleep on when we shared the bed.
I smiled a little. I only wanted to check her sleep for a few moments before leaving her, I assured myself, moving closer.
From the corner of my eyes, I saw the tray on the nightstand with the untouched meal.
A burst of irritation took over me, directed at the bastard who was her father.
I shook my head and tried to force myself not to think about that man, but as I observed Ella, I realized this was a failed task.
Her body was curled up like a ball of yarn.
It was as if that position brought her the protection she needed.
I ran my gaze over her, frowning when I caught something small held in her left hand.
A little shoe. Pietra had told me about them.
Beside her was the other pair and also a device that looked like a Discman.
Curious, I picked up the loose pair and sat beside her.
A spontaneous smile curved my lips, and I found myself moved, shifting my gaze from the tiny piece to the face of the woman of my life.
Martha was right. She would not regress. Not with our baby.
I never took my eyes off her, and when I came to myself, I did what I shouldn’t have done.
I lay down beside her.
I rested my head on my hand, took a handful of her hair spread over the pillow, and smelled it. The sweet scent of fruit made my body react inappropriately. I was behaving like a fucking bastard. It was involuntary.
I exhaled and breathed deeply, caging the desire that had no business being there.
I wanted to hold her. Press her body to mine. Just feel her against me. The perfume. The warmth. The softness of her rounded curves. The smooth texture of her skin.
She moved. False alarm. I relaxed, blowing out my trapped breath, and scanned her curled figure.
The sheet covered only her hips. The blouse she wore had ridden up a little, leaving part of her belly bare.
My hand itched, and a minute later, I spread my palm there, touching her with as much delicacy as I could.
I didn’t want to scare her with my presence.
My gaze jumped between her belly and her face, and when I was sure she wouldn’t wake, I allowed myself to enjoy that moment a little longer.
I passed my left arm over her head, and still keeping our bodies apart, I rested my head on my stretched arm.
Ella sighed, and I froze again. Another false alarm.
Only this time, she moved backward until she was pressed against me from head to toe.
I still tried to keep a distance, but she insisted, and I wondered if she was truly asleep.
A foolish smile stretched the corners of my lips.
No, she was asleep, her breathing regular and soft, but apparently her body was alert to mine.
I liked that Ella wanted the protection of my arms and the heat of my body even if she was unconscious of it.
I inhaled her scent. I moved my thumb over her skin again.
I dozed a few times and made an effort not to sleep.
But for a moment I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again, confusion clouded my mind, and then I was startled when I realized I had fallen asleep and dawn had already come.
Antonella was still wrapped in my arms, and my hand was still on her belly.
I glanced at the alarm clock. Six in the morning.
I got out of bed and left the room right after.