31. Chapter 30 Ginevra
Ihold my mother while she sobs; grieving for another person she loved who has been taken away from her, just like my father. She finally falls asleep because of exhaustion around five in the morning in my arms. My eyes hurt from being awake for over twenty-four hours.
Closing them, they sting from being dry. Sleep would help, but I have too much adrenaline rushing through me to fall asleep. I refuse to move a muscle, scared I’ll wake my mother. She needs to sleep.
I can’t believe I allowed myself to fall for Soren. He charmed his way into my heart when I worked so hard to guard it my entire life. Today is another example of why I keep my walls up.
Soren is no better than his father. I’ve seen this play out before and it only leads my family further into despair while his family benefits. How could I have been so stupid to let him in? I know his family is like a fungus; they suck the life out of everyone around them.
I need to get a divorce. This marriage was a mistake. But I’ve never even seen any of Soren’s parents’ friends divorce. What did Eva once say? The Morettis marry until death do us part. The memory of our vows come to mind and I know I can’t ask for a divorce, they’ll kill me. Blood in, blood out and all of that stuff. What was I thinking? Seriously.
I guess I could run away, get out of town. I’ll move my mother with me.
I sit in the same spot for two hours until my muscles burn with protest. My mother snores softly in my arms as I’m forced to lay her down inch by inch.
Standing, I stretch my arms and back before heading to the bathroom. I splash some water on my face, hoping it will make me look less tired and haggard. How is it that Soren always looks refreshed and handsome but I always look like I can’t seem to catch a break? I grab the face cloth to dry my skin before tossing it into the sink, angry that I’m even thinking of him.
My doorbell rings and I curse under my breath. I hate swearing, and this is who I’m becoming. I’m not the girl who gets frustrated and enjoys the release of letting a curse rip through my mouth. I blow out a breath, ready to punch whoever it is on the other side in the face.
My old boss, Conrad, stands on my porch. “This isn’t a good time.” I go to shut the door, but his hand slips in and holds it from slamming closed.
“I wanted to pay my respects. I didn’t like how things ended and I wanted you to know I never wished death upon your brother. May I come in?”
I don’t want to stand here and argue. I’m too tired and have no fight left in me. I give in and remove my hand from the door and it opens for him. It will be faster if I let him say whatever it is he needs to say, then I can continue thinking about all the ways I hate Soren.
I cross my arms over my torso, squeezing my sides in a comforting gesture, and walk through the house to the living room. Conrad’s steps are heard behind me and he takes a seat across from me when I sit down.
“If there’s anything I can do for you, let me know,” he says with concern in his tone, but I know how people like Conrad work. He’s here for his own gain, not to comfort me unless it helps him.
“Even putting his killer behind bars?” My voice is tight. Controlled. Revenge pumps in my veins as Conrad and I stare at each other. His eyes light with the possibility of him getting what he wants.
He levels me with a serious look. “That’s what I’ve been wanting from the start. It was you who turned down my offer.”
My gut flip flops as our eyes hold each other.
Silence.
I swallow down the saliva collecting in my mouth. It’s like a poison that hardens my heart. My anger consumes me.
More silence.
It’s time the Morettis realize they’re as mortal as anyone else.
“What would you need?”