27. Massimo
Chapter 27
Massimo
I find Margot in the library, as expected. It’s been hours since she returned, since I ended a man’s life. I thought I would give her space to process what’s happened today, but in truth, I’ve needed the time to calm the anger simmering under my skin. It’s still there, the embers of my fury refusing to die down.
He thought he could take her from me. That he could put his fucking hands on what’s mine and walk away. Elio Moretti tried to send a message today, and I replied in blood.
Standing on the threshold, I watch Margot in the reflection of the window for a moment; her features relaxed and portraying none of the disquiet I thought I would find. She’s staring out, watching the branches of the trees dance in the light breeze. With every second that passes, I feel the ugly clawing of my fury. She’s still here, still mine, but for how long?
I stride into the room, enveloping myself in her scent as it blends with the old books in my grandfather’s library. As I approach the couch, she moves to make space for me. We don’t speak, instead, I lift her feet into my lap and massage the soles.
The tension seeps out of my body, and I rest my head on the back of the couch, looking at her through my lashes. I see the shadows under her eyes and her exhaustion in the slight curve of her shoulders.
Squeezing her foot, I wait for her to look at me before saying, “I am sorry that you had to go through what you did today.”
Her tongue darts out to wet her lips and she nods slowly. “You killed him.”
It’s not a question but a statement.
“Yes.”
She scoffs, looking back to the window. “You didn’t even hesitate.”
Cracking my neck, I let the silence hang in the air, heavy and thick. She’s looking for something in me that just isn’t there. Something that I can’t give her . Regret, shame, an apology. I’m not sure exactly what, but I can’t be that man. Won’t be that man.
“I won’t lie to you, Margot. He was a threat to us. To you.” I pause, and she meets my gaze, “and because of that, I had to act.”
She shakes her head. “But at what cost?”
My jaw tightens, but I force my body to remain relaxed. “It doesn’t matter. My only concern is the safety of my family and doing whatever it takes to protect that. You are safe.”
She laughs, but it lacks humor. “Until the next time. Because let’s be honest, someone will try again.”
To an extent, she’s right, but certainty coats my words when I reply. “I’ll do everything in my power to ensure your safety, Margot.”
She stands, pulling her cardigan tighter around her body. “I appreciate that, Massimo.” Something flickers in her gaze, but I can’t grasp what it is before it’s gone. “Today has been a lot to process and I’m tired, so I’m going to bed,” she says softly, avoiding eye contact.
I scrub a hand over my jaw, exhaling heavily as I sit forward. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
A small smile lifts the corners of her mouth, and she meets my gaze. “I’m fine. It was unexpected, but I know that Daniele and the others had me covered.”
I search her gaze for any hint that she might not be telling the truth about being okay, but come up empty. She walks past me, my fingers brushing against hers as she goes. It’s a silent gesture, but also my reassurance that she’s still here. They didn’t get her and I’m doing everything I can as her husband to keep her safe.
I’d kill a million men if it meant I’d get to keep her.