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“What? Why?” I frown.

“Because I said so.”

“Well, I don’t want to.”

“You will do as you are told. And when I tell you to stay home from work, you will fucking stay home from work.”

I screw up my face. “What the hell? What’s wrong with you today?”

He clenches his jaw as he glares out at the road.

“Don’t give me your attitude, Enrico. I’m not putting up with your bossy bullshit.”

“I have a lot on my plate at the moment and I don’t want to be dealing with your disobedience.”

“Disobedience?” I snap. “I’m not a dog, you know?” He rolls his eyes as we take the turn off to Lake Como.

“I said I want to stay in Milan at the apartment.” He is really beginning to piss me off now.

He punches the steering wheel hard, causing me to jump. “And I said we are staying at Lake Como. I can’t keep you safe in the apartment in Milan. Do not push for a fight with me tonight, Olivia. I am not in the fucking mood.”

I sit back in my seat, affronted.

Safe.

He thinks I’m not safe. Why would he think that?

What happened in Sicily? I’ve been so preoccupied with all of my news that I didn’t even bother asking what the emergency was last night. His eyes flick to the rearview mirror again. That’s like the tenth time he has done that. I turn in my seat and look through the back window. There are two cars behind us and one in front. It’s more security than ever.

Something’s going on.

I watch him as he drives. He’s deep in thought—miles away.

Anger is radiating out of his every pore.

Jeez.

I exhale heavily. He doesn’t need me adding to his stress levels and to be fighting about crap. I snuggle back into my seat and close my eyes. I’m going to ignore him. We can’t fight if I’m not awake. I let happy thoughts fill my mind. I dream of our baby… and I wonder if it’s a boy or a girl.

FRANCESCA

Antonio opens the door, his smile broad. “You’re really trying this term, Francesca. No doubt your marks will represent all your hard work this year. Your father would be so proud of you.”

I smile at my trusty bodyguard. If only he knew.

Every day for the last fortnight, I have come to the library for one reason only.

Giuliano Linden.

He’s like a drug I can’t quit, and we meet here in secret. I’m not allowed to date, and even if I were, I wouldn’t be allowed to date him. He’s nineteen. My mother would see him as too old for me. He’s not too old for me. He’s just right—perfect in every way.

I walk into the library with Antonio behind me. I’m holding my breath as I take a seat at the communal table next to a group of girls.

“Hi.” I smile as I pretend to know them. “Hi,” they all reply politely.

I open my book as Antonio does his usual walk around the library, checking to see that everything and everyone is in order. Once satisfied, he gives me a nod and goes to wait outside near the front doors. I breathe out a sigh of relief.

Every afternoon, I live in fear that he’s going to spot Giuliano in the corner, pretending to study. I can’t imagine what would happen if he did.