Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Don’t listen to me. I don’t even have a relationship. What do I know about a husband?
“You be you. That’s why he’s here. He wants to spend time with you,” she says soothingly as she hugs me supertight.
“I’m being ridiculous. He will never return my feelings. I shouldn’t try to get his attention. I am being foolish.”
“I don’t think you realize how much my brother loves you. Everything he does is for you. Your happiness is the most important thing to him. Did you know he was the one to ask me to find Dr. Gideon for you?
“You are always on his mind. I think he feels the same way you do. I’m not saying this to overwhelm you. I just want you to know you can relax and be yourself,” she says and kisses the back of my head.
I hear her words, but I don’t think they fully sink in. I’m too focused on calming my anxiety. Slowly, I begin to relax.
I hate that Michael is finally here and I’m having a bad day. It’s been so long since I’ve had a bad day. Dancing and playing have made bad days all but non-existent.
When that doesn’t work, I train. Exhausting my body calms all the noise. It stills the anxiety.
Right now, I either need to dance, play, or throw knives. Anything to ease my thoughts. I’m so afraid Michael will see me.
All this time, he was right. His being in Italy is for the best. There, he can’t find out that I’ve started a hit-for-hire business. There, he can’t see how much I’ve fallen in love with him.
“I need to play,” I breathe.
“Will you allow me to do your makeup first? Can you handle that?”
“I like the sticky feeling of the lip gloss and popping my lips. I will allow you to place gloss on my lips. Maybe some mascara. I am not able to handle more than that. Not right now.”
“That is more than enough. I am here for you, Sim. Talk to me whenever you need.”
“Thank you, Annabella. I would like for you to keep my secret. Michael doesn’t need to know how I feel. Please don’t tell him.”
“Oh, Sim. I would never embarrass you like that. Although I do believe the feeling is mutual. I will allow you both to figure it out on your own,” she coos and gives me one more squeeze.
“Thank you.”
Michael
I turn my gaze from glaring at Adriano. He’s been sitting on a stool in the corner as Symphony plays the piano. Of course, I gifted her another when she moved here to Boston.
I had this one custom-made for her. There is even an engraving under the right side, but I’m not sure if she’s aware of it. I guess I have been in love with her for way longer than I’ve allowed myself to admit.
The engraving says, To my love. Play to your soul’s content.
Someday, I will tell her where to find the words. Someday when I’m sure she can handle the weight of them.
However, today isn’t that day. There’s been something in the air with Adriano since he found me here. I didn’t miss his shock or the scowl that followed.
I also didn’t miss the look in his eyes when I hugged Sim as she returned from her shower. It was a mixture of lust and jealousy. I understand the look of lust.
Symphony looks sexy in the body-hugging dress and nude heels. Her physique is exquisite. I almost swallowed my tongue when I saw her.
Her lashes are always long and pretty with her big brown eyes, but she’s wearing some type of makeup that’s making her eyes pop. Then there’s the lip gloss that makes her full lips look sensual, inviting, and taunting. I have never wanted to kiss a woman more.
However, something has changed since she returned. To top it all off, Adriano’s presence is pissing me off. I know he’s doing his job, but I’m here. He doesn’t need to be.
I stand from where I’ve been sitting, listening to Sim play while I sip at some cognac. I place my drink on the piano and sit beside her on the bench. She scoots over slightly, bringing a smile to my lips.
She’s been shyer than usual. It’s endearing. I wonder if she has a clue of how beautiful she looks. I don’t think she does, which only makes her sexier.
“Can I play with you?”
She pauses her fingers on the keys and looks out the corner of her eye at me. I reach to brush a few of her locs out of her face and tuck them behind her ear.
I love them on her. The middle-sized locs compliment her face. They are very neat and the scent coming from them is intoxicating. She almost smells like candy.
“I … I would like that. Yes, you may, Michael.”