chapter TWENTY-NINE
I spent most of the next day reading some books on witchcraft I found in Vittorio’s study while he was at work. Ms. Carmen had been thankful to hear her daughter was safe, even at o’dark thirty. I never did bother to see what time it was after my late night conversation with Vittorio. I hoped I would get to meet Courtney soon, and set to work on convincing her to return home, or at least to call her mother.
“Get ready to go out. Courtney will be at The Chapel tonight.”
I jumped, not having heard him arrive home, cringing at the command in his words. But what did I expect? A passionate greeting, all hurt from the night before forgotten? Setting the book aside, I left the study to get dressed, not looking at Vittorio, not wanting to see the pain that must be on his face.
Vittorio sat on the bed waiting for me when I got out of the shower. I felt more naked than I ever had and scrambled to find a robe. He had not changed from his work clothes, just removed the jacket and tie.
Once safely covered, I didn’t know what to do, couldn’t move, rooted just outside the bathroom door. What did he want from me?
Vittorio stood and came to me. He stood inches away, then wrapped his arms around me.
I froze. That was the last thing I had expected.
“Mio amore, relax.”
He called me mio amore. That called forth a whole new wave of tears as I sank into his arms and clung to him as if he were the only thing keeping me alive.
He scooped me into his arms and carried me to the bed. “Mio amore, do not cry. I told you I will not leave you.”
“I know, but I don’t understand why not. I’d deserve it if you did. I keep expecting at any moment you’re going to change your mind.”
“I will be honest, I had thought about it, but I cannot stand the thought of living without you.”
“I know, and I understand. I told you I’ll do anything you ask.”
“In that case, please stop crying. You are far more beautiful when you smile.”
I couldn’t help but smile at that.
“There, much better,” he said, and kissed away my tears.
The feel of his lips on my face called to my power. I had let my guard down, and it rushed out of me toward Vittorio. This time, however, it hit a steel wall with such a force it physically jolted me. When I brought it back under control Vittorio explained.
“I suspected your emotions might cause you to lose control. Normally, my shield would not be so strong against you, but my pain and anger helped strengthen it.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You have apologized enough, Elena. It is time to start rebuilding what you destroyed.” His words were harsh, but no harsher than my self-hatred. “Now, we really must get ready for tonight. Samuel confirmed that Courtney will be there.”
“How does he know?”
“For some reason I do not understand, he has taken quite an interest in her.”
“You mean, like, romantically?”
“I believe so.”
“Does every man in the coven date younger girls?”
That earned me a grin. “No, mio amore, they do not. You are a rare creature. I honestly do not know what Samuel sees in Courtney, but she seems quite flattered by the attention of an older man.
“Now, get dressed.” He kissed me. The intensity of his shields told me he hadn’t completely forgiven me yet, but that was okay. He kissed me, and called me his love again.