I waited until his breathing grew deep and even before opening my eyes in the dark.
Even in sleep, his arms were locked around me, refusing to let go. He loved me so completely. How could any of it be a lie?
The next morning, Ermanno was in high spirits, eager to take me to the vineyards outside the city, a quiet stretch of land the Family owned under a shell company where no soldiers stood post.
Before I could answer, someone appeared at the study door requesting a word.
The visitor barely got two words out before Ermanno's brow creased and he snapped, "It's my day off. I made it perfectly clear that no one was to come to the house."
I tugged at his sleeve. "Don't be angry. It might be something urgent."
I called the visitor forward to deliver the message, but the instant the figure raised its head, Ermanno strode over and placed himself between us, blocking my view entirely.
His throat worked. He looked at me with something close to guilt.
"I just remembered, there is something pressing I need to handle. I'll be quick. I won't miss the vineyards, I promise."