Santi's Downfall

Chapter 15: The Jealousy

There is no greater glory than love, nor any greater punishment than jealousy.

Lope de Vega

Santi Marchesi's POV

I gripped the stoned baluster of the balcony on the second floor of my house wishing it was that boy's neck as I watched Haven and that American boy leave my house. It was the fourth consecutive day now since he bravely went to the lion's den and asked permission to go sightseeing with my charge around town. I thought it would be only a one-time outing I didn't realize that it would be an everyday event.

I only agree with this ridiculous plan because I want Haven to feel at ease. After all, she's been skittish around me since the kissing incident when the ex-bartender at my club spiked something in her drinks.

This makes me wonder was that bastard finally out of the hospital after the trashing I did to him the following day he fucked up? He'd been lucky that Nico stopped me from killing him if not for my cousin he'd be dead by now.

My eyes narrowed outside when I noticed the two of them were about to ride the cab. I don't think I've seen Haven smile like that when she was in my company. How could that boy-next-door-looking manage to do that? It was unbelievable.

"You're being too obvious, do you know that?" I hadn't noticed that Nico was already standing next to me on the balcony looking at the speeding taxi. My sharp intuition was noticeably absent today.

"I don't know what you mean, Niccolo," I answered without sparing him a glance. I just kept my eyes outside looking at my property.

He snickered. From the corner of my eye, I could see that he leaned his ass on the stone baluster and tucked his hand in his middle to give me a sanguine look. "Oh, boy, why don't you just admit it so the heaviness in your chest will lift?"

I gave him a thunderous glare. "Why will I admit anything when there's nothing to divulge in the first place?"

"Are you sure?"

I scowled at him. "I don't have time to play stupid mind games with you. I'm busy. Fucked off, will you?"

He scoffed, eyeing me with amusement in his eyes. "Busy, you say? Busy with that, exactly? Busy spying on your charge's daily dates with that guy friend of hers?"

Something with his words that didn't sit well with me. I glared darkly at my cousin I don't know why I feel irritated. "I am not spying on them. It just happened that I want some fresh air on the balcony at the same time when they're about to leave."

"But you have been doing that for the past four days, cousin," Nico recalled with a grin on his face. "You might not realize this but I've been watching you, watching them leave everything with jealousy in your face."

"Don't be ridiculous," I avoided his knowing gaze. "Why would I be jealous?"

"Because you like her. You like Haven and you just don't want to admit it. You're jealous of this Noah guy because since he came into the picture Haven's attention is solely focused on him and you're existence is nearly forgotten by her."

I shook my head vehemently. "That's complete bullshit. I am not jealous of that boy and certainly, I don't have feelings for Haven. For God's sake, Nico! Do you hear yourself? You are accusing me of liking James' daughter, my ward—that is. The thought was so horrible even for crooked people like us."

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Deny it all you want. I am just telling you what I observed in the past few days. Your pitiful look watching her from afar while you have this puppy face."