Ties of Blood (Book One)

Chapter 34 ~ Matteo

Matteo Morreti

Gianna didn't look at me the whole lunch, she stared at anything but me. I didn't blame her, fuck, if I were in her position i would hate me too. She looked at the menu, outside the window and the table, just not me. 

I assumed what it looked like to her, like I'd ambushed her with lunch as a stunt to try and gain her forgiveness.

But that wasn't true, Alessandro had told me that we were going to lunch because I'd 'not been myself'. Given the circumstances that he was just engaged, I obliged, and was just as shocked to see Gianna there. And, given the circumstances, that she actually showed up, that happened to her too. 

She looked away immediately and didn't talk to me the whole lunch, I wanted to say something, anything but I didn't know where to start.

Gianna, I'm sorry for lying to you through everything. Oh, and saying that you were good in bed and even more sorry that you heard. I really hope you can forgive me, even though you won't talk to me.  

i roll my eyes inwardly. But seeing her again was a better feeling than being trapped in my house that gave me nothing but pure memories of what I used to have with her. 

~~~

Once we pulled up to the villa, just the next day, the size of it blocked the sun, looming a large shadow over us.

The villas pale stone walls glowing in the evening moon. Tall trees lined the long driveway, casting their shadows across the gravel. The front was adorned with grand arched windows, framed by ivy that crept up the sides. A marble fountain stood in the center of the courtyard, its soft trickling echoing in the air.

Alessandro had driven me there in his sleek black car, the tension in the vehicle almost palpable. He had tried to make small talk during the ride, but my responses had been short. I guess he thought I was focused on the day ahead.

Gianna, on the other hand, had come with Camilla. I had watched from a distance as they pulled up in Camilla's car, Gianna stepping out in a hurry without sparing me a glance. The knot in my stomach tightened. We hadn't exchanged a single word, this was our first time speaking since lunch yesterday and she clearly wasn't anymore pleased with me than then. 

Inside, there were maids waiting for us, Alessandro spoke to them with Camilla leaning on his side, I didnt know what they were talking about, my attention was purely on Gianna.

She had a modest outfit on, a long skirt that swirled at her ankles and a matching shirt with sandals. She was fucking beautiful. Her hair was tucked behind one ear and cascaded over her shoulders.

I hadn't noticed I was staring until she glanced at me and looked away just as fast.

"Okay, guys! This is officially ours for the next week!" Alessandro's words yanks me out of my thoughts.

"Great!" Gianna says quickly.

Alessandro looks at me for my remark but my mouth was dry and my throat felt like it was closing up so I just nodded in response.

"We'll take you guys to your rooms," Camilla says.

Camilla and Gianna walk ahead while me and Alessandro walk behind them. Alessandro was talking, and as much as I wanted to sound like I cared.