Ties of Blood (Book One)

Chapter 36 ~ Matteo

Matteo Morreti

I didn't know where I was going, I knew where I was, the garden outside the villa the sound of the water fountain and the dripping water bright me back to reality every time I slipped away.

I missed Gianna so much it fucking hurt.

She was right beside me but I couldn't touch her.

I sat on the bench for what felt like hours, the wind rustled the trees, I could almost hear the whispering 'Gianna' mockingly.

I finally gathered myself and stood up from the bench, I walked back into the house, it was quiet, my steps hardly made any sound, the villa  wasn't cramped but it felt like the walls were closing in on me.

I'd never felt so damn suffocated and helpless, I didn't like it. But this what what I got for pushing away the one person I love and loved me too. Keyword, loved.

I made it back to me and Gianna's room and pushed down the door handle, she was laying on the couch, her knees hugged to her chest, like she was trying to keep herself warm, I walked closer to see her face, her cheeks were damp with tears. Fuck.

I know Gianna was mad at me, as she had every right to be but the day I allowed her to sleep on a couch would be the day icicles formed in hell.

I slipped an arm under her legs and used the other to support her head, I lifted her up with ease and placed her on the bed, we were supped to share but given our new boundaries and restrictions that wasn't an option anymore. It immediately got flashbacks of the night we went on our first date and she dozed off in the car.

She stirred a little, waking me up. I pulled the blankets over her and tucked the under her chin, keeping her warm.

I knew it was wrong, but I missed her so much. I pressed my lips to her forehead, "Good night, amore,"

I brushed my finger gently over her cheek a few times, her skin was hot, but the good kind, it was always the good kind with her. I reluctantly pulled away from her, and made my way to the couch. I didn't sleep on a couch very often but it was better than Gianna doing it.

I took off my shirt, and lay down closing my eyes and praying for the sleep I had been deprived of for weeks.

"Matteo!" Gianna's giggles echo when I throw her over my shoulder.

I carried her effortlessly, feeling her hands drum lightly on my back as she laughed, the sound like a melody.

The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting golden beams around us, making the moment feel surreal, almost too perfect.

"Put me down!" she squealed, though her voice carried no urgency.

"Not until you agree I'm paying for dinner later," I teased, spinning her around playfully, her laughter growing louder.

Gianna insisted that we spilt it bill when we got dinner at 8PM and I sure as hell wasn't letting that happen.

"Okay, okay! Fine, but I'll repay you someday," she conceded, breathless, and I gently set her down on the soft grass beneath us.

Her face was flushed from laughter, her blonde hair falling in loose waves around her shoulders. She smiled up at me, eyes sparkling with a joy I hadn't seen in so long.

Her face inched closer to mine, my hand rested on her hips again and I brought my face closer awaiting our-

But then, as quickly as it appeared, the warmth of the dream started to slip away. The bright afternoon sun dimmed, the colors around us fading into muted grays. Gianna's smile faltered, and her figure began to blur. I reached for her, panic surging in my chest.