Fiore Mortale (mxm)

39.

Carmen's arms engulf me as soon as she pushes open my bedroom door.

"Sei stato andato per tanto tempo , mi manchi!" She murmurs, crying on my shoulder.

"I missed you too, Carmen. And we've only been gone four days." I correct, watching her look at me crazy.

"Fourteen days, and four days are two different things. Were you even conscious?" She asks.

"Yes, and I'm fine." I reply, with no intention of changing my clothes in front of her until the bruises faded.

"So is everything better between you two?" She asks hesitantly, making me realize that even though it is November, she's too appropriately dressed. Especially inside the house.

She's even wearing black gloves to conceal her hands, and instead of her hair being pulled from her face, it casually drapes over her eye.

I suppose they did get punished too, the worse thing Arsenio did to me was spank me. The only day he didn't spank me was the one where he told me about his relationship with his mother.

"What're the plans for the day?" I ask, stretching my arms and avoiding her question. When I'd gotten back yesterday, I overheard Gio tell Arsenio he'd sent her home for a while until Arsenio came back. But I know it's a lie.

Isla avoids me, and vice versa, since I honestly don't believe she had any reason to tell Arsenio of what I'd been doing. She raises an eyebrow, then goes to close my bedroom door.

"Can you keep a secret?" She asks, knowing I would.

"As long as I don't get into trouble."

"I promise you won't. I met this guy when I was home, but he's a delivery boy." Carmen murmurs softly. I watch her eyes light up in excitement, wondering if it's real.

"And? You're married." I point out, not encouraging cheating even if Gio does it.

She rolls her eyes. "Don't spoil all of the fun. I realize I'm married Elijah. Anyways, he's really nice to me, and always sneaks me a bouquet of flowers." I'm not sure how to respond to her, since I know Gio didn't pay her any attention. She is still a twenty something year old woman that's very attractive.

I didn't believe she'd sit around forever, but I did hope that her husband and her would get it together. I guess not.

"So, what's he like?" I ask out of pity.

"Oh Eli! He's my wildest dream come true! Everything I'd want in a man, it's him. I'm going to plan to runaway with him, and I want you to help me." She gets to the point of why she'd mentioned mystery guy to me in the first place.

I sigh and move away from her hopeful silhouette which remained on the bed.
"Please help me, I deserve happiness just as much as the next person. I mean I know we don't marry for happiness, it's usually family alliances, but I've found the man I want to be the father of my kids. Tell me I don't deserve it."
She counters, as I run my hair through my head.

We literally just got out of trouble, and she's willing to risk running away?

"We're too close, they'll think I had something to do with it." I reply.

"Then we'll fake a big fight. Something unforgivable, and make it look realistic. Obviously I'm not leaving now, we need to plan it out for the next year or so. That way, it's flawless. Okay?"

I look into Carmen's warm brown eyes that has been nothing but comforting since I met her, even if she was playing me. She has a loving naïve soul that shouldn't have been forced into arranged marriage with Gio to begin with, but honoring family seemed to be more important than feelings.