Page 32 of Whispers in the Dark
His mouth curves against mine with precise movements. Gentle yet firm, tender yet dominating.
And I savor every second of this moment, storing away every detail in my memory for a later time.
When he finally pulls back, it takes me a solid minute to regain my senses. My eyelids blink rapidly, and my lips part, already missing his taste. Realizing I’m clinging to him like a life raft, I quickly drop my hands and take a step back on shaky legs, stumbling.
But Mauro is quick to hook an arm around my waist, ensuring I’m steady.
I peek up at him, seeing him in an unattainable light. “I guess that makes this official,” I whisper.
He reaches for my left hand, running his thumb over the band on my finger. The soothing touch makes my knees wobble against each other, but I do everything I can to remain upright.
With his other hand, he lays it flat against his chest, directly over the center before tapping his middle finger twice.
Confused by his gesture, I furrow my brows, my mouth opening slightly. But before I can ask, he intertwines my fingers with his and leads us out of the room as husband and wife.
Chapter eight
Mauro
Icheck my watch for the fifth time, observing the little hand tick slowly around as I lean against the wooden stair banister. It’s fifteen minutes after six, which means Alina’s fifteen minutes late. Unease fills me as my eyes trail over to the front door, wishing for it to swing open.
Everyone’s scattered throughout Madeleine’s house, conversing. Laughter echoes through the halls as the minutes toll by, but the only thing I can focus on is the damn front door and the fact that Alina isn’t here yet.
Maybe she got caught in traffic. Or maybe the roads weren’t plowed. Shit, why didn’t I pick her up? I should have offered to come and pick her up. No, I should have told her I was coming to get her, not leaving room for her to refuse. I never should have let her drive in these conditions. Especially in that shitty excuse of a car.
Mental note: buy Alina a new car.
I pull out my phone and scroll through my contacts until I see her name. I’m just about to type out a message when the front door opens, and Alina stumbles through. There’s a frantic energy to her as her chest heaves with each breath she takes, like she just ran here.
She dusts off the snow from her hair as she slides out of her boots. Her cheeks are a rosy pink, matching the tip of her nose. As she unwraps the scarf from around her slender neck, she looks up, and her eyes meet mine. Her shoulders drop, a sense of relief washing over her features. A small smile blooms across her face.
I’m just about to let a smile slip free when Madeleine rushes past me.
“Finally! I was about to send the guards out to look for you,” she teases as she helps Alina out of her coat.
She might be joking, but another minute or two and I was seriously considering the same option.
“I’m so sorry I’m late. My car wouldn’t start, and I had to wait for AAA to jump-start it.” She shrugs.Why didn’t she text me for help? “I guess I’ll be buying a battery for my birthday present to myself.” She laughs, trying to appear as if it’s no big deal, but I hear the strain in her voice. And I definitely don’t miss the slight redness in her eyes as if this situation brought tears that she no longer has on display.
This is the last fucking thing she needs.
“Or just get a new car. That will solve all of your problems.” Madeleine wraps an arm around Alina’s shoulders, leading her toward the dining room. “Come on, Mauro. Dinner is ready.”
I follow close behind and enter the dining room. Immediately, I note one free seat beside Eli and two free seats across from him. Obviously, Madeleine will sit beside him, which means it won’t be obvious when I take my place next to Alina.
As expected, Madeleine sits beside her husband, and Alina takes the seat directly across from hers. I take the free seat between her and Alex, inching my chair a little closer to hers.
While the dinner is rolled out on carts and everyone begins to talk amongst themselves, I notice Alina’s knee bouncing anxiously beneath the table. Before I can second-guess myself, I discreetly place my hand on her thigh, and she stills, her eyes glancing up, locking with mine.
Does she regret going through with this plan?
Has she changed her mind?
Christ, what was I thinking agreeing to this?
“I’m okay,” she says soft enough that only I can hear. “Just nervous about how everyone will react.”
I nod in understanding, slowly drawing my thumb back and forth over her jeans. Honestly, I’m not too sure how they’ll take the news either, but they all love Alina like she’s one of us, so I don’t see how this could go badly. I mouth the words,It’ll be okay.She shows a small smile before rolling in her bottom lip and looking down at her dinner plate.
