Page 113 of War Within
“A lot, yes.” I glanced at Giovanni for a moment.
“Well, I think you should go eat something and get some rest. Stress isn’t good for anyone big or small.” He darted his eyes back and forth between us. “Is it possible to take a week off work?”
“Uh, I’m unem—”
“She works for me.” Giovanni offered my hand a light squeeze. “Of course, she can have a week off.”
“How are you feeling?” Giovanni stepped out on the terrace of his apartment.
I shrugged, providing a minimal response. A breeze blew through the air, causing my hair to run wild. Wrapping my hand around it, I held it tightly until the wind passed.
Confused by the outcome of the lab tests, I leaned on the railing wondering what was wrong with me. I knew stress and anxiety were hard on the body, but I had never experienced these symptoms before.Karma. It was definitely karma.
“I'm going to take you away for a week.” He ran his fingers through his wind-blown hair.
The audacity of him to offer to take me anywhere after ending things with me was insulting to any woman. Was he trying to make things right? I did not want to be with him anywhere. Last time I went away with him, bad things happens. Regardless, I did not truly love him. I did not even like him.
“I'm good, thanks.”
Taking my hand in his, he smirked. “I wasn't asking permission. I think getting away and talking will do us both some good, and I also need to address a few things in private. But you need this. I think we both need to just go away and talk.”
“Whatever.” I snorted.
“We leave in an hour, Jane.”
“I’m not even packed!” I called out after him as he opened the sliding glass door.
He looked back over his shoulder. “I have your stuff from my house in the Escalade.”
Rovati Family Estate: Rome, Italy
After an eight and a half hour flight, and a short drive, we arrived at my childhood home; a Tuscan yellow, Mediterranean style mansion with colorful, spacious gardens and courtyards. Jane’s eyes widened as Indigo, Trigger, and Nick carried our belongs inside. She turned a slow circle.
“Your life will never cease to amaze me.”
“Let’s get you inside so you can rest.”
Placing my hand on her back, I guided her inside. The official tour could wait. She barely slept on the plane. It was bad enough that I killed her father. I did not want her to die because of me as well.
Taking her hand, I led her up the stairs to my childhood room. “Just through here.”
“Pretty.”
“At some point, my mother made sure to redecorate on one of her trips back here after my father died. You’ll be comfortable in here.”
With a tight lip, she grinned. “Giovanni, can I just go to bed please?”
“I'll be in my parent's old room down the hall if you need me.”
She lifted her hand to her chin. “You’re not staying in here with me?
“No.” I shook my head. “But I have some things to tell you tomorrow. I want to get it out of the way so we can enjoy the rest of our trip.”
She drew in a deep breath.
“I'm so jet-lagged.” I massaged my temples. “Clara will make breakfast for us in the morning.”
“I have something I need to tell you as well.” She appeared unsure of whatever was on her mind.
