I stormed away, running faster than I’d ever run in my life. When I crossed the street toward the underground station, I caught a glimpse of Luca in an unbuttoned shirt and pants staggering out of the door. Romero was already chasing me.
But I was fast. Years of working out on the treadmill finally paid off. I practically flew down the steps, fumbled for the Metro card my sisters and I had purchased before the wedding after we’d forced Umberto to show us the subway. I managed to squeeze into the already closing doors of a subway wagon. I wasn’t even sure where it was going. But as I saw Luca and Romero heading for the tracks, all that mattered was that it was taking me away. Away from the triumphant smile Grace had given me, from the sound of Luca’s body pounding her ass, from his betrayal.
On our wedding night I’d told Luca I didn’t hate him. I wished he’d ask me again today. I sank down on a free seat, but I was still shaking. Where was I going?
I couldn’t run away. Luca was probably already sending every soldier after me. I let out a choked laugh and got a few strange looks from other passengers. What did they know? They were free.
I grabbed my mobile and called Gianna. She answered at the second ring. “Aria?”
“I caught Luca in bed with Grace.” More people looked my way. What did it even matter? They didn’t know who I was. The wedding announcements in the newspaper had never included a photo of me. I really didn’t need any more attention.
“Holy fuck.”
“Yeah.” I got out at the next station as I began telling the whole story to Gianna. I quickly moved away from the underground because that would be the place they’d look first. Eventually I landed in a loud and dark place where burgers and beer were sold. I ordered a coke and a burger, though I had no intention of drinking or eating.
“Where are you now?” Gianna asked.
“Somewhere. I don’t even know. In a restaurant, sort of.”
“Be careful.” I didn’t say anything. “Are you crying?”
I was. Again I stayed silent.
“Don’t. Not when I’m not around to console you and kick Luca’s fucking ass. I knew he was an asshole. Fucking bastard. You haven’t slept with him yet, right?”
“No, I haven’t. That’s probably why he’s off cheating on me.”
“Don’t you dare blaming yourself, Aria. Any decent man would have kept his dick in his pants or used his hand.”
The burger and a coke arrived, and I thanked the waitress who lingered beside my table for a couple of seconds, her gaze lingering on my tears. I gave her a smile and she finally took the hint and left.
“What will you do now? Are you thinking of coming back home?”
“Do you really think Father will let me leave Luca because he cheated on me? Father has had a mistress for years.” Nor would Luca allow it. I was his, as Romero never ceased to remind me.
“Men are all pigs.”
“I can’t forget the look Grace gave me. She looked like she’d won.”
“She wanted you to see it, she wanted to humiliate you.” Gianna fell silent. “You are the wife of the future Capo dei Capi. If someone humiliates you, they are practically insulting Luca.”
“Well, he was busy helping her insult me.”
Gianna snorted. “I hope his dick falls off.”
“I’m not holding my breath.”
“I bet Romero’s getting his ass kicked for letting you slip away. Serves him right.”
I almost felt sorry for Romero, but then I reminded myself that he’d known about Grace all along. It had been written all over his face. God, how many people knew? Were they all laughing about me behind my back?
“Are you talking to Aria?” I could hear Lily’s excited voice in the background. “That’s none of your business. Get out of my room, you little snoop.”
“I want to talk to her! She’s my sister too!”
“Not now. This is private.” There was shouting, then the bang of a door, followed by fists hammering against wood. My heart swelled with warmth and I smiled. This had been my life not too long ago. Now I only had a cheating husband to return to.
“So what now?” Gianna asked eventually.
“I honestly don’t know.” I paid and left the restaurant, returning to roaming the streets. It was dark but they were still crowded with people on their way home from dinner or on their way to a club or bar.
“You can’t let him treat you like that. You must fight back.”
“I don’t know if fighting Luca is something I want to do.”
“What can he do to you? You aren’t his enemy or his soldier, and he said he didn’t beat women, nor would he force himself on you. What’s left? Lock you in your room without dinner?”