Chapter 127 Suffocating Feeling
ARYA’S POV
I woke with a sharp pain in my neck, my head was at an awkward angle against the armrest of the couch.
For a disoriented moment, I didn't know where I was. That was until I caught the vaulted ceilings and the expensive looking bedroom that it all came flooding back.
I had fallen asleep on the couch last night while waiting for Marco to come home from whatever business he'd had to handle.
Sunlight streamed through the large windows, illuminating the spacious living room and I took it all in with a soft sight.
But then a soft cry came from the bedroom. I pushed myself up, ignoring my protesting muscles, and hurried to the nursery section Marco had set up in my room.
Dante lay in his crib, his tiny fists waving, his face scrunched up in that way that meant he was about to start really crying.
"Hey, sweet boy," I whispered, lifting him carefully. "Good morning to you too."
His dark eyes which were so heartbreakingly familiar found mine, and he settled immediately against my chest. I carried him to the rocking chair by the window and settled in to feed him.
This was starting to look like my favorite time of day. Just me and Dante, with the world quiet around us.
He looked more like Giovanni now that I was seeing him clearly. The same dark hair that was starting to show a slight curl and the same intense gaze, even at three weeks old.
Sometimes it hurt to look at him. But mostly, it filled me with a fierce love I had never imagined possible.
"Your daddy would love you," I whispered, tracing his tiny nose. "If he knew about you. If things were different."
But they weren't different. And Giovanni would never know about the perfect little person we created together.
After Dante finished eating and I changed him, I placed him back in his crib for his morning nap and went to check on Marco.
His bedroom door was still closed and the apartment was silent.
I realized that he hadn't come home last night.
Worry gnawed at me and I tried not to let it bother me. Marco had his own life and responsibilities. Just because I was living under his roof didn't mean I had a right to know his every movement.
But still. It felt strange.
I moved to the kitchen, deciding to make breakfast. Cooking helped calm my nerves, and it gave me something to do with my hands.
By the time I finished with some eggs and toast, I felt more settled. I took a quick shower, careful not to wake Dante, and dressed in comfortable jeans and a loose sweater.
My maternity clothes were gone now, packed away in the back of the closet. My body still didn't feel quite like mine.
My stomach was still soft and round, but at least I was healing.
I was halfway through my breakfast when my phone rang. Ethan's name flashed on the screen.
"Hello?"
"Arya! How's my favorite employee doing?" His voice was warm. "And more importantly, how's the little guy?"
Despite everything, I smiled. "We're both good. Dante's sleeping right now, which means I'm actually eating a meal while it's still hot."
"Living the dream." I could hear the smile in his voice. "Listen, I know you're still on leave, but I wanted to check in. Make sure you're not going stir-crazy."
"Only mildly." I poked at my eggs. "Though I have to admit, I miss the office.”
He chuckled and I could almost see him shaking his head. "Well, whenever you're ready to come back, your desk is waiting. No pressure, but we miss you around here.” He paused then added. “Diane's been complaining that no one else files things correctly."
I laughed. "Tell Diane I miss her too. And that Ia"
The front door opened and Marco walked in, and froze when he saw me on the phone.
"I should go," I said quickly to Ethan. "Thanks for checking in. I'll let you know when I'm ready to come back."
He sighed and said. "Take your time. Take care of yourself and that baby."
"I will. Bye, Ethan."
I ended the call and turned to Marco with a smile. "Hey. I was worried when you didn't come home last night. Is everything-"
"Who was that?" He snapped.
I blinked. "What?"
He was glaring at me now. "On the phone. Who was that?"
"Ethan. My boss. He was just checking-"
"Your boss." Marco set down the bag he was carrying with more force than necessary. "That’s why your entire face looked two shades brighter?”
I felt offended but I swallowed my response. "Marco, he was just checking on me.”
"I don't like it." He moved closer, his expression darker than I had ever seen it. "I don't like other men calling you. Especially not ones who have you smiling like that."
I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "That's ridiculous, you shouldn’t-“
"You should quit." He interrupted swiftly.
I stared at him. "What?"
"Your job. You should quit." He said it like it was the most reasonable thing in the world. "You don't need to work anymore. I'm taking care of you and Dante. You should be home with him anyway, not rushing back to some office where your boss clearly has inappropriate feelings for you."
I glared at him. “Ethan doesn't have… Marco, you're being unreasonable."
He closed the distance between us and pulled me into his arms.
"I know," he said against my hair. "And I'm sorry. I just want to protect you. You and Dante. I want to take care of you both. Why won't you let me do that?"
Before I could respond, his lips were on mine.
The kiss was harder than the one at the hospital. His hands cupped my face, holding me in place.
But I felt nothing.
He pulled back, breathing hard. "I'm sorry. I know I said I'd wait, but I can't help myself. When I'm near you, when I think about you with other men-"
Dante's cry cut through the apartment.
Marco paused, his jaw clenching. "Sounds like someone needs his mama."
He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
"I should go." I gestured toward the bedroom.
He kissed my forehead. "I'm sorry for snapping at you. It won't happen again."
I nodded and escaped to the bedroom, my heart pounding for all the wrong reasons.
Dante was crying in earnest now, his little face red. I picked him up, holding him close, trying to calm the unease churning in my stomach.
Marco's behavior was... off.
I tried to tell myself it was just Marco being overprotective. But something felt wrong.
My phone buzzed with a text.
Cherry: Got my ticket! Arriving tomorrow at 2 PM. Can't wait to meet my nephew!!!
I smiled in relief. Thank God. Someone I could talk to.
I clutched Dante closer and typed back: Can't wait to see you. I really need you right now.
I set down the phone and focused on Dante, who had settled back to sleep in my arms.
Tomorrow, I would tell Cherry everything and get an answer to the questions in my head.