Chapter 36: "Get out of here!"

POV: Beatrice

When I rolled over again and the man Stefano was talking to had already left, I realized that Stefano was angry. His serious countenance and eyes sparking with indignation made it clear that something was really wrong.

"Find him, do everything you can to find this man and stop him, before things get out of hand," he said firmly, still unaware of my presence behind him, hanging up the phone.

"What happened, Stefano? You look..." I asked, trying to control my own anxiety, but he interrupted me, as he always did when we were talking about subjects he didn't like.

"Get out of here, Beatrice!" He let out a deep sigh before replying, his voice laden with frustration and fury.

"You should share your problems, you can't carry the world on your back, even when it's a criminal like you." He raised his body, which was resting on the table, to my face, letting out a quick, sarcastic laugh.

"You don't have the slightest bit of decency. You dress like a high-class woman, you insult me like you're someone, when you're just a scared, weak little woman who ran away from my question like a coward!" He stood up, ran his hands through his hair. "In fact, that's exactly what you are. Get out of my fucking office, Beatrice!" Stefano shouted, taking his anger out on me.

"My father was murdered, in front of me, while Davide was by my side. He asked me to hide seconds before some thugs broke into my house. I had just gone with Davide to the bedroom so that my son could say goodnight to his grandfather, and I found a frightened man aware that it would be his last breaths. He made me swear that I wouldn't interfere in anything that happened there. I saw him die, Stefano, and yes, I'm a weak fucking bitch when it comes to that, because unlike you, I don't find it fun to throw the bodies in the river or whatever you do with millions of people who kill for fun and ego. I think I've answered your question now." It took a few seconds before he looked away from me.

"River? Let's say I prefer a mixture of tar, coal and gravel heated to 3,000 degrees Celsius. By the way, you didn't care that I was a criminal while you were moaning on my cock." He replied, correcting me and pretending not to care about everything else I'd said, even though his tone was rude, angry, impatient rather than amused.

All the illusion and excitement that had once enveloped me now dissipated completely, giving way to the ever-increasing anger at being here and at fucking him minutes ago. It was clear that all this would turn against me. I was a hypocrite.

A few knocks sounded on the door and I clutched the arms resting on my chest tighter, due to the slightly chilly wind coming from the room, but especially when his eyes landed there again before his deep voice allowed the person to enter.

"Great night, isn't it, don? You was great coordinating the raid on Gamorra, we can start preparing the party now." Paola's sweet voice echoed before she could notice my presence, and especially when she realized that I was only wearing a towel in her boss's office.

Stefano's eyes grew grayer and grayer as she spoke, her words about chasing someone who could ruin everything, coupled with the information Paola had just let slip, made me aware that something had gone wrong, something Stefano wasn't sure he could control, although I believed he could.

Paola stared at me, her eyes narrowed, and her frown clearly revealed the discomfort she felt. Her face, normally warm and welcoming, was now expressing disapproval and a certain irritation, judging my attire and the situation, alone with the man she worshipped. As her gaze traveled up and down my body, all I could think was how ridiculous it all was.

Every muscle in Paola's face seemed tense, her lips, normally gently curved in a smile, were now pressed into a straight line and one of her eyebrows raised slightly. Despite trying to keep her posture professional and serene, her chin was slightly raised, indicating an attempt to control her emotions and act according to the expected etiquette. I knew she was wanted have an argument with me right then, as if Stefano was worthy of all this attention.

She paraded up to the man standing in front of us, kissing his ring and bringing her nails up to his face to approach him and place a kiss on the tip of his lips, in a failed attempt to mark out a territory that I didn't want to dispute. She didn't know about our game, Stefano didn't like her and probably liked the feeling of not having to explain his actions to anyone. He knew about her feelings, did he give her any reason for this? Irritation rises in my body just thinking about it and seeing the way she thought Stefano would one day be hers. But like her, I held back enough not to show it.

"Good evening, Beatrice. What are you doing here?" She asked, smiling falsely, and I did the same, but my smile was more debauched than anything else.

"How have you been, Paola? Maybe you should ask Stefano; he's the only person who will be happy to give you a full explanation," I said with a firm look in the direction of my son's father. "Well, I'm off, make yourselves at home," I add, avoiding his gaze, although I can feel his insistent presence on me, while Paola's eyes seem to burn more and more as she stares at me.

Turning away, I walk towards the door with a slight touch of exuberance and cast one last glance in Stefano's direction.

"Let's talk about the party. This time, you'll be my date. Beatrice will be busy with other things." He tries to tease me, then looks away, while Paola keeps an satisfied smile on her face.