Chapter 61 FREEDOM DAY
~Two weeks later~
••Roman••
“Are you listening to me?” she questioned again.
I blinked and glanced at her through the mirror. “Yes.”
“That is not convincing.”
It was finally freedom day. Today I got to get out of the house. I had spent the past three weeks mostly in the room, and when Luci was gracious enough, I got to sit in the living room. Her reason was simple. I needed to relax, and it should be on foams that would make me comfortable.
Since I woke up and started getting dressed, she had been counting about a million do’s and don’ts for me as I moved around the room.
“Don’t lift anything heavy.”
“Don’t get into arguments.”
“Don’t skip your meds.”
“Don’t stay out late."
I cared less about what she was spewing. I only craved the outside air. The walls of this room had started feeling like a personal prison.
“You know you can still work from home for a few more days,” she said again.
“No, I don’t. I just know I need to be out there,” I replied as I stood in front of the mirror, knotting my tie.
“Just because you can go out doesn’t mean you should start acting like nothing happened,” she said, arms folded. “Well, don’t strain yourself too much,” she added after a second.
“Yes, madame,” I bowed slightly, teasing her.
She rolled her eyes. “These are after lunch.” She dangled a pack of meds in her hand and placed them inside my briefcase.
Only if she knew I wouldn’t take them. She would stress even harder.
“You’ll take them,” she warned.
“I will,” I lied smoothly.
She narrowed her eyes. “You’re lying.”
“I’m smiling. That means I’m honest.”
“No, it means you’re suspicious.”
I kissed her cheek. “Relax, Princess. I’ll be fine.”
When I got outside, Theo was already waiting by the car.
“You look alive again,” he said.
“Barely,” I muttered.
We went to check some of our businesses to see how they were doing. After that, I met a few of my capos to discuss the next plan of operation. They gave me feedback on activities over the last three weeks. Everything was under control. It felt strange not barking orders or flipping tables.
Luci successfully interrupted my day with calls.
First call.
“Did you eat breakfast?”
Second call.
“Are you feeling dizzy?”
Third call.
“Did you take the meds?”
Fourth call.
“I just wanted to hear your voice.”
Can she not be more annoying?
“Your wife is running a surveillance operation on you,” Theo muttered.
“She thinks I’m a dying antique.” I grinned.
“She’s just worried.”
“I know,” I sighed.
Everything went better than I thought. By midday, I was done for the day. My aim of smacking or hitting someone to release the tension in me failed. I needed to let it out. The violence itch was real, and it was annoying me.
By the time I got home, I went straight to the kitchen for wine. That was when I met Luci cooking.
“You are back early,” she said.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“Cooking, obviously.”
“Why would you cook? Where’s Ami and the rest?” I asked, already fuming.
“It’s my choice to cook. I miss Greek food, so I decided to make Greek dishes to console myself,” she explained.
At her explanation, I couldn’t say anything. I just sat at the table and poured myself some wine.
“So, is the food ready?” I asked.
“Yes, it’s just the soup that’s left.” She began to list the dishes she prepared. It was a full feast. She mentioned names I couldn’t even pronounce.
“Please serve me the food,” I said.
She paused and stared at me. “You want to eat my food?” she questioned.
“Unless you don’t want me to take the meds,” I smiled.
She clicked her tongue and served me. The food looked strange, but the aroma was soothing.
“Let’s see how good a cook our Princess is,” I teased.
“You’ll see,” she said boldly.
I dived into the food. Damn. It was so good.
Each side dish I tasted from was satisfying.
“How is it?” she asked.
“I can’t figure out the taste yet,” I teased.
“Oh!” she nodded her head continuously.
••Luciana••
When Roman left that morning, I forgot what my routine used to be. The house became peaceful, I had no one complaining in my ears, no one demanding water, no one asking for meds.
I suddenly felt homesick.
So I decided to make some Greek dishes. Ami insisted she help me. She feared what Roman would do if he saw me cooking, but I assured her it was fine.
“Signora, he will be annoyed." she said.
“He gets fussy over everything,” I replied.
I managed to persuade her to leave and I started cooking. I remembered the dishes my mother taught me.
When he came back and said he would eat my food, I was overjoyed. Today I was happy I paid attention when mom taught me how to cook. When I was done, I saw I made a feast. If I ate alone, half of it would waste, but now I had someone to eat with.
I observed the way he shook his head as he savored the food. My heart lifted.
“How’s it?” I asked.
“I can’t figure out the taste yet,” he said.
I nodded. I knew he was teasing.
Asshole, but a smiling asshole