Chapter 14: What Suits Us

POV Renzo Di Sante

I drive through the streets of Florence, and while I stop at the traffic light, I think about my conversation with Salvatore this morning. Even though it pisses me off, he’s right. I know what is expected of me, what I have to do; however, that fact isn't enough for me to give in.

The light changes, and I move toward my destination.

When I see the apartment complex, I park and send a quick message before waiting. I look ahead and grimace. Paulette and I dated years ago. Yes, we had fun, and I thought at the time that we could be more than that, but little by little I discovered she wasn't who I thought. She is a calculating woman, full of herself, who loves to be flattered... And with me, she hit a wall. We both started to drift apart to the point of being nothing, but by the time that happened, it was already too late because our families had planned that she was the one for me. She comes from a good family, hasn't been part of any scandal, and best of all, she's from our socioeconomic stratum. When I wanted to back out, Dad was clear: either I marry the woman they deem suitable for our family, or I can make my way alone. After the years I have dedicated to the company, that's what he has to say. I have sacrificed a lot to grow it alongside Salvatore. We have both worked side-by-side to ensure the hotels are on par with the chocolate factory, which was our first source of income for decades.

The passenger door opens, and Paulette gets in. “Hello, Amore.”

“We’re late for the reservation,” I say, instead, in a dry tone, and she looks at me attentively for a few seconds before sighing.

“We’re having dinner at the hotel restaurant; I think we can afford to arrive whenever we please.”

“Of course,” I murmur, and I start driving.

“It's been a while since we went out to dinner.”

“We saw each other at the wedding.” I can feel her gaze on me. I'm not lying, we saw each other at the wedding, and I got a hell of a scolding for being with her that day. Today won't be different. I sigh.

“Are you okay?”

“Marvelous, can’t you tell?”

We arrive at the restaurant in record time, and once inside, we have no trouble getting a table. While we decide what to have for dinner, I observe the woman sitting across from me for the millionth time. Paulette is a beautiful woman; her red hair, green eyes, and curves make her look like any man's dream. However, her mannerisms ruin all that beauty; her snobbish behavior pisses me off. Yes, I'm not a saint, but I have principles—in my own way, but I have them.

“I spoke with my father, and he asked me about the engagement and the wedding date.”

“We've already talked about that. Right now, we’re busy with the new hotel, and it needs my full attention, especially since it will be under both companies.”

“The Rossettis are a nuisance,” she spits with disdain. “Salvatore should have declined such a proposal.”

A cynical smile creeps onto my lips. What a coincidence, she is a nuisance to me too. No matter how much of a jerk I act like, she says nothing. She’s like a damn tick stuck to me, and I don't know how to get her off.

We order, and there's not much to say. I just listen to Paulette's monologue about her work, how she went shopping two days ago and got the newest collection, and blah blah blah. I finish my glass of wine in record time, and when dessert arrives, I just want to get out of this crap and say I’ve fulfilled my duty for at least two more weeks. Sometimes I wonder if it wouldn't be easier to leave and abandon everything, but I can't; it's not fair.

But fed up with everything, I blurt out what's stuck in my throat. “Paulette, I think the best thing is for us to go our separate ways.” I say it and feel the pressure release. Her green eyes study me, as if she were evaluating the situation.

She clears her throat. “I’m going to pretend you didn't say that and that you’re just tired.”

“Yes,” I cut her off. “I'm tired of this that's going nowhere.”

She narrows her eyes and sips her wine before setting it aside. “Renzo, we are both adults; we complement each other well,” she begins. “Our families expect a lot from us. I have been patient, too, and I am not willing to be left with nothing at this point.”

“I don't love you, is that difficult to understand? I don't feel anything for you,” I confess. “Do you want to wake up every morning next to a man who doesn't love you? A man you provoke nothing in?”

Her eyes flash, and I brace myself for the outburst, but it doesn't happen; instead, she smiles cunningly. “Let’s do this, let’s forget what just happened, and I’ll pretend you didn't say all those silly things.” Did she say, what?

I shake my head. “Paulette…” my tone is weary.

“It’s alright, I understand you have a lot on your plate. Don’t worry, darling, let's not make a storm in a teacup.”

“I have already made a decision, and I won't go back on it.”

“I think you shouldn’t rush, amore,” she murmurs in a falsely sweet tone. I look at her as if she had grown a second head. There is no way they can force me to do such stupidity.

It is past nine when I enter the villa after dropping Paulette off at her apartment and declining her invitation to come up with her. I park and get out of the car while typing on my mobile, but I get no response. I knew that would be what awaited me for going out to dinner with Paulette. So, as I leave the garage for the outside, I send one last message.

“Don’t make me play dirty.”

I look around, and although there are security personnel around the property, it doesn't stop me from seeing her. I enter the maze and make sure no one who shouldn't is following me. I know this place like the back of my hand; it was Salvatore's and my favorite place to play when we were kids. I hear footsteps and position myself in one of the corners. The thin figure appears, and the moonlight bathes her face. I think my last message made her angrier than usual.

I wait a few seconds, making sure no one is following her, and she does the same, glancing around before sighing. “Tell me what you want, or I’m leaving,” she says through clenched teeth.

I undo the button of my blazer and approach from behind, leaving a kiss on her neck that makes her jump. “Don't touch me, Renzo. Not when you're coming from seeing that woman,” she hisses, and her light eyes look enormous on her face.

“Ash…”

“But I deserve this because I accepted it,” she continues. “Do you know how I feel when I see you with her? Or how angry I get when your parents praise how perfect she is for you?” She shakes her head. “I only came because the last thing I want is for you to break something, stain the carpet, or some nonsense, just so I have to come to your room.”

She walks past me, but I pull her hand and press her against my body before wrapping my arm around her. I know we are both playing with fire. This started as an affair, and now I feel comfortable with her. Damn it! She matters more to me than she should.

“Can you listen to me for a moment?”

“No, I’m tired of listening to you, of feeling displaced. We both made a mistake starting something that should have remained a simple flirtation. I'm risking everything for nothing.”

I clench my jaw and look at her seriously. “Am I nothing to you?”

“I have to think about my aunt, about my studies. I want to graduate and be something more than just the simple maid of the Di Sante house.”

“You can do it, bambina,” Ashley, this is her last year; she will graduate soon. She has worked hard for years to advance her career, and it's something I admire about her. “Just give me some time to prepare everything.”

With my free hand, I cup her cheek and kiss her. At first, she doesn't respond, but I gently bite her delicate lips, and she opens to my assault. I explore every inch of her mouth, and she clings to my chest, turning liquid against my body. I lower my hands and cup her butt, making her gasp.

Ashley is the complete opposite of Paulette. Ash is sweet, fierce, funny, and she makes me see life from another point of view. I know I must make a decision: face the consequences or let her go. I'm a selfish jerk, and I don't want to decide because I'll be losing something, no matter what I choose.

I trace my mouth down her neck and nibble it before she pulls away slightly. “Ash?”

She shakes her head. “I have to go. My aunt was still awake and may need something; she'll want to know where I was.”

I nod reluctantly. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow after classes.” She seems to hesitate, but I give her no respite. Taking a step forward, I trace my finger over her lips before gently biting them. “See you tomorrow night.”

“You’re unbearable,” she whispers before pulling away, but I see a glimpse of a smile that dies when she stops and looks at me. “I mean it, Renzo. I don't think I can take this situation anymore.”

I nod reluctantly, and when she walks away, leaving me alone, I curse.

I stay there for a few minutes, trying to give time so that no one sees us both leave at the same time. When I finally decide it's time to return, I do so and enter through the garage, acting as if I'm just arriving from dinner. My mood is not the best; I need to be alone, but I stop when I find my father in the living room.

“I didn't know you were still awake,” I say as a greeting. I don't think he saw me with Ashley; if he had, he would have already given one of his speeches, besides firing Ash.

“I wanted to come down and have a drink,” he snaps, pulling me out of my thoughts as he points to the glass on the coffee table. “How did the date go?”

“How do you think? Paulette and I no longer have anything in common…”

“Renzo, sometimes unions are made for convenience, and Paulette is what suits us. She was educated to be a wife and will be the best acquisition for this family. With that, we will compensate for the Rossetti woman.”

“Helena was a good acquisition, don't lie to me. You and Mauricio both thought the same: if both families united, they could displace the Ferretis. They did it so as not to lose economic dominance in this city.”

His jaw tenses, and he nods reluctantly. “That should be a good incentive for you. Salvatore sacrificed himself for the family, why won't you?”

“We know what motivates my brother to do that, but I'm not going to discuss it with you.”

“I see you're not in a good mood,” he smacks his lips. “Salvatore didn't have a good night either, because he just arrived. From the look on his and Helena's faces, it's clear that dinner went badly.”

“He went to dinner at the Rossettis' house, how do you think it went?”

He sighs at my words. “But it is necessary. Salvatore can carry out his revenge; however, I need the Rossettis to have nothing left before that, and afterward, we can celebrate it with your wedding.”

I don't respond because it's useless; instead, I say: “I suppose then it's Martina's turn to add a good member to the family.”

“You see you are intelligent, my son,” he snaps. “I haven't decided yet who the man for Martina will be, but definitely someone who adds value to us.” Good luck with that.

With no desire to discuss the matter further, I prefer to leave. “Good night, Dad.” I don't wait for an answer. Instead, I go upstairs and am surprised not to hear any shouting. Maybe dinner wasn't so bad after all.