She flinches at the use of her surname. We’ve always been on a first name basis. She looks helplessly at Dante, wordlessly asking for direction.
“Tatiana came to collect some of her things.”
“Yes,” she stammers. “Of course.”
“I was going to get her a drink.”
“I’m fine,” I say, lifting my chin.
Emily offers meekly, “I can make some tea.” She adds hastily, “Or maybe something stronger.”
“No alcohol for Tatiana.”
As if I’m a fucking child. I give Dante a cutting look.
Dante’s voice is quiet. “Emily.”
She battles to tear her gaze from me, giving Dante a second of her attention before she turns it back to me.
“Emily,” he says a bit more forcefully.
She faces him with a bewildered expression.
“No one can know Tatiana is back.” Dante pins her in place with a serious expression, a silent message passing through his eyes. “Do you understand?”
She nods a couple of times. “Yes, yes, of course.”
“Good.” He grips her shoulder. “I trust you.”
Good for her. And him. They bonded.
“Yes, Dante,” she stutters, stealing another glance at me.
“Go ahead.” Dante gives me the warmest smile he’s given me since he found me in Denver. “Pack whatever you like. The suitcases are where they’ve always been. I can send for boxes if the bags aren’t enough.”
Strangely enough, Emily’s betrayal has made me numb. I don’t know if it’s a blessing or a curse. All I know is that I’m standing outside of everything that’s happening, looking in like a stranger. Or maybe it’s just my mind’s way of protecting itself, of shutting down so I don’t suffer the pain of another treacherous act.
“I won’t need a suitcase, thank you.” I look at Emily. “If you could be so kind as to escort me to the pink bedroom, I’ll appreciate it. I won’t be long.”
Emily reels at my impersonal tone.
Dante frowns. “It’s your house, Tatiana. You can go around freely.”
“No, it’s not.” I fix him with a look. “It’s your house, and that makes me a guest. My mother taught me manners, including that it’s rude to wander around in someone’s home.”
Clearly not liking my answer, he narrows his eyes. But he nevertheless waves a hand at Emily. “Go with Tatiana. Help her get whatever she needs.”
Emily scurries to obey. She rushes around me and glances at me over her shoulder as she hurries down the hallway. I follow her back to the foyer and down the other hallway that gives access to the bedrooms. I’m faintly aware of Dante’s steps falling behind us.
The lounge is off to the left of the foyer. The study is on the right. Together with the library, the study is the same size as the spacious lounge.
My feet slow when we pass the open door. I swear I can still smell the cigar smoke that always wafted from the room. The burgundy hues of the curtains and carpet are as gloomy as ever. The furniture is dark and heavy, just like my father used to be. For a flash of a second, I see myself there, on my knees on the floor, facing my father.
A shiver runs through me.
Nothing more.
Just that little shiver.