He Left His Pregnant Bride at the Altar novel · Chapter 9 of 24

Chapter 9: The Lobby

"I didn't say that," Ruggero said.

His voice was quiet, and it didn't shake.

Nerina's lip trembled harder.

"Tiberio told me you did. He said you called him from the safehouse."

"I called him to say I was safe. I never said come."

"Then why would he lie?"

"I don't know. I'll ask him."

She looked at me, and her gray eyes filled.

"Mari, I have nowhere to go. Papa won't speak to me. He says I'm on your side."

"Come in," I said.

Ruggero turned his head.

"Not here," I said, lifting Rosa higher on my shoulder. "I'm going to book you a room at the hotel on the corner, Nerina. A good one. Tonight and tomorrow, on me."

"On you?"

"I'm not letting you sleep in the hall."

She wiped her face with the heel of her hand.

"Can Ruggero come with me?"

"No."

The word landed in the hallway.

Ruggero didn't move.

"Ruggero's on the other side of this wall," I said. "He has a daughter to feed. You can call him in the morning, at a reasonable hour, like a grown woman."

"Mari. Please. I'm so scared of being alone."

"I know," I said, and I did. "I'll call a counselor for you tomorrow. I'll pay for that too."

She stared at me for a long beat.

Then she picked up her pink suitcase and said, very softly, "Okay."

She walked down the hall without looking back.

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