Memories Without Him novel · Chapter 17 of 24

Chapter 17: Signed in Front of His Men

Gemma's POV

The revolving door at Arcuri Tower turned slowly in the noon light.

I stood on the pavement with my hands in the pockets of Aldo's coat and watched the glass go round.

I had never walked through it with a plan.

Aldo took my elbow.

"You don't have to do this in person, honey."

"Yes, I do."

I pushed the door and stepped into the lobby.

It was cold and bright, with marble underfoot and a long black desk.

Two guards stood at the desk.

One of them was the older one, with a bad knee, who had been in the lobby since I was fifteen.

I knew the face.

He took a step toward me, and I braced myself for the word no.

He stepped back and lowered his eyes.

"Miss Sorrento," he said. "Welcome."

My throat closed.

Behind him, along both walls, stood thirty of Vincent's men in dark coats, and every one of them looked at the floor as I passed.

Vincent waited at the foot of the stairs.

He wore a gray suit and no tie, and his hair was still damp from the rain.

He did not move toward me.

He stayed exactly where he was and let me come to him.

"Mr. Arcuri."

"Gemma."

The lawyer in the gray suit laid her papers on the desk and uncapped a pen.

I read the first page, and the second.

The words petition and dissolution swam on the paper until I made them hold still.

"Miss Sorrento." The older guard stepped up, with his cap in his hands. "Forgive me. I should say this before you sign."

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