Sweet Temptation novel · Chapter 21 of 24

Chapter 21: The Door She Opens

I did not sign the paper.

I folded it in thirds and put it in my coat, and I told Cesare I wanted a night to myself.

He said, "Of course," and his face did not move at all.

That night I packed one bag.

Tommaso watched me from the nursery door with his arms folded.

"You're leaving," he said.

"I'm going to sleep somewhere quiet for a while. Not far."

"People say that."

"I know they do." I crouched in front of him. "I'm telling you where. Above the bakery on Germantown Avenue, the one with the green door. It was my mother's. I'll be there tomorrow, and I'll come to the pickup line on Monday, and you can check."

He thought about it with the gravity of a judge.

"Fine," he said. "I'll check."

Sofia was in bed with the rabbit, awake.

I wound the music box for her, and the ballerina turned.

"Are you coming back?" she whispered.

"I'm coming to see you every day, I promise."

"That's not what I asked."

I had no answer for a five-year-old who had asked the only question that mattered.

I kissed her forehead and wound the key one more turn, and went out.

Cesare stood in the front hall with his coat on and his keys in his hand.

"I'll drive you."

"No."

"Vito, then."

"I want to take the train."

He nodded.

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