Fragile Longing

Danilo looked thoughtful. “I haven’t given it much thought. I want you at my side for public events, of course, but I’d appreciate it if you’d get along with my mother, and if you’d meet with the Captains’ wives now and then. They have a brunch date once a week, if I remember correctly. My mother attends it as well, so she can help you.”

Those were the typical social responsibilities. “Anything else?” I wanted something to focus on outside of this marriage, so I didn’t feel too pressured about making it work as quickly as possible.

Danilo shook his head, but I could tell there was something else.

“Tell me,” I said.

“Emma was active in an organization that helped disabled children from less fortunate families. She organized fundraisers and tried to create awareness about the realities of people with disabilities. Now that she’ll be moving to Minneapolis to live with your brother, she won’t be able to continue her work.”

I didn’t miss the edge in his voice when he mentioned Samuel, but I chose not to ask him about it. “Can’t I continue her work? I know I’m not disabled, so maybe the kids won’t identify with me like they did with Emma, but I’d love to help. It sounds like a worthy cause.” Better than entertaining bored mob wives.

“Emma would appreciate it, and so would I.” He reached for my hand, and I let him take it. “I want you to really arrive in Indianapolis and see it as your home.”

“I’ll do my best,” I said. I didn’t know the city yet. I hadn’t seen anything except the brief glimpses of the city on our drive to the house.

“Is there anything you want to do? I work a lot. Do you have a hobby you’d like to keep up, or anything else you’d like to pursue?”

I considered that. Anna was starting college in Chicago this fall but she was one of the few allowed to do so. Given Danilo’s past experiences with my sister, I doubted he’d like me being on a campus every day.

“I like aerobics and swimming, but that’s not really something I’m pursuing as more than a hobby. But maybe I could start by learning to cook? I feel at a disadvantage since my husband can cook, and I can’t.”

Danilo’s mouth twitched. “I won’t say no to that. We have a few fine dining restaurants in our portfolio. I could ask one of the chefs to come over and teach you.”

“That sounds good,” I said. I could already imagine Anna rolling her eyes at me for wanting to learn to cook, but it was a start. Once I’d found my place in Indianapolis and didn’t feel quite so lost anymore, I could figure out what to do. “I’m thinking about taking a few college courses next semester.”

Danilo looked surprised. “All right. What did you have in mind?”

I hadn’t expected him to be open to the suggestion, so I hadn’t really put much thought into it. Maybe his desire to make it up to me was why he was so open-minded. “Maybe creative writing.” I’d always had a colorful imagination, and even if most of my scribblings couldn’t be considered literature, I liked the idea of creating art with words one day.

“I suppose you’d have to wait for the spring semester. If that’s what you want, we’ll figure it out. A bodyguard would have to be with you at all times, of course.”

“Of course.” I searched his face, trying to figure out if he was only agreeing to placate me or if he was being serious, but his expression didn’t give anything away.

He met my eyes, and I flushed. I wasn’t even sure why. We were close and he was half-naked.

“As for your swimming, there’s an indoor pool on the first floor.”

“Really?” I asked excitedly. We never had a pool at our mansion, so I always had to let Samuel drive me to a swimming pool in an Outfit-owned gym. He refused to let the bodyguards accompany me because then they’d have seen me in a bathing suit.

Danilo reached for me and brushed a strand of hair from my cheek. “You’ve got a bit of syrup on your cheek,” he said roughly.

I flushed and pulled back, wary of my body’s reaction to the fleeting touch. My heartrate had picked up and heat raced through me. “I’ll wash it off. Will you show me the pool?”

He dropped his hand, his smile wavering. “Of course. Just let me grab a shower first.”

We got out of bed, and after I’d wiped the syrup off my cheek, Danilo headed into the bathroom. To my surprise, he didn’t close the door but left it ajar. I got dressed in one of my favorite lilac summer dresses and put on some makeup while the shower ran, but eventually curiosity got the better of me and I casually walked by the bathroom, risking a peek inside.