She didn’t need to know what I had with Marketa. She didn’t need to know anything about her at all. Marketa was mine. She belonged to me and it would be over my dead and broken body before I ever gave her up.
Her finger pushed between my lips, digging into my tongue. It pressed down until tears welled in my eyes.
As much as I didn’t want it to, a moan escaped me, rumbling from the back of my throat.
“Oh my sweet boy. Mama’s back.” Her lips brushed over the shell of my ear. “And I’m going to show you how much I’ve missed you.”
(Mae)
Me: I haven’t heard from you in over a week. I wanted to see how you are doing.
Me: You’re clearly pissed at me. I am so sorry.
Me: Thank you. For everything.
Me: Take care of yourself, Matteo.
My heart hurt. My chest ached. Whatever I had with Matteo was over. I knew it. I could feel it deep in the pit of my soul.
For the first time since I was a young girl, tears stung my eyes. A lump formed in my throat, my stomach dropping to my feet. Falling to my knees, a sob escaped me, my shoulders wracking with cries. “Matt—”
The phone rang, startling me.
I jumped up, desperately grabbing for the phone. “Matteo?” I croaked out.
“No,” a female voice said.
“I’m sorry.” I sniffed, wiping under my eyes. “Who is this?”
“Cathy Jones. I’m Dr. Santos’ receptionist. I’m sor—”
“Is he okay?”
“I…I don’t know. I was hoping you could tell me.”
“What do you mean?” My heart sped up.
“He hasn’t been at work for three days. He’s missed several important meetings and some appointments. I called you because I saw this number in his calendar. You are Marketa Dobry, are you not?”
“I am,” I whispered, my hand fluttering to my chest.
“Well, Miss Dobry, it’s nice to finally talk to the woman who put a smile on my boss’s face.”
“I…” I didn’t know what to say.
“If you talk to him, can you please have him call me?”
“I will.” I paused. “Cathy, he hasn’t called at all?”
“No and that’s what concerns me. Matteo Santos hasn’t missed one meeting or appointment in the ten years I’ve worked for him. My old heart can’t take this worry.”
“I’ll find him.”
“Good girl. Call me back. Please.”
“I will,” I said quickly and hung up the phone. But I didn’t know where to begin looking for him. I called Matteo and when I got his voicemail, I left a message letting him know Cathy had called. And that I was also coming over.
I sent Nika a quick text, telling her I wouldn’t be home when she finished her shift at Cello’s. It was Saturday night and she usually stayed out anyways.
Taking a cab to Matteo’s, my breath caught in my throat when his old apartment building came into view. I paid the cab, left the car and ran into the building.
“Excuse me, ma’am?” a large security guard called out.
I slowed my steps. “I’m kind of in a rush.”
“This is a secured building. Who are you here to see?”
“Matteo Santos.”
He let out a sigh, his shoulders dropping. “Go right ahead, Miss Dobry.”
How he knew my name was beyond me but I didn’t have time to question him. I punched the button to the elevator, hopping from foot to foot. I let out an impatient sigh when the doors finally dinged open. Hitting the button to the top floor, I took several deep cleansing breaths.
I didn’t know what to expect when I reached Matteo’s apartment. But as I knocked on the door and no reply came, I figured maybe Cathy was worrying for nothing.
“Matteo?” I knocked again. “Please answer—”
The door swung open, forcing me to take a step back.
A seething Matteo stood before me. His clothes were disheveled. His jaw dark with scruff like he hadn’t shaved in days. But what I noticed most were his eyes. They were bloodshot and tired.
“What…what’s…” I stammered.
“What the fuck do you want?” he bit out.
My back stiffened. “I was checking up on you. Cathy—”
“Cathy was worried so she told you to come here.”
“No. She asked me to call you and I did but you never answered your phone.”
“I’m busy.” He went to close the door but I blocked it with my foot. His jaw clenched. “I suggest you move.”
His underlining threat sent a shiver over my body. “What’s going on?”
“I said, I’m busy.” He tried to close the door again but I stopped him.