The Shadows We Keep

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

GABRIELLA'S POV

It's been days since I gifted Matteo the music box, days since I hid the mini recorder in there, and days since I got nothing tangible. Most of what he talked about was work. The actual work he had mentioned in the beginning, selling cars and other things. A part of me was slightly relieved at the fact that just maybe he wasn't a bad guy, but I knew he was. I knew he was trouble. A trouble I found myself slightly interested in, and I hated that was actually the case.

“I need to see him." I said to Romero after my dinner one night.

He didn't stop me, instead he just sighed. “Give me a moment."

I heard him say something quietly over the phone. "Okay.”

"So?”

"He's busy and can't see anyone.”

"What?” I said, my tone pitched slightly in surprise. "Did you tell him that it was important? That I really needed to see him?”

"I'm sorry, Gabriella. He was very strict about not seeing anybody.”

“Is–Is something wrong?” I asked, suddenly concerned. Romero’s tone hinted at something else that I couldn't figure out.

"He's fine. He just can't see you right now."

I headed to bed that night worried. Worried that Matteo might want to go back on his words, worried that I might not ever see him again, and worried that he might be hurt. Whatever it was, I didn't like how it left me.

The next day I asked to see Matteo again, and I got the same response. Same thing with the day after that, and the day after that. It went on like that for a whole week until I decided I was going to take matters into my own hands. I had managed to slip away from Romero, and headed straight to his study. It wasn't hard considering I now knew most parts of the house like the back of my hand. It didn't take long for me to get to his study. Without knocking to avoid calling attention to myself, I turned the door knob, but it was locked.

“What are you doing?" A tiny voice said, startling me.

“Oh my God!” I whispered harshly, holding my chest. "You scared me.”

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I was just—I don't think you're meant to be here.”

I cleared my throat, adjusting my posture. "Where am I supposed to be then? Matteo made it clear that I'm allowed to be anywhere, so I really don't get what you're saying.”

I could hear her take in a nervous breath. "No, that's not it. You see–"

“I can't exactly see anything." I said, cutting her off sharply. “Why is his study door locked? Romero told me I could come find him here.”

"I'm sorry, but Mr Matteo hasn't been in his study for days.”

"Do you know where he is?”

"Nope. He's been quite scarce these days.” She replied. “If you'll excuse me, I'll have to take these upstairs."

“Yeah, that's alright." I said quietly, staying still as I heard her retreating footsteps.

Matteo has been scarce. That was all that was ringing in my head. Our last conversation was him helping me, and now he was scarce. This was the worst feeling ever, and I hated how heavy my heart felt as I navigated my way back to my room.

****

Days passed and still there was nothing. Nothing from Matteo and Nothing from Romero about his whereabouts. I was overthinking to the point that I tried every scenario possible in my head, but none of them actually had me finding way out of this.

“Mind if I join you for dinner?" A voice that I couldn't believe I had been open for said.

I nearly jumped out of my seat. "Matteo!”

He chuckled. "Damn, Gabriella. Didn't know you missed me that much.”

My smile fell and I immediately remembered my anger. I was supposed to be angry at this man. "Where were you? Where the hell have you been?!”

He let out a sigh. “Wow, you're extra feisty tonight."

If I hadn't noticed the fatigue and strain in his voice, I would have given him a rude come back, but I found myself asking.

“Are you okay?"

There was a beat of silence. "I’m fine.”

"Well, you don't exactly sound like it.” I snapped. "Where have you been?”

“Work."

“Work? Work?" I chuckled, placing my utensils down loudly. "Does your work also have to do with you disappearing for more than two weeks."

I could tell he shrugged. “Sometimes it gets like that. I could be gone for months."

But he didn't get what I was saying, and I wasn't about to let this slide.

“Where's your phone?" I said, my tone clipped..

“In my pocket." He replied slowly and I could imagine the look of confusion on his face..

“Oh, do you can use your phone but chose not to. What happened to our truce? You helping me? You keeping me in the loop."

“That till stands."

“Does it? Cause it feels like you just told me what I wanted to hear, an then ignored me for the weeks. That's not nice, Matteo.”

There was silence in the room, and I could feel everyone's eyes on me, but I couldn't care less. I was focused on the man who made me create stupid scenarios in my head these past three weeks just because he was bad at communicating.

“I'm sorry." he finally said. “I didn't mean to go ghost on you like that."

“Apology not accepted.” I said, deepening my frown.

"Gabriella.” He said softly, and I could have sworn I felt my heart flutter a bit. "I'll make it up to you.”

I scoffed and picked my fork back up. "Less words, more action.”

He let out a breathless chuckle. "Have a nice night, Gabriella.”

It happened again. The light flutter, and this time I was sure about it.

“Aren't you staying for dinner anymore?" I asked, hoping my cheeks weren't as flushed as they felt.

“Later. I really need to lie down, I'm exhausted."

I felt slightly disappointed but didn't show it. “Okay, then."

“Goodnight Gabriella."