Chapter 4: Shadows of the Past
The sea stretched endlessly before me, its deep blue hues shifting beneath the fading sunlight.
I couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing as I pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed Gabriel’s school number. Grateful for the international SIM card, I breathed a sigh of relief when the call connected. After a few rings, his familiar voice filled my ear, soft and comforting.
“Karen…”
“Hi, Gabriel, my love. I miss you so much.” My heart tightened. The distance between us never got easier.
“I’m so glad you called. I know you’re traveling, but I miss you terribly.”
His words hit me like a heavy wave. I miss you too, baby—but how could I explain to him that this world, this life, was tearing me apart? We’d lost his father when he was just four, and now his mother was gone, too. I’d become his everything. But the bills, stress, and loneliness were a never-ending storm.
“I’m sorry, honey. I miss you too. I promise I’ll call more often and be back soon.”
“I’m doing great. My grades are good. Can we do a video call on Skype sometime?”
“I’d love that. We’ll plan for it soon. I’m so proud of you. Keep focusing on your studies, alright? I love you.”
“I love you too, Karen.”
I hung up, a lump in my throat, the ache in my chest threatening to spill over. It had only been a few moments, but the weight of his absence was unbearable. I walked back into the room, trying to gather myself. The door to the bedroom was slightly ajar, and I could have sworn I had closed it. Inside, Dante lay on the bed, wrapped in a towel, his focus fixed on his phone. I froze, wondering if he’d overheard my conversation.
"You have twenty minutes," he said, his voice cold, not even looking up.
I bit my lip, trying to ignore how his sculpted body seemed to grab my attention. But I couldn’t let him see my discomfort, my vulnerability. "Okay, I’ll be ready."
I grabbed my carry-on, making quick work of a shower. As I dressed in the hotel robe and applied my makeup, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Dante’s eyes were watching me even when I couldn’t see him.
“Come here.”
His voice was calm, but there was a command hidden beneath it. I turned to face him. His gaze slowly traveled over me, calculating, intense. Without saying a word, he reached into his bag and returned with something delicate in his hand.
