Holding On

Six

Amelia

I watch the numbers go up as I wait in the back of the elevator behind a group of people. They eventually get off the floor before the penthouse, the one Dante owned entirely, leaving the elevator empty besides myself. I figured Dante would be home later like he told me so I wasn't expecting anyone once I stepped off the elevator into the penthouse.

It was weird using a key in an elevator to get to a private floor. I'd never get used to it.

I walked into the front hall taking off my jacket and hanging up my bag. I had chosen a gray pencil skirt with a black blouse today and I smiled at my reflection in the mirror by the door. I looked so much older yet not at the same time. I could change my clothes and my appearance but I'd never change where and what I came from.

I headed for the bedroom but stopped when I noticed Dante's briefcase on the bench by the hallway. I thought he wasn't home until later?

I continued to the bedroom, taking my heels off in the process, stumbling to our master suite.

I entered the room to find Dante sitting on the edge of the bed in nothing but some gray sweatpants sitting low on his hips. He was looking down at his phone, typing something out when I walked in through the door. His head turned and his eyes immediately scanned me head to toe, his lips pulling into a small smile.

"Hi baby," he said.

I smile back and step into the room walking to where he sat. His legs moved apart as I got closer and I came to a stop between them.

"You're home earlier than I thought?" I question him.

He keeps his small smile as I scan his face. He looked like he had something to tell me. Maybe explain where he was and what he was doing. I know for sure it wasn't some work meeting. I'm not that naive.

"Mhm." He mumbled.

His arms reached out to bring me down onto his lap. I sat on his right leg and he scooped my legs to lay over his left. I let out a small yelp at the quick motion, my arms immediately tightening around his neck.

"How's Mari doing." He whispers into my ear, tightening his strong grip around me.

I knew he was stalling. I could hear it in his voice and see it in his eyes.

"She's doing good. She sends her regards." I say back.

I continue looking him in the eyes, tightening my own grip around his neck.

"How was your meeting?" I ask.

I smirk watching his smile fall. I knew he was lying.

"There's something I need to tell you okay. Just let me explain myself before you get mad at me." He says while looking at me pleadingly.

I sit up dropping my arms from around his neck and move to leave his lao but before I can he grabs my waist and holds on.

"Dante let me go." I say firmly.

He lets go and I stand up turning around to face him again. He looks worried, his eyebrows furrowed and his now empty arms resting on his knees. He brings his hands together and clasps them in a fist. His fingers long and turning white at his grip.

"I thought we agreed to no more secrets." I sigh.

I don't even know what he did or who he saw but it made my stomach churn at the thought of him lying. We worked through so much of our relationship this past year and the biggest thing we had agreed on was being more open and most importantly - no more lying.