Page 107 of Deacon

I was cold, logical, and calm.

From my room in Deacon’s Mijas villa, I called my lawyer to see how best to navigate my impending divorce.

We soon discovered a path forward; we could apply for an amicable dissolution under Italian law.

Since our ceremony took place in Milan, its civil court could dissolve the union within 30 days.

However, we both had to be present when the local magistrate delivered the decision.

‘Please table this recommendation to Max’s attorney, as a matter of urgency,’ I told my attorney, Maria Duggan, over the phone.

She was a kickass legal mind and partner at her firm, and I was confident she’d deliver a solid result.

Meanwhile, I worked with Sue, my manager at the King & Knight Agency, on my insurance claim for my evacuation and medical treatment so I could pay Deacon back.

She also mentioned she was receiving endless requests for media interviews on my behalf.

‘They all want you to speak about Massimo and the affair.’

Sue even forwarded a slew of offers with massive paychecks, dangling fortunes if I agreed to tell my side of the story.

‘While I’m sure Max will, I won’t profit from this shitshow, Sue,’ I stated during a brief call, rejecting every single offer.

At dinner that evening, I relayed the conversation to Deacon.

He sliced through his steak, his eyes locking onto mine across the table.

‘You’re in the fight of your life, beautiful,’ he rumbled, his voice thick with conviction. ‘And you’re winning it with your dignity intact, so keep it up; I’m impressed. We’ll make it through this, and come out the other side golden, you’ll see.’

I mulled over his words as I cleared the plates, my mind looping on his use of the word ‘we’.

It only made me treasure our reconnection and closeness even more, giving me a sense of stability I otherwise wouldn’t have had if I were navigating this divorce alone.

Since our pool encounter, there’d been no awkwardness between us; in fact, we were more affectionate, hugging and holding hands when we sat next to each other.

However, I kept things platonic, and so did he, because I still had a way to go before I was free, legally, and in my heart and mind.

The last thing I wanted was for Deacon to think that the act of moving on so fast equated to the value I placed on any relationship.

Including his and mine.

Chapter 21

ANA

Deacon’s family landed in Málaga a few days later for their week-long holiday.

Their arrival was a welcome distraction from my woes and the growing attraction between my ex and me.

When Deacon’s brother, Davon, texted that they were on approach one sunny mid-morning, we went out to the front porch to greet them.

Deacon helped me out on my single crutch as a navy-colored people mover appeared in the driveway.

Its doors slid open as Raff launched himself into the bodies exiting the vehicle.

The courtyard erupted into hugs, laughter, and joy.

Deacon’s dad, Simon, led the pack.