Breathe by Donna Alward

you were gone and I was waiting to hear back on the furnishings quote.” She couldn’t understand what he was so worked up about. His eyes glittered dangerously at her, like she’d committed a cardinal sin.
    â€œYou don’t clean, or do laundry, or…or…”
    â€œOr what?”
    â€œYou just don’t.”
    His mouth clamped shut. For a moment she was reminded of Matteo and his mutinous expressions when he didn’t get his own way.
    â€œWhy not? Why shouldn’t I do something useful?”
    â€œBecause that’s not who you are. You are Anna Morelli.”
    She gaped. Her heart sank. Is that what he truly thought? “And that means what exactly? That I’m incapable of contributing? I’m not useful? What does that make me, Jace? Decoration?”
    Her throat tightened. “I spent many years with someone who thought just that. And I’ll be damned if I’ll do it again.”
    She started to stomp past him. After all she’d told him about Stefano, after all she’d revealed since her arrival. This is what it came to. He still saw the lines drawn between her world and his world. It had been the ruin of them before. He had learned nothing. These last days had only been a temporary respite.
    â€œAnna, wait.”
    â€œNo, I will not.” She stomped her way to the stairs, halting for a moment with her hand on the newel post. “I tried to do you a favor by cleaning up after us all, but instead you’ve done me one. I fooled myself into thinking we’d both changed. But you’re still as hung up on yourself as you ever were, and now I know how you really see me. You might be surprised at some of the things I’ve done.”
    His mouth took on an acidic twist. “I don’t think you could surprise me at all.”
    She considered his words for a moment, knowing there was a hidden meaning, but there was too much going on now to bring something else into it. The truth was he’d always been so concerned with building himself and becoming a success that he’d missed things. Things that she hadn’t.
    â€œWhere do you think I learned to keep house?”
    â€œDoes it matter?”
    â€œYes, I think it does. I was not self-reliant because that wasn’t my position. But I knew how. Your mother taught me.”
    â€œMom?”
    â€œYes, Mom. Did you know how hard it was for her to keep up when her arthritis flared? And you were off making your way in the world and ignoring what was before your eyes. She needed help, and in your absence I did it. In return I learned how to clean and launder and cook a little.”
    â€œYou had your own household help but dusted my mother’s furniture? I don’t believe it.”
    â€œSomeone had to.”
    For a moment she saw a flash of vulnerability in his eyes. Then it was gone. “I didn’t know. But working hard was worth it.”
    He straightened his shoulders, emphasizing the broad expanse of his chest, and lifted his chin in defiance.
    â€œWorth it,” she repeated blankly.
    â€œMom doesn’t have to clean or cook anymore. I’ve looked after her and Dad.”
    Anna shook her head. He honestly thought that throwing money at them was looking after them. He still didn’t get it. He never had. Perhaps things had turned out the right way after all. Even though it hurt to admit it.
    â€œI’ll pack up the children and get out of your hair. Thank you for your fine hospitality,” she added frostily.
    â€œStop.”
    The command echoed through the foyer as he stepped forward and grasped her wrist.
    â€œLet go of me.”
    â€œNot yet.”
    â€œJace.” She turned her wrist but he held it fast.
    â€œNot until you listen to me. I did not mean you were not useful. Of course not. But we are friends. You don’t have to be useful.”
    â€œYes, I do. And a real friend would understand that.”
    â€œDo you really have