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Nereus groaned in defeat, eyes narrowed at Antonio. “We’ll be back after the selfish asshole is done throwing a tantrum.” He walked over and kissed my cheek before the two of them left.
I sighed and Antonio’s arms snaked around me again, tightening as he repeatedly kissed my temple.
I smiled, resting my hands on his forearms. “What are you thinking, De Luca?”
He stayed silent for a beat, his lips still resting against my head so I turned, angling my body slightly to face him.
“There are no more threats.” I assured him. “And after you went after the head of the yakuza and his son… I don’t think anyone else would be dumb enough to try anything.”
His tongue swiped across his bottom lip as his thoughts clearly got the better of him. “I think I need to make sure with one last trip to Moscow.”
My eyes widened. “No!” I kept my voice stern. “Antonio, no. Promise me you won’t go back and do anything stupid.” I gripped his chin.
“Tesoro—“
“Promise me.” I demanded, eyes hard as my grip tightened. “Say you’ll stay away from Arnold Schwarzenegger.”
The tension in his body visibly disintegrated as a smile curled his lips.
“Promise.”
Then, he pressed his lips to mine.
* * *
I yawned, opening my eyes to stare up into darkness.
After the doctor’s visit, and me refusing to go to a hospital, I passed out in Antonio’s arms.
I rolled over but he wasn’t there. I patted the empty space and when I lifted my head, I noticed him standing on the balcony, hands gripping the railing.
I yawned again, wincing as I crawled across the bed before climbing off.
Steadily, I stepped out and slipped my arms around his waist, pressing the side of my face to his warm, bare back. “Can’t sleep?” I whispered, but he didn’t answer.
The last thing I remembered was being hooked up to a million machines and chords before passing out and waking up face down in a tub of water. It happened too many times to count, and I was certain that’s most likely where and how he found me…
Then being in a coma for three weeks…
“Antonio?” I slipped underneath his arms, resting my back against the railing and he stood upright, finally looking at down at me.
“You need to rest.” He stepped back but I grabbed his face in both my hands, stopping him.
“I’m fine.” I assured him. “Look at me.”
Denial… unwillingness to accept the truth burned behind his eyes, but he nodded regardless. “I know.”
“Hey…” I trailed off, stepping closer. “You saved me, didn’t you? You brought me back.”
He gently took hold of my wrists, removing my hands from his face and pulled me closer.
Our arms locked around each other, and he pressed his face into the crease of my neck, his tight grip stinging my skin.
“I’m okay,” I whispered, gently caressing the back of his head as I allowed him to hold me.
He pulled back slightly, eyes soft with apology. “You forgive me?”
“Forgive you?” I sadly smiled. “I have nothing to forgive you for.” I cupped his face in my hands.
