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When I saw Ravenna Pisano descending the stairs, however, I barely managed to keep my jaw from hitting the floor. I’ve seen several pictures of her, but they didn’t do her justice. There are beautiful women. And then . . . there’s her.
How is it possible to want to kill a person, and feel the urge to protect them at the same time?
I bend and, holding her ankle, lift her leg a bit so I can remove her heels. First the right, then I do the same with the left.
“Next time we go on one of your shopping sprees,” I say, glaring at her, “you’re buying a proper coat, or I’ll buy one for you. Understand?” The corners of her eyes twitch, and a small smile pulls at her lips. “Congratulations.” I furrow my brows. “For what?” “That was a beautiful, complex sentence. You’re doing great.” Her smile widens.
“Who’s Guadalupe?” “My girlfriend,” he snaps. My eyebrows hit my hairline. “You’re ninety.” “I’m seventy-five!
Poor Felix 😂😂
I shift my aim lower until I’m zeroed in on the middle of his right hand. The hand that’s responsible for the bruises on Ravenna’s neck. And I squeeze the trigger.
“If your husband still has his hand when he comes home,” he says in a deep, controlled voice, and a shudder ripples down my spine, “I’ll correct it immediately.”
“This is why,” he grits out through his teeth and, grabbing the back of my neck, slams his mouth to mine.
“He will. Never. Touch you again,” he says in a hushed voice.
I should have killed her the minute I set foot in this house. I haven’t. And now, I’m no longer capable of doing it.
I hate her. Hate her. Yet still, I can’t make my hand move from behind her head, can’t risk her getting hurt in the slightest, as we burn in madness.
When did protecting her become more important than killing her to carry out my plan? Saving one woman means I’m betraying another, betraying the promise I’ve made at her grave. But taking Ravenna’s life? I may as well put my own gun to my head.
Now, just the idea of anyone hurting her in any way makes me go completely feral.
“I’m leaving soon,” I say. Ravenna sucks in a breath, but she doesn’t say anything as she locks her eyes with mine. “You don’t have to worry,” I continue. “Even with me gone, you’ll be safe. Always. I’ll make sure of it.” “Interesting. Do you keep everyone you hate safe?” “No.” I grind my teeth. “Just you.”
“I dream about you even when I’m awake, Ravi.”
I miss her. I miss the small touches, like when she hooks her pinkie with mine. Her subtle teasing.
I miss her, even though she’s there. I told her I hate her. Several times. But the truth is, it’s not her I hate. I don’t think I ever truly did. I hate myself. Because I’ve fallen in love with her.
Ravenna would be happy with him. Pietro might be an uptight, sophisticated bastard, but he’s more than capable of keeping her safe. Yet . . . My hands ache and rage brews inside my chest. She’s mine! No one should be allowed to keep her safe but me!
“Have I told you that you are the most beautiful woman gracing this earth?”
Please, choose me, I plead in my head. “I can’t.” His voice comes out broken as he says it.
“I love you, Ravi,” I say into her lips. “I’m sorry it took me so long to come to my senses. If you want me to kneel down in front of you here and ask for your forgiveness, I will. Just please, come with me.”
“What happened to your plan?” I ask. “You’ve spent years plotting to exact your revenge. I’m sure you dreamed of doing it personally.” “I did. But I have other dreams now.”
What I feel for you is greater than anything I’ve ever felt before, Ravenna. It’s like a beautiful blaze that consumes me, shining light on a darkness that has festered in my soul for so long. And I want to stay in this light forever if you’ll let me.”
Alessandro is standing next to me, undoing the knot on the leather string around his left wrist. Once finished, he places the string with the teddy bear charm atop the tombstone and takes my hand again. “Goodbye, Natalie,”
😭😭😭
“Can I hug you? Please?” he asks as his eyes search mine.
You’ve dared to touch someone I love, so you’re going to pay for that, consequences be damned.”
“Yes. I’ve been in love with your future widow from the day I stepped into your home.
“I asked, does. It. Hurt?” Alessandro leans over the table and clasps his fingers around Rocco’s bandaged hand. The sound that leaves Rocco’s lips is more animalistic than human. “Yes!” “I’m glad. Let’s continue.”
“I don’t think love is a strong enough term to describe what I feel for you, Ravi,” he says between the kisses. “I wish I could find the words to describe it. It’s like a beautiful flame engulfing my heart, which has transformed into full-blown burning madness. Everything else is insignificant to its light.”
“I love you, Ravenna. More than anything or anyone else I’ve ever loved,” he whispers. “Please, remember that.”
“Would it be weird if I ask you to marry me the same night you became a widow?” he mumbles into my mouth. “I don’t know. Would it?” I laugh. “Who cares? We’re officially dead anyway.” He leans away and fixes me with his gaze. “Will you marry me, Ravi baby?” I take his lower lip between my teeth and bite it. “Yes.”
There is only one person who’d come to my home and use his car horn as Morse code to relay a message. The message? It’s me, hi. “Really, Belov?” I cross my hands over my chest. “What? You’re not a fan of pop-rock?”
