Page 24 of Marcello DeLuca

“I have to get ready to go home,” I said reluctantly, glancing at the clock again. “My uncle will be waiting.”

Marcello’s arms tightened around me in silent protest. “I wish you could stay,” he murmured, his breath warm against my ear.

But duty called, and the clock was relentless. I slipped out of his embrace, gathering my scattered clothes from the floor and pulling them on. The reality of my situation crept back in as I dressed, each piece of clothing a reminder of the double life I had to lead.

When I was ready, I turned back to see Marcello pulling his pants on and zipping them up. As he dressed, he watched me, his eyes filled with a hint of a plot developing.

“Call your uncle and tell him you're spending the night with me,” he said.

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. Uncle James was more than just family; he was my protector, the one who had sacrificed everything to keep me safe after everything fell apart. I couldn't just shatter his trust and risk the fallout that would surely follow.

“I can't do that,” I managed to say. “He will flip out. He won't understand.”

Marcello's expression softened briefly, his hand reaching out to gently brush against mine. “Safia, after what you just shared with me, I don't want to let you go,” he confessed quietly. “Not now, not ever.”

I didn’t know if he was referring to our shared intimacy or my secret, but his words tugged at my heart all the same, stirring emotions I had long buried under layers of caution and survival instincts.

“Marcello, no,” I murmured, shaking my head slightly. “I won't do that. We've been all each other has had for the past three years. He left his entire life behind—quit his job, left all of his family and friends—to be with me so that I wouldn't have to go into witness protection alone. I can’t just defy him, and he will never be understanding enough to allow me to spend the night with you.”

I saw the disappointment flicker in Marcello's eyes. He sighed heavily as he ran a hand through his long, dark hair. “I get it, Safia,” he finally said, his voice tinged with sadness. “I just... I wish things were different.”

“I do too,” I admitted softly. “And when I graduate next year, I will be able to make choices of my own. But right now, I have to go.”

Marcello stepped forward, gently cupping my face in his hands. “Look at me,” he said softly, his thumb brushing away another tear that had slipped down my cheek. “You and your uncle can come and live with us. You will be protected here.”

I shook my head, the thought of imposing on Marcello and his family was overwhelming.

“I know your family has money, but I would never expect you to take care of me and my uncle. We can take care of ourselves. My father had a good job, and he left enough money for us to be comfortable. We are fine.”

Marcello traced the line of my jaw. “That’s good,” he acknowledged. “But I’m not suggesting that you need me financially. I’m saying that we can take care of you with our resources. Our estate has armed guards from corner to corner. At least twenty men are here to make sure no one tries anything, and if they do, the problems they will face will be immeasurable.”

I shrugged. “Still, I have to decline your offer.”

“Safia.”

“No,” I replied firmly. “I didn’t tell you about my past so that you would feel obligated to protect me,” I said, my voice quivering. “I just felt like you should know who I really am after… you know.” My cheeks flushed, remembering the intimacy we had shared.

Marcello's eyes softened, his grip on my shoulders firm but gentle. “It would destroy me if something happened to you. You have to allow me to protect you.”

His words pierced through my heart. This man, who only just learned my real name, was now embracing my past and still choosing to stand by me.

His commitment was staggering.

“I have to go,” I stated with finality.

Thankfully, Marcello stopped his protest and said, “Then, let’s go.”

I had hoped revealing myself to him was a step in the right direction of ending the nightmare that had been my reality for far too long. It wouldn’t bring my family back, but a tiny part of me felt that living in my truth with the man I loved would gain me back a piece of sanity.

Chapter Nine

Marcello

Devastatingly Beautiful

Last night was both beautiful and devastating. I made love to Safia, which opened up windows in my mind, body and soul that I never knew were closed. As I came down from that emotional high, I found out that the girl I loved had been tormented by the loss of her family and lived in constant fear for her life.

The most devastating part of it all was having to kiss her goodbye, leaving her in the care of her uncle, and pulling out of her driveway without her. I wanted nothing more than to keep her here with me, to protect her, to make sure the carefree laughter and smiles she so easily gave to me remained a part of her.

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