Page 127 of Milo

"It might seem as though I asked you out of desperation, and perhaps, at that moment, I did, but—" A sly smirk clips his lips as he cocks his head to the side. "But you have bewitched me, tesoro.”

I expel a small laugh. “Are you trying to woo me with a line from Pride and Prejudice?" I tilt my head. "That line isn’t from the book, it's from the movie. How do you even know that?"

Milo shrugs, a grin on his face. "It is Julia's favorite, I have seen it many times. But it captures exactly how I feel about you. I am under your spell, tesoro. You have bewitched me."

Impossible. He is making it fucking impossible not to smile. I have zero control. I'm helpless. I am under his spell just as much as he is under mine. It's magic. I'm enchanted by his words, the sincere vulnerability in his voice, by the future in his eyes, by the promise in his touch.

But not all magic is good. Some magic is dark and sinister and all-consuming.

"Spells can break," I whisper, my skin hardening into a protective barrier. "They don't last forever."

"You are still unsure.” Milo releases a labored, lifeless breath as he runs his hand through his hair. "It is understandable."

"I'm trying. I am."

"I know." A faint, heartbreaking smile captures his lips as his gaze flickers across my face. "I believe you." He lifts his hand to my cheek, leaning closer to me. "I want to kiss you, tesoro."

I wind my hands around his neck, my fingers digging into his skin. “Then kiss me.”

My chest rises as his soft lips feather against mine, his sweet breath filling my lungs. It's a dream, a breathtaking illusion of happiness, of hope, of home. My grip tightens around his neck as I deepen our kiss, praying that some dreams come true.

"Gross!"

We pull away, our breathing shallow as we peer down at a cringing Natalia. "Are you spying on us, principessa?" Milo asks, lifting a brow.

"No!" she protests, stomping her foot. "I want to play with Kiki now! Go away Zio."

I stifle a laugh. "Tired of chasing bugs?"

She frowns, crossing her arms. "He too fast for me."

"Milo!" Marchello calls out from the doorway. He glances at me, a small smile on his face as he nods. "We must leave now."

I frown. "Where are you going?"

"To Milano for a day, I need to meet with Nico about—" He glances down at Natalia who is watching us with a curious expression. "The sparrow." He looks at me. "I will be back tomorrow afternoon." He pauses, rubbing his chin. "Would you like to come with me?"

"No!" Natalia answers on my behalf. "She mine! You go!" She shoves his shins. "She mine!"

"Talia," Milo scolds, “do not push."

She scowls at her uncle. "Go, Zio! I want Kiki! Please!"

"Kiara—"

"It's fine.” I hop off the stone table and dust off my jacket. "I'll see you when you come back." Natalia grabs my hand, twirling herself around my finger. I laugh. "I think she'll keep me busy until you return." I pause. "Don't do anything stupid, okay?"

"Never. I will see you tomorrow, tesoro."

"Tomorrow! Santa comes tomorrow!" Natalia sings, prancing around. "Presents! Presents! Presents!"

Santa already gave me my gift.

I'm just too scared to open it.

Chapter 33

State of Survival

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