Page 54 of Tender Temptation

The fight drains out of me. I bury my face in my hands. “I’m ashamed. I don’t know what to do.”

“You start by admitting you need help.” Da helps me up. “Then you let us support you. It worked for me and it will work for you. You’re not alone.”

For the first time since I broke it off with Ivy, I don’t feel alone. My family’s words and genuine concern permeate my defenses. I break down, sobbing as all the fear, shame, and pain I’ve been bottling up pours out.

“I’m sorry.” My words are barely audible through my sobs. “I’m so sorry.”

“You’re grand.” Brennan pats my back.

My da nods. “Don’t worry. We’re going to help you get through this. I’ll drive you tomorrow. Tonight, we’ll stay with you to make sure you don’t drink. I’ll go to the jobsite tomorrow and let Stan know I’m filling in. You need to focus on getting better.”

“Okay.” All I feel is relief. I’m exhausted.

Brennan squeezes my shoulder. “Let’s get you cleaned up and to bed.”

For the first time in over a year, I feel a flicker of hope.

I’m facing a long road ahead, but I’m not alone.

Maybe I’ll find my way back to the man I used to be.

twenty-five

Ivy

Six Months Later

It’s hard to putmy finger on why I feel tense.

It doesn’t make sense. I can’t recall the last time my life felt this steady and serene. It’s almost surreal how much has changed since I moved here for school.

The peace is almost unsettling, making me nervous. Is something big is about to happen? It’s too quiet, and that worries me.

The cobblestones in the piazza are warm from the late-afternoon sun. Lively chatter fills the air. I’m sitting at asmall table near the Duomo with three of my friends from the Academy. Pierlo, with his dark, curly hair, startling green eyes and infectious laugh, is directly across from me, while Matteo and Lucia flank us on either side. The scent of strong espresso and a hot margherita pizza make for a perfect evening out.

Gazing at the beautiful architecture all around us, sketchbook in hand, I can’t believe I’m studying art here. The city is a vibrant classroom, with inspiration and masterpieces around every corner. From the grandeur of the Duomo, where we’re sitting tonight, to the timeless works at theUffizi, theGalleria dell ’Accademia, and thePalazzo Pitti, Florence is a living gallery. It fuels my creativity every day.

“I’m telling you, Matteo, the new exhibit is going to blow your mind.” Lucia bats her eyes at her boyfriend. “The use of light and shadow is revolutionary.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it. I’m more interested in what Ivy’s working on. We’re supposed to be hanging out and she has her book.” He leans over and peers into my sketchbook. His eyes widen. “Well done. These are incredible. Who’s the model?”

Lucia points to a drawing of Cillian laughing. “He’s dreamy.Uomo di bell’aspetto. He looks so alive in this one. You’ve really capturedhis spirit.”

“This one is cool. There’s a lot of depth in his expression.” Pierlo studies another sketch where Cillian is gazing out the window, lost in thought.

Lucia flips to the next page and smiles. “Che bello. And these… so many of him in bed. Was he sleeping next to you? They’re intimate and tender.”

Recalling the warmth of Cillian’s touch. The way his fingers used to gently trace patterns on my skin. His lips kissing every part of me. God, the way his embrace made me feel safe and cherished. I still miss him. I’d give anything…

Closing the sketchbook, I try to hide my blush. “Thank you. He was once very special to me.”

“Maybe he still is.” Lucia elbows me. “Nothing wrong with a hot older man to rev up the engine, eh?”

I laugh, taking a sip of my cappuccino. “Yeah. It was a couple of years ago. I’m sketching out ideas for our portrait week.”

“Youwould make a beautiful portrait.” Pierlo’ s voice is softer than usual.

A new blush creeps up my cheeks. Pierlo has always been kind and complimentary, but tonight there’s something different in his tone, a hint of something deeper. “Thanks, Pierlo. The compliment means a lot coming from you.”

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