Page 92 of Ruthless Royalty

“You really are impossible,” I whisper, but there’s no anger in my voice.

“Maybe,” he says with a small smirk, but his eyes are serious, full of a kind of fierce determination that makes my heart ache. “But I’ll keep doing whatever it takes to keep you safe, Chiara. Even if it means going to war with the entire fucking world.”

A small, broken laugh escapes me, and I squeeze his hand tighter, pulling him closer.

“You don’t have to go to war for me, Gio. Just … just stay with me. That’s all I need.”

He moves closer, sitting on the edge of the bed, his other hand coming up to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing away the tears that won’t stop falling.

“I’m not going anywhere, Kitten. I’m right here.”

I lean into his touch, closing my eyes, trying to let the warmth of his hand, the steady presence of him, chase away the darkness that still lingers at the edges of my mind. But there’s something else I need to say, something I need to get off my chest.

“Gio,” I start, my voice trembling, “there’s something I need to tell you. Something I need to apologize for.”

He starts to shake his head, already about to tell me not to apologize, but I stop him, my hand on his chest.

“Please, let me say this.”

He hesitates, then nods, his gaze steady on mine. “Okay.”

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

“I went to see Leo … because I was angry. I was angry at you, at everything, and I wanted to … I don’t know, rebel or something. He invited me to his gallery opening, and I went because I wanted to prove something to myself. But it was stupid. It was so fucking stupid, and I see that now. I should have known better. I should have listened to you.”

He’s silent, his expression unreadable, but I can see the pain in his eyes, the hurt that my words have caused. It breaks my heart, but I know I have to say this, to be honest with him.

“I didn’t know what he was planning, didn’t even realize he could do something like this,” I continue, my voice trembling. “But I knew he wasn’t someone I should trust, and I ignored that. I ignored everything because I was angry. And now … now I understand the danger. I understand what I put myself in, what I put us in. And I’m so sorry, Gio. I’m so, so sorry.”

He stares at me for a long moment, his eyes dark, intense, and I can see the battle going on inside him, the struggle to process what I’ve just told him. But then he reaches out, pulling me into his arms, holding me tightly, like he’s afraid to let go.

“That’s not important now,” he says, his voice thick. “What’s important is that you’re here, that you’re safe. We can talk about the rest later, but right now … I just need you to know that I’m not going to let anything happen to you. Not ever again.”

I nod, burying my face in his chest, letting his warmth surround me, comfort me. “I know, Gio. I believe you.”

For a long time, we just sit there, holding each other, the silence between us filled with everything we can’t put into words. There’s so much I want to say, so much I need to tell him, but for now, all I can do is hold on to him, to this moment, and hope that somehow, some way, we can find a way through this.

Because despite everything that’s happened, despite the pain, the fear, the darkness that still lingers … I realize that I love him.

CHIARA

I’ve been moved to one of Giovanni’s guest rooms, and honestly, I am just waiting for the shit to hit the fan with his father. The man hasn’t shown up yet, but knowing my shit luck, he’ll be here soon.

There’s a soft knock at the door, and before I can respond, it swings open. Marina and Cat walk in, their faces filled with concern, their steps hesitant, as if they’re not sure what to expect. Behind them, Connor and Mihai follow, their usual playful energy subdued, replaced by a seriousness that’s unsettling.

“Hey,” Marina says softly, her voice gentle as she approaches the bed. “How are you feeling?”

I manage a small smile, though it doesn’t reach my eyes. “I’m … I’m okay, I guess.”

Cat steps forward, her shy demeanor giving way to something more determined. She reaches out, taking my hand in hers, squeezing it gently.

“We were so worried about you, Chiara. When we heard what happened…”

“I know,” I say, my voice cracking slightly. “I’m sorry I scared you all.”

Connor moves closer, his usually cheeky grin replaced by a somber expression. “Don’t apologize, darlin’. None of this was your fault.”

Mihai, always the one with a quick remark, is uncharacteristically silent. He nods in agreement with Connor, his eyes dark with concern as he looks me over, like he’s checking for any physical signs of damage beyond what’s visible.

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