Page 94 of My Best Friend's Dad

“I’ve had worse,” she said, trying to smile through the pain.

I couldn’t help but smile in return. “You’re tougher than you look,” I teased, my voice soft.

“And you’re not as scary as you pretend to be,” she said, her smile growing and reaching her eyes.

“I guess we both have our talents,” I chuckled, shaking my head.

As I finished bandaging her cuts, she reached out, her fingers brushing against my arm.

“What about you? You’re hurt too,” she whispered.

“I’m fine,” I lied, not wanting her to worry.

She gave me a pointed look.

“Let me see,” she demanded adorably.

“Alright,” I conceded, pulling off my shirt to reveal the bruises and cuts from the fight. Jenna’s eyes widened, and she reached out, her touch feather light. My cock twitched and I tried my best to ignore it.

“Vincenzo, you need to take care of yourself too.”

Her concern touched me deeply. “I’m okay,” I said, though my voice lacked conviction. “Just a few scratches.”

“Let me help,” she insisted, taking the antiseptic from my hand.

I nodded, allowing her to clean my wounds. Her touch was gentle, each movement filled with care. As she worked, I found myself relaxing, the tension slowly easing from my body as I finally accepted that we were both alright.

“Thank you,” I murmured, my eyes locking onto hers.

“We take care of each other,” she said, smiling softly.

For a moment, we just sat there, the world outside forgotten. Her eyes bored back into mine and I took a deep breath, realizing that the worst was over. My Jenna was safe, and Ricci was dead. He’d never bother us again.

“Jenna,” I said softly, breaking the silence. “I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?” she asked, her eyes curious and attentive.

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “I’ve spent so much of my life trying to protect those I care about. But sometimes, I wonder if I’m doing more harm than good.”

She frowned, her hand reaching out to rest on mine. “What do you mean?” she asked quietly, her curious nature shining through.

“I’ve lost people,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “My wife, Maria. She was my world, and when I lost her, it felt like my heart was ripped out. Since then, I’ve been so afraid of losing anyone else. It’s why I keep people at arm’s length. But with you, it’s different.”

Her grip tightened on my hand. “I’m so sorry, Vincenzo. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been.”

“It was,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “But meeting you has made me realize something. I can’t keep living in fear. I need to let people in, to trust that I can protect them without losing myself in the process.”

“You’re not alone, Vincenzo. I’m here, and I want to be here with you,” she murmured, moving closer to me and I sucked in a deep breath. Her words hit me like a tidal wave, washing away the doubts and fears that had plagued me for so long.

“Thank you, Jenna,” I whispered, my heart swelling with gratitude and affection.

She smiled, her eyes shimmering with emotion.

“We’ll get through this together,” she whispered.

I cupped her face in my hands, my thumbs brushing away the tears that had begun to fall.

“I love you, Jenna,” I said, the words feeling both terrifying and liberating.

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