Page 33 of Silent Night with Massimo

Every inch of him against me feels like a tease, like a promise of something more. My pulse quickens, my body aching for him to close the space between us, to take what he's been silently claiming all along.

I breathe heavily, my body responding to his touch, my mind trying to remain focused on everyone around us.

"Relax." His deep voice vibrates through me, sending shivers down my spine.

"I can't," I whisper back. He chuckles. "I know. Me either."

The music drifts around us, soft and haunting, and for just a moment— the smallest, briefest moment— I feel like I've stepped back into the past.

Seven years ago, Massimo and I stood right here, beneath this very roof, dancing together. Back then, we were in love—utterly and completely lost in each other. The world felt perfect, untouched by the darkness that would soon consume us.

But that was before everything changed. Before I lost it all.

Massimo leans a little closer to me and after a soft sigh, he confesses something that causes my heart to skip a beat.

"I never stopped loving you, Vera."

I bite my lip. What does that mean? Does he still love me now?

Is there a chance for us - do we have a future together?

Adrian steps onto the dance floor. "Elio says it's time to go."

"Go where?"

"I'm not sure." Adrian shrugs.

"Fuck." Massimo snaps. "I think he is toying with us. This is nothing but a fucking game to him."

"Keep your voice down," Adrian warns, glancing around the room.

Massimo nods. "Fine. Let's go."

He takes my hand, and I follow them out of theWinter Ball. Massimo helps me slip my coat back on. We step out of the warm building and into the cold night air.

Adrian shoves Elio into the back of the limo. Across the parking lot, I see the glint of metal. "Massimo," I shout, watching the man lift the gun towards him.

Massimo shoves me out of the way and ducks just in time. The bullet rips through the air and smacks into the side of the building behind us.

He lifts me off the ground and throws me into the bulletproof limousine. "Drive." He shouts, leaping in behind me.

The door slams and the tires scream against the tar as the driver speeds away.

Two more bullets slam into the side of the car, but none reach us.

Massimo shoots across the seat towards Elio, grabbing his throat and shaking him hard. "You're playing fucking games. That was another fucking trap to try and take me out." He slams his fist into Elio's face, and I hear his nose crack.

I grab Massimo from behind, dragging him off Elio.

He is breathing heavily, sitting in the seat next to me.

He glares at Elio.

Chapter 14

Massimo

My blood boils as I glare at Elio, every muscle in my body screaming for release, for violence, for retribution. The urge to kill him courses through me like a wildfire. Every second I let him live feels like a second too long.

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