Page 36 of Promise Maker

His grip tightens. “Shh. Non sei solo. Hai me.” Hewhispers to me over and over.

Amid my sorrow, I manage to figure out themeaning.

You’re not alone. You have me.

Those words are as comforting as his hold on mybody, causing me to relax against him.

After some time, my crying settles, and Domenicoretreats from me.

I desire his return, but I don’t say that.

“Is it your father’s will and letter?” he asks.“They triggered you?”

“Yes,” I rasp, throat hoarse from all the crying.“I couldn’t read Dad’s letter. I’m…”

“Don’t force yourself. Take your time.”

“Thank you for...”

A partial smile appears. It stirs a flutter in mybelly. “No need to thank me.” He hangs his head and tugs at the grass.

I want to talk to him the way I wished I could somany times when I was younger.

“Um, did you go to college?” I start. “You wereeighteen the last time we saw each other.”

“Sì. I studied for twoyears. Business Strategy course.”

“Why only two years?”

He sighs. “It was all my father would allow. Heneeded me with him.”

“I see.” Something pops into my head. “How did youguess my dress and shoe size so accurately?Paolettasaid you told her what to get.”

Butterflies dance in my tummy when a playfulexpression appears. “I observed your style from your Insta and figured out yourdress size then. The other night when I saw you, you were holding your heels inyour hand. I glimpsed the number.”

“You pay attention to details.”

He smirks. “Always.”

“Hm.” I glance back at the patio briefly. Meetinghis gaze again, I ask, “How come your mother and sister were never with youwhen I saw you in New Jersey?”

“Francesca stayed at the vacation home when Iattended that dinner where we met the first time. At the luncheon, she’d snuckoff to go shopping.” He flicks away as he continues. “My mother’s never leftSicily. She hardly ever leaves the house.”

I crumple my forehead, asking, “How come?”

“Because fear can be crippling. Mother thinkssomeone will put a bullet in her head as payback for all her father did.”

“That’s…sad, living like that, always wondering.But,I suppose it comes with this lifestyle.”

Jaw clenching, Domenico steers his gaze to me.“Had things gone differently, perhaps you would have felt the same by now.”

“Maybe not.” I glance down at my lap, chipping atmy nails. “I would have felt safe with you. I…feel safe with you.” I lift myhead to see his reaction.

He stays quiet, watching me.

After a beat, he asks, “Is it possible to remainlike this? Not testing each other?”

I utter a sarcastic snort. “I don’t know,Domenico. Still adamant about keeping me here?”

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