Page 50 of Promise Never

Looking up, I realize Alessandro is gripping rocksbeneath the car.

“Climb!” he grates, hauling me up his body withall his strength. I wrap my arms around his waist, hanging on for dear life astears pool down my face.

Please,god, don’t letthis be the end.

Relief floods me when a man crawls over to us,carrying a rope. Before I know it, men are pulling us from the cliffside.

It’s then it becomes clear who had helped us.

Domenico Martelli and Solari.

They manage to rescueRunifrom the car without it falling over with him.

“Grazie,” Alessandro grumbles as if he hates thatit’s his cousin.

“Good thing my wife wanted a relaxing drive,”Domenico says. He doesn’t sound smug about it. “We’ll wait until your menarrive.” He hops into the SUV with Solari. His guards do the same.

I’m still holding Alessandro even though we’re onthe ground. Burying my face in his chest, I grip him tightly as I continue tocry.

He squeezes me in return and whispers at the sideof my head repeatedly, “You’re all right. I’ve got you.”

My sister was all I had. For the first time sinceher murder, I feel like I can trust someone again and believe in my heart thathe won’t fail me.

Alessandro won’t let me down.

20

I don’t know how we got here or whether it was thefear of almost dying. But I still can’t pry myself from Alessandro even when wereach his home.

He ushers me from the car, arm around my tremblingbody as he accompanies me to the guesthouse.

Leaving the light off, he takes me to the bedroom,lowers me on the bed, and pulls the sheet over me.

He sits at the side, watching me in the shadows.

“You must think I’m laughable,” I mutter, voicegritty from the screaming and crying. “All my training and toughtalk, andlook at me now.”

Alessandro brushes aside loose curls from my face,stirring more shivers. “You got a fright.Sodid I.Don’t beat yourself up.”

“It’s all an act.” The tears begin to flow again.“I’m just a scared girl who can’t do anything without my big sister.”

“You’ve done so much without her already. You’re afighter.” He wipes my cheek with his thumb. “I’m sure she’s proud.”

His words flow over me as soothingly as his touch,making me relax a little.

“Try to rest,” he says, straightening.

“Alessandro.” Too exhausted to fight my feelings, Iplead, “Could you please stay? I don’t want to be alone.”

Warmth fills my chest when he sinks into the chairat the nightstand.

“Thank you,” I whisper and close my eyes, feelingcontent and safe enough to allow myself to rest with him near me.

Sunlight stings my eyes when Iliftmy lids, making me quickly squeeze them shut again.

Feeling the intensity of his presence, I turn ontomy side. Sure enough, Alessandro is still here. And it undoubtedly stirsexcitement in my body.

His tired midnight blue eyes study mine. “Feel anybetter? You seemed to have slept peacefully.”

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