Page 61 of Promise Never

“We can,” I say firmly. “And we will.”

A deep sigh follows my words.

She plops down on the bed. “How will Ibe able to live with myself, knowing I’m involved with the brother of mysister’s killer?” She ruffles her curls before arching over and rubbing herneck.

Sitting beside her, Ihookmy finger beneath her chin and make her look at me.“Tiana, I’m truly sorry for what happened to Trinity. But I do not think youshould regret your feelings because of my last name. I’m not my brother. He wasa horrible person. And he’s no longer here. I am.” I caress her cheek. “Give mea chance.”

She sniffs. “I can’t believe you’rethe same man who never got close to anyone.”

I touch her neck on both sides. “Itold you. My walls tumbled down for you, and you’re so worth it.” I glance downat the rug. “I finally see that it was fear all along due to how my parentswere with each other.”

She grasps my arm affectionatelybefore leaning into me.

My heart melts from the act.

“I want you, too,” she admits at last.“But I feel so guilty about it.”

I wrap my arms around her and kiss thetop of her head. “Stay with me. The guilt will lessen in time, and you’ll be happyagain. Just stay. I’ll ensure your safety and give you so much more.”

“Alessandro…” She eases back. “Ijust…I don’t know.”

“You’ll accept your feelings in time.But either way, I won’t let you go.”

Tiana meets my gaze, holding it for aminute or two before straightening to resume dressing.

I haul on sweatpants.

After putting on her slippers, shelooks at me and draws a deep breath. “Fattorewillalways be the reason why my sister isn’t alive, and I won’t forget that.”

I hold her hand. “Tiana, I’m not askingyou to forget. I want you to see me and accept your feelings without shame.”

She eases her hand from mine andslowly shakes her head. “I don’t know if that’s possible.”

Her words hurt.

“You know it is. You’re just tooafraid.”

“Ales?” Mother’s voice bellows fromthe hallway before she knocks on the door.

Tiana hugs herself, appearing awkwardas if she doesn’t want my mother to know she spent the night in my bedroom. ButI’m sure the entire residence heard her sexy screams as I pleasured her.

“Sì, Madre.”I open the door partially.

She squints at me. “Um, an old friendasked me to join her for breakfast. I’m taking some men with me. AssureTianashe can help herself to anything.”

“Sì. I will.Enjoy breakfast with your friend. Stay close to the men.”

“Hm.” A sly smile tilts her lips.“I’ll see you later then. Ciao, Tiana!” She veers off.

I huff and close the door, turning toTiana. “Sorry about that.”

She clicks her tongue. “Great. Nowyour mother thinks we’re…together.”

“We are,” I declare and moisten mylips while carrying my eyes over her. “Hungry?”

She folds her arms defiantly. “I’m nothaving sex with you again.”

I chuckle at the silly statement. “Youknow you will. But I meant food. Come. Let’s eat.”

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