Page 79 of Promise Never

“What’s that?”

She releases a heavy sigh before answering.“I met you.”

I drape my arm around her and press akiss on her forehead. “You could have gotten yourself killed.”

Her sexy lips twist into that poutyand cute way. “I saved your ass.Thank youwill suffice.”

“Pfft. Unbelievable. But thank you.You did save me.”

“Ales…” Enrique’s gritty voiceresounds.

We mosey through the containers untilreaching back at the start.

Relief cascades over me when I see mybrother walking with an injuredRuniand other guardsthat survived the explosion.

Tiana and I meet them halfway.

While gripping his right side, Enriquesquints at my brave woman, seeming perplexed. “Ales, who is this?”

“A long story,” Tiana interjectsbefore I respond. “Let’s get you some medical assistance.”

As we head from the port, I release aprofound breath. Even though danger is inevitable, it’s still a relief that atleast one has been handled.

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“Seicosìbella,” Alessandro says sincerely, breaking me out of my thoughts.I pivot from the flowers, watching him stride over from the patio. He touchesmy arm, adding, “Mitogliilrespiro.”

The spark in his gaze is enough toconvince me he’s uttering sweet words.

I free the tightness in my throat andask, “How’s Enrique doing?” I’ve pretty much given them space after we broughtEnrique home from the clinic two days ago. Alessandro and Sofia have been inand out of his room along with a doctor.

He sticks his hands in his pockets andshifts his weight to one side. “He’ll heal in time from the physical pain. But,as for losing his lover, I’m not so sure.”

“How did she die?” I ask softly,hugging myself.

“Gunshot to the head.” He looks downas blatant sorrow for his brother morphs his features.

Stepping closer, I press my hand athis chest affectionately to offer some comfort.

Alessandro looks up and clutches myfingers. “You’ve been unusually quiet in the past two days. Wandering aroundthe house and being distant.”

I ease my hand away. “That’s becauseI’ve been doing some deep thinking. And I didn’t want to distract you whileyour brother is going through a difficult time.”

“What have you been thinking about?” Ascowl forms. “Is this the part where you tell me you want to leave now thatZeno’s gone?”

“Alessandro—”

“I can’t let you go,” he says, cheststarting to rise and fall profoundly. “My family may not be as powerful asothers, and I’m currently unable to give you the adventures you spoke of, but Ipromise that I will if you allow me time.”

“Listen—”

“I love you,” he declares intenselyand closes the small space between us. “I love you, Tiana. I’ve never given myheart to anyone. But you have it—all of it. Give us a chance.”

Immense heat engulfs my body, carryinga surge of emotions that have strengthened so much in the days I’ve been withhim.

A tear escapes and slides down my faceas I say with confidence, “I love you, too.”

His eyes widen with delight.

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