Page 11 of Angelo

Not in any way that mattered.

Not tonight, anyway.

3

Not long after Alessandrowent in the bathroom, the sound of running water shut off. Silence drowned the air. Then, echoes of footsteps on the marble floors chased away the quiet. Elyse's mouth parted in surprise when he reappeared in their bedroom. The bastard hadn't run from her, after all. A stoic expression graced Alessandro's face as he stood before her. He held a bottle of water in one hand and a clean towel in the other.

He offered the water to her. "Drink."

Green eyes widened as she accepted it. "Thank you."

Elyse took a sip. The water soothed her parched throat. Alessandro said nothing. He simply watched her as she eyed him over the rim of the bottle. Her husband's mood remained a mystery. His intentions were unknown. She set the water on the nightstand and glanced at the towel in his palm. Elyse was suddenly all too aware of one unavoidable fact.His savage fucking had turned her in a sore, sticky, broken mess.

A blush rose on Elyse's cheeks. "Is that for… me?"

"Sì."

With an awkward cough, she reached for the towel. "Thanks."

He nudged her hand aside and said, "Allow me."

Alessandro climbed onto the bed and spent the next few minutes cleansing her. The warm, damp towel was heaven on her aching body. Every touch felt like a worshipping caress. He was being so achingly gentle and thorough. Earlier, Alessandro had taken so much from her. Now? He seemed ready togiveagain. Elyse almost melted under his tender care. Her devil was an angel once more, and these shifts were knocking her off-kilter. It felt as though Alessandro was trying to speak through actions instead of words.

But what was he trying to say?

When Alessandro finally finished his task, he pulled her into his arms. Their bodies were close. His mind didn't feel as far away as it had been moments ago. She nestled her head on his solid, muscled chest, her very favorite spot, right above the precious, calming beats of his heart.

Tracing the tattoos across his chest with her fingertips, Elyse mumbled again, "Thank you."

Quietly, he replied, "Do not thank your husband for doing what must done. I will always take care of you.No matter what."

"Even when everything feels like hell?"

"Especially when it feels hell," muttered Alessandro. "Without you, Elyse, nothing matters."

The void within felt less empty as warmth flooded her heart. She ventured to say, "Seems like you're in a better mood now.”

"Sì," he muttered, "andno."

Another non-answer. Elyse reached for him, her fingertips gently grazing his cheek, as she sought to rebuild a connection. "I wish I knew what you were feeling."

Alessandro's hands wandered to her breasts, fondling the ample swells and plucking at her nipples in a mindless, distracted way. He grimaced. "You… are not upset with me?"

A sad smile lifted the corners of her mouth. "Not in the way you think."

Guilt crossed Alessandro's face. His hands fell away from her chest. "You look worn out."

She almost laughed.No shit.Alessandro had fucked her into a stupor. Exhaustion was about to claim her. Elyse resisted the pull by stifling a yawn and leaned over to rain kisses across her husband's chest, trailing up to his jaw. She whispered, "I'm not too tired to listen, though. If there's something you want to tell me."

Hesitation creased his brow, but Alessandro appeared to consider her offer for a moment. The tide was turning. "I—"

Elyse prompted eagerly, "Yes?"

But, then, he wavered, choosing to retreat instead. "Never mind. I have put you through enough for one day. Rest,cuore mio."

Alessandro released her from his embrace and rolled over to the other side of the mattress. His back was turned toward her. He seemed determined to sever himself from his father's death and the monumental weight that now rested on hisshoulders as the newcapo.

She hid her disappointment, muttering in wistful tones, "Good night, Alessio."

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