Page 21 of Angelo

"You are fucking blind," he replied, stealing a touch of inspiration from her, "if you cannot see it by now."

Elyse gazed up at her husband with hesitation. "I've felt blind these past few days."

This seemed to catch Alessandro off guard. His eyes widened slightly. "In what way?"

"You won't talk to me about anything that matters."

"That is not true."

Elyse shook her head in protest. "Your father's death has clearly affected you, but you insist on pretending like everything is fine."

Shame struck his face as Alessandro mumbled, "Everyone handles shit differently. Are you doubting my ability ascapo?"

"Of course not."

"As a husband?"

"Not at all."

"Then what are you trying to say?"

Tears stung her eyes even though they didn't fall. "I'm not trying to say anything.I'm begging you. Please don't hold me at a distance.Especially if you're hurting. Your pain is my pain. Let me walk through hell with you."

Frustration flickered through his eyes. "I am not trying to push you away,cuore mio. If anything, you are the closest and dearest person to me.Ever."

With a lost look, Elyse whispered, "Yet, I don't know what you're thinking half of the time. I want to be able to reach you."

"I have revealed more of myself to you than anyone in my life."

"I want...more."

"Greedy wife," he scolded.

"No," Elyse corrected softly, "loving wife. I love you, Alessio. Let me in. Please. It will only make us stronger. Not weaker. I promise."

With a helpless-sounding groan, Alessandro buried his face into the crook of her neck. "I love you, too. God help me."

Her arms wrapped around his shoulders to hug him tight. "After today, I won't bother you about this again, but, in the future, can you try to be more open with me, especially when you're feeling this way? Sex doesn't count."

He grimaced. "I will try."

"Thank you."

"Elyse?"

"Yes?"

He declared quite seriously, "I would like to request something from you as well."

"Go on."

"Promise that you will never lie to me again. No matter how small the issue may seem in your mind."

She looked him dead in the eye and swore on her life, "I won't lie to you ever again, Alessio."

"Grazie,cuore mio."

Husband and wife lay in each other's arms for several more moments, touching, kissing, and simplybeing. They didn't make love. They didn't fuck. Love now bonded them. A soul-glowing, heart-shining love. It felt as though a ray oflight had been restored to their dark kingdom. There were still many battles to be waged outside the sanctuary of their bedroom, but, at this moment, beneath the weight of her husband's solid body, within the warmth of his embrace, Elyse felt less afraid and a little more confident that they might survive the coming war.

---