Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 48854 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 244(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48854 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 244(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
“You think I don’t feel it?” he asks, his voice softer now, almost vulnerable. “Every damn day, all I want is to hold you, to make you see that this… this war between us… it doesn’t have to be this way.”
I shake my head, my breath catching in my throat. I want to scream, to push him away, to remind him that they are enemies. But I also have to tell him that I’ve been promised to another man. That this… this could never be.
But in the depths of my heart, I can’t ignore the truth that slammed into me the moment I first laid my eyes on Domenico. It sounds like a childish crush. I don’t believe in love at first sight. But I can’t deny this pull toward him. How every moment of the day, my thoughts drift to him.
“What if we did fight it?” I ask, my voice barely a breath. “What if we threw it all away and ran? We can pack our bags tonight and leave this place, find a home somewhere far from the obligations of our families.”
Domenico’s gaze softens as he regards me. The reality of our situation lingers between us, heavy in the air. “I’d do anything for you, Lia. But you know this isn’t something we can just run from.”
I close my eyes, allowing the heat of his words to wash over me. Even as the warning bells ring in my mind, I fall into his arms. His chest is chiseled. I can feel the muscles, how the rise and fall causes me to move with him. As if we’re one.
“You don’t understand,” I whisper. “I’m supposed to run, to scream for help when I see you because I know you can kill me, but every time I look at you, it feels like… I’m drowning.” I pull away and allow my gaze to lock on his.
The words hang between us, raw and exposed. Domenico’s expression hardens, and he steps back, his jaw tightening with a mix of what looks like frustration and longing.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” he said quietly, his eyes dark as they bore into me. It’s as if he’s trying to see my soul. “But every moment I’m near you, it’s like I’m losing myself, and I don’t want to be the enemy.”
My heart breaks at the truth of his words. I feel the weight of it too—the impossible reality of what we are.
And yet, standing there in the quiet darkness of the room, with only the moon as our witness, the truth is undeniable: I didn’t just want him. I needed him.
“Even though I know this is wrong and we shouldn’t be here, that our stolen moments together should not happen anymore, I can’t stop them. Because I don’t want to lose you,” I whisper. The words are a confession, a plea for more. “I don’t know what’s happening to me.”
Domenico reaches for me then, his hand brushing against my cheek with a tenderness that makes my knees go weak.
“I know,” he murmured. “What if… what if this is what true love is? Something you can’t fight no matter how hard you try. I have to leave soon, but tomorrow, meet me on the roof of St. Peter’s, the church in the square. Please?”
For a moment, we stand there, suspended in time, the world outside forgotten. Domenico pulls me into his arms, and I close my eyes, listening to the thrumming of his heart. Mine beats in sync with his. With every thud, it pulls us closer to the forbidden truth that neither of us can escape.
“Okay,” is all I can whisper into the soft material of his shirt.
We are trapped between love and loyalty. The pull between desire and duty is strong, and I doubt either of us knows which side we will choose.
Chapter 4
Domenico
Iwasn’t nervous, but there was a distinct uptick in my heartbeat at the thought of seeing her again. This is going to be difficult. Meeting in secret, we know the risks. There are so many, some that could get her killed, which is why we need to be careful.
Even though I’ve spent most of my life in the shadows, she’s the driving force behind my choices now. She shouldn’t be, but I can’t stop myself from wanting to keep her safe. To hold her close and tell her things are going to be okay.
Even though it’s not something I can promise.
If my father found out I’ve been seeing a Vitale behind his back, I could get us both killed.
As I make my way up the spiral staircase, I take deep breaths, knowing I’m putting both our lives in danger, but also just wanting to be close to her.
Lelia is already waiting when I step onto the rooftop. Her long, chestnut waves hang down her back. The wind picks up the strands and causes them to dance around her. She’s dressed in the most demure outfit, which hides her beautiful curves. Her sweatpants and that hoodie she’s always hiding under are loose-fitting, but I know what she looks like in a ballgown.