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The corner of my mouth lifts, and I close my eyes as I get used to the feel of her body against mine.
Chapter 20
Gabriella
Lying in bed, I struggle to fall asleep, my mind filled with the past two days' events.
I saw another side of Damiano today. When he held me on his lap, I actually felt safe.
I felt more than safe.
Whenever I’m near him, there’s a constant fluttering in my stomach and my heart beats a mile a minute.
I’m becoming more and more aware of how attractive he is. The way he moves. The domineering air he carries himself with. The brisk way he talks.
Even the silence.
It feels like he says so much without him saying anything at all.
He held me tight, which means he does have a caring side. He hasn’t hurt me since the incident where he slammed me down on the floor.
He pressed kisses to my hair like he does with Aunt Aida, and it felt indescribably good.
For the first time in my life, a man has shown me kindness. I never in a million years expected it to be Damiano Falco.
My eyes start to burn with tears because now that I’ve felt some form of affection, it shines a glaring light on the cold and lonely childhood I had to endure.
It hurts.
I suck in a slow breath, trying to force the negative feelings down.
I never have to go home again.
I’ll never see my parents again.
They’ll never hurt me again.
Slowly, I start to feel calmer, and my thoughts turn to when Damiano kissed me.
It felt like he wanted me, and he made emotions I’ve never experienced burst in my chest.
A smile curves my lips, and I snuggle into my pillow.
The kisses were perfect.
While thinking about the upcoming shopping trip, I finally drift off to sleep.
My mother’s nails dig into my skin as she drags me to the living room. I hear voices rumble, and when we enter the room, my eyes dart over the men.
My father stands next to Santo, and they’re both looking at me with sneering smiles.
Stefano steps closer to Damiano, who doesn’t even look at me.
“Will you give your blessing, cousin?”
My heart thunders in my chest.
Mother shoves me forward, and I fall to my hands and knees.
