Page 52 of Aldo

“Yes. Yes, you do.”

He pressed a kiss to my forehead. “I will try to live up to your expectations of me.”

“You already do.”

He tugged me a little closer, and I had to shut my eyes. He didn’t tell me that he loved me back, but I remembered what Roman had said. I needed to give Aldo time.

A small part of me wondered if he ever would.

And that part of me cried.

CHAPTER 16

VI

The next few days passed by in a blur. I slept a lot, often only waking because the pain broke my sleeping pattern. Every time I woke up, Aldo was there, ever patient, wanting to help. He fed me, gave me medication, helped me in the shower, and held me when he would tuck me back into bed. A few times, I roused alone, only to see him sitting in the chair close to the bed, watching me or dozing. A couple of times, he had his laptop open and was busy typing. Twice, he was on the phone with Roman, or least I assumed that’s who it was. I caught snippets of the conversation, but my mind was too tired to link it all together, and I would fall back asleep.

I woke up again, my mind more alert and the pain not as intense. I blinked in the midmorning light, glancing at the clock. It was past eleven, and I was surprised to find myself alone in the room. It was the first time that had happened since Aldo had brought me here. He was always close when I woke.

I felt a breeze coming in the window, and I sat up gingerly, breathing in the fresh air. I could hear the timbre of Aldo’s voice, and I swung my legs over the mattress and stood. I had to take a minute to find my equilibrium, then I walked to the open window and peeked out. Aldo was in the front of his house, pacing as he spoke. He looked serious, his voice pitched low. I couldn’t really hear what he was saying, but I was glad to know he was close. I padded to the bathroom, emptying my bladder, washing my hands and face, and brushing my teeth. I still looked pale, and the bruises were dark on my skin, but my head was clearer and the persistent headache was a dull thump instead of a semi crashing inside my head. I was happy to be upright.

I found a bag of my clothes, and I pulled on some sweats and a shirt, stopping for a moment to catch my breath. I headed downstairs slowly, marveling at the beautiful woodwork and old-fashioned charm of the house. In the kitchen, I found a pot of coffee and poured a cup, almost salivating at the scent. The first sip hit me just right, and I almost groaned in delight as I swallowed. I sat down on one of the stools at the large island and looked around with fresh eyes. It was a beautiful house. Decorated simply, but with great taste. But it looked like a hotel—nothing personal or out of place.

The front door opened, and Aldo headed toward the stairs, stopping in shock at seeing me sitting in the kitchen. He crossed the room, standing right in front of me. “You’re up. Out of bed.”

“Drinking coffee,” I added.

He cupped my face, cradling it in his hands. He bent forward and kissed me. It was his signature move whenever he greeted me, I realized. It was how he showed his deep affection. I savored the pressure of his mouth on mine, the way his tongue slid inside and tangled with mine. Gently, with great care, and yet so passionately, it stole my breath.

He eased back, resting his forehead on mine. “Hey, baby. It’s good to see you in my kitchen.”

“Hi, big man.” I turned and kissed his palm. “It’s a nice kitchen.”

He laughed and drew back. “How are you feeling?”

“Better. My head is clearer.”

“Good.”

“And I’m hungry.”

“Even better. I’ll make us breakfast.”

But he didn’t move, still holding my face and looking at me. His expression was tormented, his eyes saying so much.

“Don’t,” I whispered. “We have to move on, Aldo. Don’t blame yourself, and don’t dwell. I went to the parking lot alone. I shouldn’t have.”

“Because you were angry with me after I behaved like an asshole.”

“And I forgive you. You forgive me for going without an escort. Then we can move on.”

“Just like that?”

“Just like that.”

His hands tightened. “I want to progress, Vi. We do have a relationship.” He swallowed. “An important one.” He locked his eyes with mine. “I need to find the right words.”

I slipped my hands around his wrists. “I’ll wait.”