Page 164

“Did Chiara tell you?”

He doesn't answer, and I search his face, trying to understand what he's not telling me.

“Dami?”

His thumb brushes my cheek. “Have fun.”

The room feels different, although I can't explain why. I look around, trying to understand what's changed, but everything is exactly as it should be.

“What's wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“You're being weird.”

His smile is soft.

So fucking soft.

“Live, Nora.”

My heart stops.

And I remember.

No.

No, no, no.

“Dami?”

His eyes fill with tears.

“Don't.”

I grab him. “Don't go.”

“Vita mia—”

“No.” I throw my arms around his neck and pull him against me. “Please don't go. Please.”

He holds me, and I can feel him. His arms around me, his chest against mine, the warmth of his breath against my hair.

He's here.

“I miss you,” I sob. “God, I miss you so fucking much.”

“I know.”

“Stay.”

I pull back and grab his face between my hands. “Please.”

He kisses me, and I close my eyes, clinging to the familiar warmth of his lips against mine.

I kiss him harder because if I just keep kissing him, maybe he can't leave. Maybe I don't have to wake up. Maybe—

My eyes open.