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The car speeds through the streets, and by now my heart is beating out of my chest, and my head is woozy. Taking a deep breath, I pull back and dare a glance at Tiero, who’s studying me with concern on his gorgeous face.
He cups my cheek with one hand, and I tilt my head into his touch, seeking his warmth. “I won’t let anything happen to you, angel,” he says softly before kissing me gently on the forehead and pulling me against his chest once more.
Closing my eyes, I nestle into him and let my body melt into his.
For just this moment, everything is right in my world. I feel safe, cared for, and… loved. A bit like home.
The thought startles me, and my eyes fly open.
No! I didn’t just think that.
This is far from home… and he’s a rich Italian playboy.
No. No. No. Don’t lose your heart here, Ella!
My attention goes back to the spider bite. It’s throbbing in tune with my heartbeat. I sneak a hand under my dress, feeling the area. To my horror, the swelling is spreading down my leg, as is a dull numbness.
What if this is really it? What if I’m going to die?
Who do I need to say goodbye to? I haven’t even written my will—not that I have much to give away. Who will look after Knox?
Rhia… I should ring her. But before I even finish the thought, we arrive at the hotel.
How did we get here so fast? It seemed to take much longer going to Catania than coming back.
As soon as the car stops, a guard jumps out to open the backdoor, and Tiero slides out with me still in his arms.
“Gualtiero, put me down. I can walk,” I protest, not sure if I’m telling the truth.
I don’t get a chance to find out, because despite my objections, Tiero carries me through the lobby and to the elevator. Thankfully, there aren’t many people around. The few that are send curious glances our way.
What must we look like? Me being carried bride-style by a gorgeous man with five men surrounding us who look like boxers on steroids.
Oh God. What if they think I’m taking them all up to my room for a gang bang?
I burry my face into Tiero’s shoulder, too embarrassed to look up.
When we get to my room, a guard opens the door, and Tiero walks through and places me gently on the bed.
He immediately goes to the fridge to get a bottle of water, uncaps it, and lifts it to my lips to drink. I’m not that weak that I couldn’t drink by myself, but I let him fuss over me. It’s kind of nice.
Tiero’s hand lifts to my face, and he cups my cheek tenderly, stroking his thumb up and down my heated skin. “How are you feeling, princess?”
His phone rings before I can answer, and he steps out onto the terrace to take the call.
Finally! A moment alone to breathe.
The guards remain outside my door, but it isn’t fully closed, and I hear their laughter drift in. What could be so funny? I’m in here dying and they’re cracking jokes?
I guess this is hilarious. If they were watching us the entire time, they would have seen Tiero’s attempt to kiss me and my more than bizarre reaction.
I can’t believe I panicked like that.
And then I was screaming, and dancing on the spot like a woman possessed. Yeah, I’d laugh too if I wasn’t the butt of the jokes.
I try to listen to their conversation, and my befuddled brain belatedly registers I can understand them. How? Ohhh… they’re speaking German.
Why would they do that?
