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"So are you," I teased.
"Yeah, sorry about that. I guess I was more tired than I thought." He stretched and sat up straighter in the chair.
“Don't be sorry. You've been through a lot.”
Alessandro stood from the chair and walked to my bedside. “How are you feeling?” He gently pushed the hair from my face, cupping my cheek, and looked up at me with concern in his eyes.
“I'm doing okay. I’ve got a massive headache and my arm hurts a bit but I'm okay.” I smiled reassuringly at him.
“If you're in pain I can get a doctor in here to give you something so that you can rest.
“Maybe in a bit. Before that, can we talk?”
“Of course.”
I patted the bed to signal for him to sit and he perched on the edge gently, trying not to disturb me.
“Teo came by while you were asleep.”
“Oh, I'm sorry I wasn’t awake for that.”
“We actually had a nice chat.”
“Oh, really?” Alessandro looked uncertain.
"He told me the truth about the ultimatum."
Alessandro’s brow lifted and he blinked in surprise. "He did?"
I nodded. "He also told me that you were completely against it. And that it was the reason why you said you couldn't let me go. It wasn't that you couldn't let me go home, you couldn't hurt me."
"I couldn't bear the thought of anyone causing you pain and the idea of doing it myself..." Alessandro looked pained and turned away from me, but I gently cupped his cheek and turned him to face me.
"Teo apologized to me. He explained that after everything he'd been through with Mia that he was acting out of fear. He said that you helped him see that."
Alessandro nodded. "I'm sorry that I couldn't tell you. I didn't know what to do."
"It was a hard spot to be in." I paused for a moment. "I forgave Teo. And I forgive you too."
He blinked, looking surprised but happy. "Thank you. And now that things are cleared up with Teo, you and your father can return home to your regular lives without having to look over your shoulder."
"Well, I thought I might stay around here, actually."
"You are?"
"I mean, if that's okay with you?"
"That's more than okay. I'm so happy that you're staying. But," he sighed, looking hesitant. "Does that mean you might be willing to give me another chance? A real chance, without all the secrets between us?"
"I think I'd like that." I beamed at him.
"Oh, I'll make sure you do." Alessandro leaned in, tenderly pressing his lips to mine.
The kiss turned more passionate until he finally pulled away, gently holding my face in his hands and pressing a kiss to my forehead.
