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“There is no need to exert yourself so,” he says gently. “Just eat a little bit. You don't have to finish it all.”
“I know.” I swallow hard, searching for the words. “Stefano, I...I owe you an apology. For doubting you, for not trusting you with the truth. You have shown me nothing but kindness, and I repaid you with suspicion and anger. I am sorry.”
He shakes his head. “You had no reason to trust me. I did not believe you about the Capo either, when I should have. I am the one who owes you an apology, Bella. You were right to doubt - it is in your nature to survive, as it is in mine. I understand now why you could not trust easily.”
His acceptance of my apology brings tears to my eyes. I reach for his hand. “I do trust you now. You have proven yourself in ways I never expected.”
“As have you.” He kisses my hand softly. “We have both been betrayed in the past. But together, we are strong.”
My eyes trace the lines of Stefano's face, lingering on the curve of his lips. How is it that this man can fill me with peace and longing at the same time?
"What changed?" I ask, gently. "For so long, you believed in the Capo and would fight for his honor to the death of you, I was sure of it."
"There is something I must tell you," he says quietly. "After you revealed the truth about the Capo...it shook the foundations of everything I believed. I have served him faithfully for years, never doubting his leadership. I started digging around, for I trust you too and I couldn't believe you would lie either. Some things, I realized, were happening right under my eyes but I was too close to the problem to see it. Saying we're offering you protection, then treating you as a prisoner, for one. But, I needed more proof. I started digging around. You'd be surprised at how many within the mafioso were willing to speak, to tell me things he's done. To discover the evil he is capable of..."
He shakes his head. "It has left me uncertain. I do not know how to proceed from here. I was about to come to you and apologize, but then the attack happened."
"I understand," I say softly. "Your loyalty is a rare and admirable quality. To have that loyalty betrayed is a painful thing."
"Si. Painful and disorienting." His eyes meet mine. "You have given me a gift, Isabella, even if it does not seem so. The truth, however ugly, is always better than lies. I know now the kind of man the Capo really is. I will not follow blindly again."
"I'm glad for that," I say. "Though I wish the truth had come to light in another way."
"As do I." He brushes his thumb over my cheek. "You do not have to face him alone, Bella,. I will help you in any way I can. Together, we will bring him to justice for his crimes."
I lean into his touch, tears stinging my eyes. "That means more to me than I can say. I was so afraid I would be alone in this battle, like I've been for so long. Now that I hear you say it, I realize it's not you fighting for me that I seek. It's you believing in me. But, this battle is mine to fight, Stefano. You must not involve yourself in it."
Stefano's eyes soften. "You will never be alone again. I swear it."
"Thank you," I whisper. "I wonder ... could you dig in and see why the Capo is keeping me prisoner?"
He nods, ever-so-slightly.
For the first time since my father's death, I feel safe. Protected. Loved.
Stefano leans in and kisses me softly. I cling to him, pouring all of my gratitude, affection and need into that kiss.
When we part, I whisper, "Stay with me tonight. I don't want to be alone."
"I will stay as long as you wish, Bella,," he murmurs. "But you should rest. Your injuries need time to heal."
"I know. I just..." I swallow hard. "I need to feel you near me. If the nightmares come again..."
"Shh, I understand." He brushes a strand of hair from my face. "I will be here when you wake. Sleep now, and know you are safe."
Relief washes over me in a warm wave. I snuggle into the pillows, keeping my good hand clasped in Stefano's.
With his steady, reassuring presence beside me, I drift off into a deep, peaceful sleep. No shadows haunt my dreams that night.
I rest, and heal, cocooned in Stefano's warmth and the comfort of his embrace.
I wake slowly, blinking at the sunlight filtering through the curtains. For a moment, I'm disoriented, confused by my unfamiliar surroundings. Then I feel the weight of Stefano's arm draped over my waist and remember. I'm in his home. Safe within these walls, safe within his arms.
I roll over to face Stefano. He's still asleep, his chest rising and falling with deep, even breaths. Dark lashes sweep his cheekbones, and his full mouth is relaxed in sleep. He looks younger, more at peace. The harsh lines of concern and tension have faded from his face.
Unable to resist, I reach up and trace the curve of his jaw with my fingertips.
Stefano's eyes flutter open at my touch. He turns his head to press a kiss to my palm, his lips curling into a sleepy smile.
