Chapter 63. Before the Day Began

Something stirred against him.

Ezio opened his eyes to find Margherita shifting, blinking in the faint morning light that spilled through the curtains. She froze when she realized his arm was still draped over her waist.

“Good morning,” he murmured, voice low, rough from sleep.

She turned her head toward him, eyes still hazy. “You’re still here?”

He brushed a stray lock of hair from her cheek with his thumb. “Did you sleep well?”

Margherita rubbed her eyes. “I… think so. I’m just surprised you stayed until I woke. You usually sneak off.”

Ezio smiled faintly, settling onto his back, one arm tucked behind his head. “Didn’t feel like it this time.”

She stretched beside him, the sheet slipping slightly off her shoulder. He tried not to notice—failed.

After a quiet beat, he said, “Wanna hear something funny?”

Margherita turned to him, half-curious, half-cautious. “Funny like what?”

He smirked at the ceiling. “Yesterday, I went t