Chapter 96

“Don’t cry, baby, please.” His sudden voice in my ear makes me jump as his arms come around me tightly from behind. “I’m sorry, Emma. Please, Bambina.” His tone is soft and gentle as his fingers uncurl my grip on the pillows so he can pull me into his body, encircling me, his face in my hair by my cheek. “Shhhhhh, come on. Turn around,” he breathes, finally coaxing me to face him and pulling me against his chest. “I’m sorry, dolcezza. Stop. You’re making me feel even shittier than I already do.” His fingers stroke across my face, wiping away the dampness, his nose touching mine as he looks at me nestled in his arms under him. I take a breath, stilling the onslaught of tears and sniffling back any more threatening to come, confused as to why he’s back.

“I’ve stopped,” I sigh emotionally, sniffling again and suddenly embarrassed. “Why did you come back?” I look up at him with wide eyes.

“I didn’t get far. I had this overwhelming guilt that, after finally getting you to act