Chapter 27 #2
“Arturo”, she cupped my chin, forcing me to look up at her.
Shame filled my gut as my eyes pricked. “I don’t know what you’ve been through, and I won’t push you to tell me things you aren’t ready to, but I don’t care what you’ve done.
Whatever it is, I’m sure the people I love most have done worse?—”
“Trust me, they haven’t. I’ve done things you couldn’t imagine.
” She frowned but didn’t push me away. “It’s why I’ve stayed off the radar for so long.
There are evil people out there just gunning for a chance to tear me limb from limb…
And if that means killing you to get to me, they’ll do it.
” My heart began to sink. Telling Bella about my past was the last thing I wanted to do, and I hoped that the shit I had done wouldn’t change her mind about me.
But one day, she’d see the true depravity of my soul.
“I’ve never been afraid of death. It’s what makes being me so easy.
You know? When you’ve got nothin’, you’ve got nothin’ to lose. ”
“That’s not true,” tears pricked her eyes, as she fought back the urge to let them fall.
“You don’t get it. Happiness and family were things I was never supposed to have.
” I felt the usual flickers of pain send ice into my veins.
“How do you miss somethin’ that was taken from you years ago?
” As I glanced up, the pain in her eyes made me pull away.
I didn’t want her pity. I didn’t deserve it.
“Don’t do that.” She dropped to her knees before me, invading my space. It was something I had always hated people doing, but for her I would fight the need to move. “Please don’t hide from me. I get that you’ve lost people but?—”
“You want to know why I kill people, Bella? Because I’m fucked up, that’s why.
” My harsh words finally began to sink in.
I allowed my anger to warp my face and smirked when I saw the horror beginning to leak into her expression.
“I have demons, real dark ones that know someone like you could never accept me.”
For the first time since we sat down Bella was quiet. I sighed and stood walking over to the window, mainly to give myself something to do.
“You’re wrong, you know.” I frowned and glanced back.
“What?”
She hadn’t moved from where she sat on the floor.
Her voice was calm as she continued. “You may think you’re fucked up, and hell, those demons may try to make you believe you don’t deserve happiness, but I’ll be damned if I’m told I’ll never accept you.
I’m Isabella Ricci and no one tells me what I will or won’t feel.
” I dragged deep lungfuls of air into my lungs before stalking back across the room and collapsing in front of her.
“ Mi hermosa , you don’t?—”
“Shh,” she hushed me, pressing her finger to my lips.
“Just kiss me.” Somewhere between a moan and sigh of relief, I pulled her onto my lap and kissed her.
Nothing had ever felt so good or right. Each touch of her lips and fingertips sent light into me.
It sounds all Shakespeare and shit but I could have sworn she was physically taking the pain away.
When she pulled back, rubbing her nose against mine, her fingers traced my tattoos. “Besides, I’ll let your demons meet mine, and hopefully they’ll fuck off and ride into the sunset together,” she smiled, her eyes softening. “How about that?”
I didn’t know what demons my beautiful girl was hiding but something told me we’d maybe be able to manage them together.
“I don’t deserve you,” I whispered against her lips. “Part of me wants to hide it all and never let you see the darker side of me.”
“Arturo, I want to be with every version of you. I don’t give a shit how fucked up you think you are.
” She ran her fingers over my stubble, touching every inch of my skin as though if she stopped I’d disappear.
“You’re the only person I’ve ever wanted to let in, and I’m not letting you walk away, no matter how valid you think the reason might be. ”
“I wanted to tell you, so many times, I just—” I froze, her lips claiming mine instantly, cutting off the words I struggled to say.
This kiss was gentle and kind, other than words it was her way of showing me she understood, her way of showing me she wanted to be with me despite everything.
“Bella, I’m so sorry,” I pulled away, her eyes searching mine. “I should have told you.”
“Stop. It’s in the past. And I’d rather we live in the here and now, and whatever or whoever’s after your blood can just wait.” My lips quirked up at this as she trailed her hands down my arms.
“Remind me to piss you off more in future,” I grinned as she slapped my chest.
She curled a hair behind her ear and gnawed at her lip. “Will you stay with me tonight?” she asked, her face hopeful.
“Hmm,” I replied, rising from the floor. The thrill of having her in my arms as she slept was too good to pass up. Containing my grin, I placed her gently on the bed before heading toward the door.
“Oh, I get it, too soon?” her voice cracked as I pulled the door open.
“Easy, mi princesa ,” I crossed the room in a handful of strides and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I’m not leavin’ you. I’m just goin’ to grab somethin’ to sleep in. I’ll be right back.”
I exited her room, closing the door quietly behind me. I felt as though a huge weight had been lifted, her kindness, and acceptance was second to none.
That won’t last… she’ll get sick of you.
You’re wrong.
Enjoy it while it lasts… murderer.