61. Dante
DANTE
“Why do you call me tesoro mio?” Ro asks the question I was hoping to avoid for as long as possible so I wouldn’t have to lie to her any further. But with her naked, warm, and satiated body wrapped up in my arms, I know I have to give her something.
Keeping her held tight to my chest, I give her an answer that contains as much truth as I can reveal right now.
“It’s because you are the most treasured thing in my life and someone I wouldn’t want to share with the world if I had the power to do so.
If it were up to me, I would lock us both in this house forever and never leave this bed.
” I give her the smirk I know makes her melt in an effort to cover the internal disgust with myself because my half-truth tastes bitter on my tongue.
In reality, she is far more than just valuable to me and my future; she is extremely valuable to the entire Nicoletti family in more ways than she could know.
Can someone really put a price on their freedom?
When my price is her, I’m not sure I’m willing to pay it anymore, consequences be damned.
Maybe we can disappear together. I have enough money stashed away for us to live on an island somewhere, but would she even want that?
Does she even want me in that way? There are no barriers or bridges I wouldn’t cross for this woman in my arms, but will she still want me when she finds out the truth of who she is and the secrets I’ve kept?
“Dante,” she says, almost hesitantly, “I want you to know that I’ve never known true safety and security until I met you.
I’ve always been an overthinker, needing reassurance, and most people in my life found me taxing or didn’t understand what I needed to feel safe enough to let my guard down, so I would be called ‘too much’ or ‘not worth the effort.’ I had to shield myself with sarcasm and harsh independence to hide the tired and scared girl inside.
You are the first person I have been able to let my guard down with and just breathe.
I feel true peace in your arms.” Rose voices her admission softly as I pull her closer to my side.
My heart breaks at her confession. What can I say in response to the very thing I’ve always wanted to hear from her lips from the moment I laid eyes on her but knew I would never deserve?
“I know you didn’t have the best childhood,” I say as she huffs out a laugh against my neck at the understatement of her upbringing, “but I can see the storm of thoughts and emotions that swirl around in your mind through your eyes. I know your brain tries to think through every possible scenario and outcome in an effort to protect yourself from being hurt again, but when you are with me, I will chase the storm away. With my hands, my mouth, my love—let me quiet the thunder of your thoughts. And baby, you are never too much for me. You are my everything.” I love you.
I want to say the last part out loud, but I don’t know if she is ready for that, and I don’t want to tell her until she knows everything.
All my secrets and half-truths. I hope she is willing to accept what I have done to keep her safe and forgive me because, at this moment, I know I can never give her up.