107

LORENA

My whole body jolted out of bed, my breathing labored. I struggled to catch my breath, my eyes darting around looking for anyone lurking in the dark.

“Shhh. It’s okay; I’m here.” Alessandro’s voice penetrated through the fog and his face came into focus.

“You need to rest.”

He watched me with love, his hands gently wrapped around me. Am I dreaming?

“Matteo?” I rasped out, my voice cracking. “Ella?”

“Ella is safe; she’s with Massimo. Matteo’s safe,” he whispered. “I just checked on him. Our son is safe.”

I blinked my eyes. Our son.

“Roberto is dead, so are your father and mother. Matteo is safe; so are you.” He leaned forward and placed a kiss on my lips. “I love you, Lorena Moravia.”

I love you too. But words refused to leave my mouth. So much has happened since we first met. So many ugly words and memories.

My chest felt tight, like someone pressed on it with weights.

As if he could read my thoughts, Alessandro reached out and took my hand into his.