Page 5 of Angel's Forever

I stood there for a moment, processing what had just happened, then walked over to the fire and picked up the photo that Nico had been gazing at before all this had happened. I wondered whether, after this evening, things would ever be as carefree and fun as they had been when that photo was taken. Whether we would still even be friends.

Whatever the outcome, it would be my decision and mine alone. I just hoped I would and could make the right one.

NICO

I WALKED OUT OF Gino’s apartment, shut the door behind me, and rested my back against it.

What had I just done? All this time, I had promised myself to only one person: Hudson. I had allowed Rosa into my heart because it had been what Hudson and I had both wanted.

How could I have let my feelings run away with me with Gino? If it hadn’t been for him, I would have kept going. I would have taken him to bed, there and then. How could I have allowed myself to do that? I knew I loved him – I probably always had – but I had committed to a life with Hudson. I shouldn’t have broken that commitment as easily as I had.

I stood there for a moment, allowing the severity of what I had just let happen sink in. I should never have come here today. Not alone. I should have asked at least Rosa to walk into that apartment with me today.

Would the outcome have been any different, though? I knew that Rosa had feelings for Gino. Would she have lost her mind to those feelings like I had?

I pushed myself off the door and started to walk up to our apartment. I had made a promise to Gino that I would tell Hudson what had happened. But how could I do that? How could I face him and tell him that I had allowed myself to have such carnal thoughts about Gino? How could I look into his eyes and say that I had kissed him?

Did I regret that I had finally given into my feelings for Gino? No. Should I have gone about things differently? Probably.

But it was too late to take my actions back. Now I just had to face the consequences.

My steps felt heavy as I walked up the stairwell toward our apartment, my pending doom weighing heavy on my mind and body. I was disgusted with myself. I didn’t want to admit to Hudson and Rosa what I had just done. I knew I had to, but what would Hudson think of me? Would he forgive me? Or would he hate me and feel betrayed?

I stood at the door of our apartment, placed the key in keyhole, and opened the door. I was about to find out.

Chapter Four

GABRIELLA-ROSE

HUDSON AND I HAD arrived home around fifteen minutes ago and were waiting patiently for Nico to come in. We were both apprehensive about what Gino was going to say to him, and what it would mean for us all. Deep down, I knew if he went back to Sicily, it would break Nico’s heart, even if he wouldn’t admit it, and that would leave me and Hudson picking up the pieces. I just hoped that Gino would listen and agree to speak to us all.

In fairness, I was worried myself. I had deep feelings for Gino and would probably have said that I did love him. The thought of him leaving would also leave a big hole in my own heart. It would be one I could get over far easier than Nico, but it would still hurt. We had become such great friends over the past few months, and that was something that I didn’t want to lose.

Hudson and I were currently sitting together in the living room awaiting Nico’s return when we heard the door open and watched as a very hesitant Nico walked into the room. He immediately went over to the drink cabinet and poured himself a bourbon, which couldn’t have been a good sign. He walked toward us, sat down in the chair opposite us, and downed the drink before placing the glass on the table in front of him.

I felt Hudson move next to me, but I could tell that Nico didn’t want comfort right now. Something was troubling him more than what Gino had told him, so I held on to Hudson to stop him from moving as I shook my head.

I decided to be the one to break the silence that was in the room, as it was obvious to me that neither of the guys wanted to speak.

“What’s wrong, Nico? You know you can tell us everything.”

He continued to look down at his hand as he started to speak. “Gino does want to go home. He admitted to being in love with me and Rosa, and that he couldn’t stand to see us so happy. It is killing him inside. I told him the truth. I told him how we both felt and said that we wanted to speak to him tonight. He’s agreed to be here at seven to talk.”

A sudden chill went over me. If he had agreed to come here, then why was Nico so down? What had happened when he’d met him?

I looked over at Hudson, who seemed to be thinking the same thing. Hudson got up from his chair, kneeled in front of Nico, and took his hands in his.

“Nico, what happened?”

At Hudson’s words, Nico completely lost it. I had never seen him so upset. Even with his head lowered, I could see the tears falling and his shoulders rise and fall as the silent sobs went through his body.

“Nico, please tell us,” Hudson tried to coax him. “We can’t help you if we don’t know.”

Nico’s voice was angry and abrupt. “I kissed him, okay?! Is that what you want me to say? I kissed Gino.”

I sat there for a moment, shocked. There were so many things running through my head that could have been bothering Nico, but that was the last thing I thought he was going to say. He almost sounded angry and disgusted at himself. Hudson looked up and over to me, unsure of what to say next. I guessed we both knew that this could happen. I was going to say something when Nico continued.

“Gino stopped me. He didn’t let it go any further. The problem was, I would have let it. I wanted to let it happen. I should never have gone there. I’ve ruined everything.”