Page 40 of And Back

As Valerie and I weave through the crowd, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume and anticipation, my eyes catch sight of him.

He is not wearing his disguise anymore. I can finally really see him in the light of day.

Instant fear grips my intestines as I realize what that means. His father would recognize him now too. He came to the show as himself, despite the danger it will put him into. Did he do it on purpose?

Virgilio stands near the entrance, a vision of striking confidence in one of the suits I designed for him during our first week together. The charcoal fabric clings perfectly to his lean frame, accentuating every line and curve. His presence is magnetic, drawing my gaze like a moth to a flame. My breath catches in my throat, and a rush of fury and apprehension floods through me.

I can’t let this moment pass without addressing everything that’s been left unsaid between us. I need to understand his perspective, to share my own feelings and find some clarity. And I need to know why he is finally showing up as himself.

“Valerie, I need a moment,” I whisper, barely able to tear my eyes away from Virgilio. She follows my gaze and nods, recognition and understanding flashing in her eyes.

“Go. I’ll handle things here,” she assures me.

With a deep breath, I make my way towards Virgilio. He looks up as I approach, his green eyes widening slightly.

“What are you doing here?!” I grab his arm, feeling the familiar warmth and strength of his muscles, and I drag him to somewhere quieter.

He stutters something about wanting to support me, even from a distance. I scoff at his words as I lead him through the maze of people and into the area backstage. The noise from the main hall fades into a distant hum as we step into the secluded space.

I turn to face him, taking in every detail of his undisguised face. The scars that tell stories of pain and survival, the tension in his jaw, the vulnerability hidden behind his steely gaze. My heart pounds in my chest as I search for the right words.

"Virgilio," I begin, my voice steady despite the swirl of emotions inside me. "We need to talk."

He nods, "I know," he replies softly,

For a moment, neither of us speaks. The silence stretches between us like an invisible thread, taut with tension and unspoken words. Finally, I take a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"I want to clear the air between us," I say, my voice steady but filled with a sense of urgency. "We need closure. And maybe, just maybe, a new beginning."

Virgilio’s eyes soften, the hard edges of his expression melting away. He nods, "I want that too," he admits, his voice barely above a whisper.

I take a deep breath, readying myself to share my truth. "When I found out about your plan with Dante... it broke me," I begin, my eyes searching his for understanding. "I felt betrayed. Like I was just a pawn in some game I didn't understand."

Virgilio’s hand tightens around mine, a silent plea for forgiveness. "Zoe, it was never about using you," he says earnestly. "I wanted to protect you from my father’s wrath. Dante and I thought keeping you in the dark would be safer for you."

"But it wasn't safe," I counter, my voice rising. "It left me feeling alone and confused."

His eyes drop to the floor, guilt etched into every line of his face. "I know," he whispers. "And I'm so sorry for that."

I can see the sincerity in his eyes, but there's more I need to understand. "Why didn’t you trust me enough to tell me the truth?" I ask softly.

Virgilio looks up, pain flickering across his features. "Because I was afraid," he confesses. "I was scared. Scared that I'd lose you forever."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. The fear of losing each other has been a shadow over our budding relationship from the start, because of our past. But now, hearing it spoken aloud, it brings everything into sharp focus.

"I never wanted to leave you," I say quietly, my own fears bubbling to the surface. "But I need honesty and trust—two things we both seem to struggle with."

He nods slowly, taking in my words. "You're right," he admits.

I take a deep breath. "When Dante offered me that week at his compound... I agreed because I thought it was the only way to save you," I say, my voice trembling slightly.

Virgilio steps closer, his hand cupping my cheek gently. The warmth of his touch sends shivers down my spine.

"Zoe," he says softly, his green eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that takes my breath away. "I care about you too, more than anything else in this world."

For a moment, we stand there in silence, just looking at each other.

"I thought I was protecting you by hiding things, but I realize now that I should have trusted you more. I'm sorry for the pain I caused you."