Page 117 of Chasing Caine

Once she was fully naked and tucked in, I locked the door, removed my own clothes, and snuck into the bed behind her. I pushed one arm under her head and wrapped the other tight around her waist.

Lips pressed against the back of her head, I whispered, “Mario was right, you know. We were very worried about you.”

Her hand stroked along the length of my arm at her waist, finding my hand and interlacing our fingers. “I know.”

“I don’t know what I’d do if—” A lump lodged in my throat and I pulled her closer.

A shiver wracked her.

I shot up enough to look down on her face without letting go. “Are you cold?”

Her face was tight, chin trembling. “I was so scared, Antonio.”

“It’s alright.” I lay back down and tightened my grip. “You’re safe.”

“I really thought I was going to die.” She clenched her fingers around mine. “And for what?”

“For your life’s passion.”

She sucked in breaths through her nose and blew them out slowly, the shake easing until only her voice trembled. “All they recovered yesterday at Eva and Umberto’s apartment was one pigment pot.”

What was I to do? Jason was clear that telling her the truth—that he’d saved her lifeandtaken the fresco—was out of the question. No reassurances would fix this. I was so tired of secrets. “Umberto, Eva, and her brother are in custo—”

“Brother?” Her muscles finally relaxed. “No one told me that.”

That was a careless slip. “I overheard one of the polizia talking about it.”

“Of course. And you’re right. They’re in custody.” She let out a long yawn. “That’s something, at least.”

“More importantly, you’re alright.” I pressed my lips to the back of her head. “And you’re here with me.”

“I think I need that nap now. Would you… um…”

I kissed her again. “Anything.”

“Would you stay here with me? It feels… I mean, I…” She sniffled and wrapped my arm tighter around her. “Just don’t leave me. Please.”

That she would ask that—show a shred of vulnerability—meant the world to me. And likely to her.

“I would stay until the end of time, if you asked me, bella.”

Chapter 38

Samantha

Alightpressureonthe top of my head. The sound of a kiss. A salty sea breeze brushing my bare shoulder. Warm, taunt skin—Antonio’s chest—under my cheek.

“Time to wake up, bella.”

I felt the words under me as strongly as I heard them. “Mm-mmm.”

He chuckled, bouncing me slightly. “How’s your head?”

“All better.” I extended an arm around him and tightened my grip. “Let’s stay here all day.”

“Three days in a row in bed?”

“You’re habit forming.” I nestled closer.