Page 101 of Liberated By Sin

Her red lips curved into a bright smile.

“Of course.”

Illusion had remained closed for the day, and I was ready to head home, as Santino and I had a conversation pending. I slung my bag over my shoulder and turned toward the mirror, combing through my curls with my fingers.

“It’s your pick,” I said, twisting my hair into a bun high on my head. “I’ll take you wherever you want to go.”

“I’m not familiar with anything around here, so surprise me.”

“Hmm, I think I know a spot. Do you like Brazilian cuisine?”

Amalia didn’t answer. I found her reflection in the mirror. The need to ask what was wrong was unnecessary as her gaze was fixed on my back.

On my scars.

Flashes of emotion crossed her features: rage, sadness, and compassion. Our eyes connected, but before I could say a word, Amalia approached and rested her forehead against my back, embracing me from behind.

“My god…” she whispered, swallowing thickly. “I’m sorry.”

I placed a hand over hers.

“Me too.”

40

Theshower cut off, but it was another fifteen minutes before Amara emerged from the bathroom, steam swirling above the door. We made eye contact from across the room. Her beautiful eyes were red-rimmed and slightly puffy. She’d been crying intermittently for a good portion of the day. Reuniting with her brother had brought her tears of absolute joy, but those emotions weren’t here now. Sadness soured her features, and her mouth quivered.

“Come here,preziosa.”

She intended to sit beside me, but I pulled her into my lap and wiped a lone tear from her cheek. “Talk to me.”

With a shaky breath, she touched my face. “I’m sorry I lied to you. I’m sorry if you feel I didn’t trust you enough to reveal my name and ties to Kai and Derek. It was me. I didn’t trust myself,” she said, kissing the tip of my nose. “I thought that spilling blood and changing my name was the only way to reconcile my past and save what was left of me. But I know now that I’ve been just running from who I was—who Iam. And I’m so sorry, Santi.”

“Do you think I’m upset?”

She shrugged. “Maybe. You deserved the truth.”

I ran my thumb across her bottom lip and rested my forehead on hers. “Baby, I could never judge your choices and how or when you dealt with everything you went through. I knew you’d open up to me when you were ready. And maybe your hand was forced today, but I’m a patient man when it comes to you. I’d wait an eternity.”

Releasing a heavy breath, she shook her head. “I never thought I’d meet someone like you—that someone could love me when I didn’t even love myself. Why are you so good to me?”

“Ti amo.It’s that simple. I’ve never loved another woman besides my mother.”

She chuckled and wiped her tears.

“You came along and buried yourself deep into my black heart.”

Her lips were soft, her mouth sweet. No matter where we touched, I felt connected to this woman, like she’d somehow always been a part of me, even when I didn’t know it. Like we were always meant to be.

“Giada made some fresh panna cotta.”

Amara laughed against my lips and nodded, shifting her legs to stand, but I scooped her up and carried her to the kitchen.

“I could get used to this.”

“Good.”

I poured myself a drink and served her dessert.

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