Page 99 of Of Vows and Betrayal

“As far as I know, he is.” I take a little piece of lasagna, inviting her to do the same. “I was not sure at the time why your father wanted to kill him,” I continue, “but he gave me everything I wanted. Maybe being in your orbit made things come faster, but I can swear to you that you have no real play in the great scheme of things. The end would always have been the same.”

“Why the boat then? If you had what you needed.” She touches her bare neck. “Why the bee?”

“Opportunity?” I shrug, shame coating my lungs. “I’m not proud, but I wanted more from your father, always more. Having an ear in his office was too good to pass out, but I regretted it almost as soon as I did it. Well, not wanting to spy on him but making you an accessory. As for the necklace, it was more peace of mind for me—making sure you were okay. That’s all I want, Ophelia. For you to be safe.”

She gives me a little smile, and when I reach for her hand and rest my fingers on top of hers, she doesn’t remove it this time.

“Jeremy finally told me, when he realized the depth of my feelings for you, why he was being killed that night—it’s because they found out he was going to help you escape.”I let out a little humorless laugh. “It’s quite ironic how it came full circle—how my love for you and my desire to set you free became ultimately more important than my fifteen-year mission to destroy your father.”

She remains silent, but she turns her hand around, catching mine, and I’m not ashamed to admit that it is enough to make my heart ache in my chest.

“I’m sorry for realizing only too late that you were more important than my revenge. I’m sorry for getting you tied up with me when it’s probably the last thing you wanted, and I’m sorry for causing you pain. It’s something I will repent for until the day I die. But Ophelia, sweetheart,” I bring her hand up to my lips and kiss the back of it, “I don’t regret entering your life, getting to know you, getting to love you, and seeing what it’s like to be loved by you. I can’t and won’t.” I take a shaky breath. “I never thought I would love again, let alone commit my life to a person, but now I can’t imagine a version where I don’t love you, where I don’t have you, where I don’t build a future with you. You are my life, truly, and even if you still want me to free you—if you accept whatever Lucchese is offering—I will still be here loving you because there is no alternative for me, and I don’t want one.”

She swallows, and her hold on my hand tightens. “Let’s not make any rash decisions just yet.”

It’s not really the declaration of love I would have loved to hear, but it’s better than nothing. She doesn’t want to escape me—us—and that’s a win.

We eat a little while in silence, and despite how much I want to be there with her, the sleepless nights and jet lag getthe best of me, and I muffle a yawn.

“Go to bed, Javi. You’re tired,” she says gently, and I love to hear the care in her voice instead of the spite.

I look up and shake my head. “No, it’s okay. I’ll make myself a double—quadruple—espresso. I’ll be fine. I don’t want this evening to end.”

Her smile is gentle, and my heart squeezes in my chest again. It does that a lot around her, to the point I’m now wondering if it’s not an actual medical condition.

“Javi,” she says softly, “we have time. I’m not going anywhere tonight. Go rest. We can talk more tomorrow.”

I hesitate, wanting to stay awake and savor every moment with her, but the exhaustion is overwhelming. “Okay,” I finally agree, standing up slowly. “But I’ll be up early to make you breakfast.”

She laughs lightly, a sound that fills me with warmth. “I’ll hold you to that.”

I lean down to kiss her cheek. The contact sends another wave of tingles through me, making it hard to pull away.

Before I can fully step back, she places a hand on my cheek, gently guiding my face back to hers. Her eyes lock onto mine, and for a heartbeat, time stands still. Then she leans in and presses her lips to mine. The kiss starts soft and sweet but quickly deepens as she parts her lips slightly, her tongue brushing against mine in a tantalizing caress.

My heart races as I respond, pulling her closer, savoring the heat and intensity of the kiss. Her fingers tangle in my hair, and a soft sigh escapes her, making my pulse quicken even more. The world fades away, leaving just the two of us and the electric connection between our lips.

When she finally pulls away, her eyes are dark with desire, and her breath comes in soft pants. “Good night, Javi,” she whispers again, her voice husky and filled with unspoken promises.

“Good night, sweetheart,” I say, my voice thick with emotion.

As I make my way to my bedroom, the sensation of her kiss still burns on my lips. For the first time in a long while, I feel a fragile sense of peace. She’s staying, and for tonight, that’s enough.

I close my eyes, a smile on my lips, and let sleep claim me, knowing that tomorrow brings new hope and another chance to show Ophelia that we are meant to be.

Chapter 25

Ophelia

Ikissed him. That’s my first thought this morning. I shouldn’t have. It sets expectations. I told him I wanted to take it slow, but I couldn’t resist.

Lying in bed with the morning sun filtering through the curtains, I replay the moment. His lips were soft, his touch gentle, but the passion was undeniable. I don’t regret the kiss—it was perfect, maybe too perfect—but I regret what it might mean for us now.

I look at the clock; it’s way too early, but I need to get to the store. I ordered more flowers thanks to the business account Javier set up for me, and it’s early delivery. Maybe it will allow me to avoid him just a little longer, trying to figure out what I should say about last night and avoid mauling him again.

Not that he seemed to complain. I shake my head.Not now, Phee!

I rush to the bathroom, take a quick shower, and get ready for the day. But by the time I exit the bedroom, the smell of coffee and fresh baked goods assaults my nostrils, announcing that avoiding Javieris not possible.

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