Page 201 of My Italian Love Affair

The lies. The accusations.

The humiliating, degrading words he threw at me like knives.

My jaw tightens.

I might have let myself break down last night, but today is different, because I’m done hiding.

Matteo stirs behind me, his muscles flexing inadvertently ashe pulls me closer. His bare chest presses against my naked back as his lips brush against my shoulder, pressing a lazy kiss to my freckled skin.

"Morning, baby," he mumbles, voice gravelly from sleep.

My chest tightens at the affectionate pet name, and my lips curve upwards despite - well,everything.

"Morning," I murmur back, my voice quiet so not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere

He nuzzles into the crook of my neck with a contented sigh.

"What time is it?"

I twist my head to check the alarm clock on my bedside table.

"Six-thirty."

"Shit," Matteo groans, rubbing his face with one hand before sitting up with obvious reluctance.

The sheets pool around his waist, exposing the sculpted muscles of his back and shoulders. I roll over so that I’m fully facing him, still a little dazed by the sight of him here, inmybed, like he belongs.

"Training?" I ask.

"Yeah." He scrubs a hand through his hair, making the dark strands stick up at odd angles. "Final prep before next week's match. We’ve got a media circus around us already - though you already know that."

He turns to me, eyes suddenly serious.

"You sure you’re okay?"

I nod. "I'm fine."

Matteo’s brow furrows.

"You said that last night, too. I’m going to need a little moreconviction thanfine, Daphne."

I try for a smile.

"I promise. I’m okay."

He doesn't look convinced. Matteo leans forward and cups my face with both hands, his thumbs brushing across my cheeks as his gaze searches mine.

"If anything changes," he says quietly, "if Mark tries anything, if you feel even the slightest bit off, you call me.Immediately. Got it?"

"Got it."

"And you’re not just saying that?"

"Matteo-"

He kisses me, cutting off my protest with the firm press of his lips.

It’s not the kind of kiss designed to distract me or spark something more. Instead, it’s grounding -protective,even.

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