Page 111 of Italy Can Bite Me

His grip is a steel trap, locking around my wrist, yanking me back against his chest. His mouth comes down on mine with crushing force, stealing my breath, my thoughts, my sanity. The kiss tastes like goodbye and hello and everything in between. His fingers tangle in my hair, holding me like he’s afraid I’ll evaporate if he loosens his grip. I melt into him, my fingers gripping his shirt like an anchor.

“Tell me you love me,” I beg between kisses. “Please. Tell me to stay.”

His mouth claims mine again, harder, deeper, like he’s etching himself into my soul. His tongue slides against mine as one hand grips my jaw. The other hand presses into my lower back until there’s not even air between us, until I can feel his heartbeat hammering against mine.

“Katie,” he says like it’s a confession on his lips. “You’re the beat of my heart,mi amore.”

A panicked scream pierces the air, freezing my blood solid.

“What was that?” I breathe, stomach knotting with dread.

“Hurry,” he says.

We sprint back to the gathering, fingers locked together, terror driving us forward. The crowd stands in a tight circle, gathered around something on the ground. No… not something. Someone.

“Jesus no,” I gasp. There, unmoving in the center of the crowd, is Stan. Sweet, beloved Stan.

Beside him, Enrico’s hands pump his chest in a desperate rhythm. My hands cover my mouth in horror as I watch Stan’s lifeless body jostle limply with each thrust. Matteo takes over, his CPR movements precise, despite the fear that pales his face.

“Caterina!” The panic in Enrico’s voice sends chills down my spine.“Ambulanza! Non respira!”

I catch Rose as her knees buckle.

One moment. And everything changes.

One heartbeat between love and loss.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

KATIE

Me:Any updates on Stan?

Me:Enrico and I got everyone checked into the hotel in Rome.

Me:Are you getting these texts?

Italian Stallion:Stan’s pacemaker failed. He is stable now.

Italian Stallion:Thank you for helping Enrico.

Italian Stallion:I will see everyone tomorrow at breakfast.

Me:We need to finish our talk.

Italian Stallion:I have nothing else to say.

HE SAIDMI AMORE.

Notbella, notprincipessa, notcara mia. No,mi freaking amore. My love. He looked me in the eye, kissed me like I held the key to his freedom, and said the words he’s apparently never said toanyoneelse. And now—What the hell?

My phone’s screen glows in the pre-dawn darkness, mocking me with its silence. I’ve reread Matteo’s texts so many times the words have lost all meaning.

In a desperate attempt to regain some sanity, I do what I do best. I make a list.

Possible Reasons Matteo Monti is Ghosting Me:

1. Alien abduction(Replaced by a very handsome extraterrestrial).

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