Page 124 of Italy Can Bite Me

“I need to explain. Please—”

“You warned me.” Her laugh is bitter wine. “But I was too stupid to listen. I saw our future so clearly—but I was just another tourist in your bed, wasn’t I? Go ahead, Matteo. Get back to fucking your way through Italy’s tourist population.”

“Katie—” I hold her face between my palms, catching the tears I caused. She shoves me away with enough force to send me to my knees.

And that’s where I belong. On my knees before her, confessing my sins.

“Yesterday I lost everything.” The words pour out like blood from a wound. “My company’s bankrupt. You were right—I should have stuck to schedules instead of playing Fairy Godfather with those stupid Wish Cards. Now I have to crawl back to that snake Antonio.”

Understanding dawns in her eyes. I’m humiliated, but I press on. “I’m a disaster. You deserve better. I can’t even keep my parents’ dream alive. I wanted you to stay, I promise. But there’s no future with me.”

“How can I believe you?” Her voice trembles.

“Because your heart knows me.” I rise to my feet. “We’re two halves of the same soul. I had a dream for us, to travel across Italy and create memories.” I step closer, my hands shaking. “You’ve captured my soul, Katie Crawford. It’s yours. Even when you leave Italy, you’ll take it with you. If I could, I’d keep you forever becauseti amo, mi amore. I do love you.”

I crash my mouth to hers, pouring everything I can’t say into the kiss. She tastes of tears and possibility, like the one dream that matters. Her fingers tangle in my hair as I back her against the wall. My hand cradles her head while the other grips her hip.

Our tongues dance, desperate and deep, as though we’re trying to memorize each other.

“I have nothing,” I rasp against her lips. “Nothing to offer except a heart that beats for you.” I force steel into my voice. “Go back to Los Angeles. Marry Jared or don’t. Just… let me go,mi amore.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I knew this was going to end, one way or the other. You deserve much more than what I can give. My life is in ruins, please Katie I—”

Movement catches my eye.Fanculo all the way to hell.Jared stands at the alley entrance. Silence. Finally he clears his throat. “So… not a fake boyfriend.”

“I’m not her boyfriend.” Each word is a knife in my own heart. “I’m a vacation fling. Her Italian souvenir.”

I commit her to memory one last time—tears catching sunlight like diamonds, chest heaving with each breath, lips swollen from my kisses.

“Goodbye, Katie.”

I walk away as I fall apart.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

KATIE

GroupChat:CPKFOREVER

Petra:WTF! Your mom’s having a social media MELTDOWN. Why is she posting that you’re getting married in Rome? And now you’re not? What the hell?

Cam:Should we be worried about all her “God’s plan” and “Everything happens for a reason” posts?

Petra:Seriously, Katie. Answer or I’m calling the embassy.

Cam:We’re here. Whatever you need. Even if it’s drinking wine through FaceTime.

Me:Everything’s fucked. I’m so fucked. My heart is… fucked.

Petra:Who should I murder? Dinosaur Boy or Italian Stallion? Or both? I’m flexible.

Me:Save your rage. They’re not worth the jail time.

Cam:When are you coming home?

Me:First flight out. And when I get back, I’m burning my passport.

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