Page 246 of Ruin Me Gently

Nothing.

I scraped a hand down my face. “I know I’ve been…” I trailed off. The words stuck, sour in my throat. “I’ve just… I didn’t mean to—”

“You’re never here.”

“I know,” my throat ached on the admission. “But I’m here now.”

“Yeah? For how long?” she sighed.

“I’m gonna start working from home,” I said quickly, the words tumbling out before I could second guess them. “I’ll still have to go in for some meetings. But I’ll stay here as much as I can during the day. So we can be together.”

“It’s not that,” she said. “Hell, I’ve got a job too. If I could, I’d be working during the day, same as you. It’s the nights, Silas.”

“I know,” I said quietly. “I know… and I’m sorry. But I’ll fix it. I’ll be here. For you.Withyou.”

“Are you serious?” Her voice was quiet, uncertain. Like she didn’t know whether to believe me or call bullshit.

“Yeah, sweetheart,” I said with a nod that she couldn’t see. “I mean it.”

I reached out, slow and careful, slipping my arm around her waist. My hand found hers beneath the blanket, and I laced them together.

“You promise?” she whispered.

I nodded, even though she couldn’t see it. “Lo prometto, mia bella ragazza.”

Her fingers twitched in mine, loosening just a little, and I took it as a sign to pull her closer. I tucked her tighter into me, my chest pressed flush against her back, her body fitting perfectly against mine. I pressed a kiss to the back of her head. Then another. And another.

“You’re really not going anywhere?” she asked quietly.

“Not a chance. I’m right here.”

And I would be.

If I were here, she wouldn’t be lonely. Wouldn’t have to sit there, staring at the door like it might finally open. Wouldn’t have to question whether or not I cared. Wouldn’t be left waiting for conversations and dinners I hadn’t even realised we’d stopped having. Wouldn’t have to fall asleep alone, wondering if I’d forgotten her.

I’d be here.

Where I should’ve been all along.

My hand drifted lower, fingers tracing the gentle curve of her stomach before I let my thumb skim just beneath the hem of her shirt. Then, I slid down further, holding onto her hip and squeezing, guiding her, dragging her ass snug against me.

Her breath hitched. “What are you doing?”

I squeezed again, dragging her back slower so she could feel every tiny movement. “I’m taking care of you,” I murmured, pressing a kiss to her hair. “Is that okay?”

She hummed sweetly. “Yes.”

“Grazie,” I whispered.

I let my hand wander, grazing up her ribs, before cupping her breast, brushing my thumb over her nipple.

Her back arched a little, pressing her ass further into me.

“Brava ragazza,” I muttered, giving her a soft pinch.

She gasped, quiet and breathy, her hips shifting against me in response.

I slid my free arm beneath her neck, wrapping her up tight so she was resting against me, her head tucked perfectly beneath my chin. Safe. Held. Right where I wanted her.

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