Page 316 of Niccolo

“What,” I asked in a deadpan voice.

“I’m going to be completely and totally honest with you. Totally open… totally vulnerable.”

I stood there, waiting –

And as he looked deep into my eyes, he whispered, “I love you.”

I flinched.

I hadn’t expected him to saythat–

And I certainly hadn’t expected him tomeanit.

I could tell from his eyes that his words were sincere.

“You don’t have to say it back,” he continued softly. “You don’t even have to feel the same. It’s enough for you to know howIfeel.

“I’m not onlyinlove with you – passionately, completely in love – but Iloveyou.

“I care for you deeply.

“I want the best for you. Your safety… your happiness…

“And for that reason, and that reason alone –

“NOT to win, but because I love you –

“I’mbeggingyou to come with me.

“Leave Fausto. Come be with me.

“Like Caravaggio, I want to come home… toyou.

“But like Camillo, I will abide by whatever answer you give me.

“Just know I’m asking because I love you, and Iwantyou… and for no other reason.”

I shook my head in desperation –

Because part of me wanted to say,I love you, too.

But I couldn’t.

He could be manipulating me again –

He could be twisting my emotions like putty.

“Just more words,” was all I could say.

He reached out and took my hands as he gazed tenderly into my eyes. “No… they’re not. And you know it. Tomorrow, we have to meet as enemies. I ambeggingyou, don’t let it come to that. Please… leave Fausto and come with me.”

I desperately wanted to believe him –

But every man I’d ever dealt with had betrayed me.

And even if betrayal was what Fausto intended, too, I knew I could outsmart him.

I could wring 20 million euros out of him – enough money to be free ofanyman’s control for the rest of my life.

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