Page 146 of The One
“Two kisses, technically,” he smirks.
“I have no words,” I say, staring at my clothes that are all hung neatly on the right side of this room like they’ve always been there.
He pulls me closer against his body and I sink into his warmth. My synapses are all firing off in different directions.
I’m excited, thrilled. It’s a confirmation I didn’t know I needed that he’s serious.
But this is all moving so fast.
What will Giulia think of me? What will happen when my father finds out?
And my mother? What will she say? Not ten days ago, she packed all these clothes because I was set to marry Renaldo Conti. And now, they’re here in Mateo’s space.
“Half of my closet has been waiting for your clothes for years,” Mateo breaks the silence, his voice sincere, reverent even. “I’ve always kept this side of the room,” he gestures to where all my things are, “empty and ready for when I found you.”
That glow in my stomach spreads to every cell in my body.
I gaze up at him and he smiles softly.
That smile!
It’s going to be my undoing. I swear when he smiles at me like that, I’d follow him to the gates of hell. Pathetic, right?
Mateo gives me a cheeky wink and adds, “Now that you’re mine, you belong by my side. Your clothes hang beside mine, you sit beside me at the table, and you most definitely belong in my bed.”
My cheeks heat at his declaration.
“Part of me can’t believe this is real,” I admit. “I’m scared this is a phase for you. That you’ll grow bored with me. You’re known to never bed the same woman twice. How can I possibly keep your interest? Your affection? You’re used to variety, to experienced women. I can’t give you what they can. I never will.”
“Never compare yourself to other women again,” he says firmly. “You, Mariella Accardi, are the perfect woman for me.”
“Why?” My voice wavers. “Up until we got to Rome, you never saw me, even though I’ve been there all along.” I finally voice what’s been eating at me.
“I asked you this last night,” I press on, “and you told me about your search forthe One,and how you’re sure I’m it, but…” I throw my arms in the air, my thoughts scattering as I search for the right words.
“Put yourself in my shoes,” I continue, my voice getting wobblier as the hurt of the past surfaces. “Imagine being in love with me from afar. You’re around me, but I never see you. Instead, I’m with lots of different guys, and it’s like a knife to the heart every time you hear another story of my conquests. And then one day, I suddenly register your existence and I see you. It’s like a light switch has flipped, and I look at you like you’re everything. Wouldn’t you have doubts?”
He steps closer, his gaze locking onto mine with a mix of regret and determination. His voice is low and steady, but the emotion in it makes my chest tighten.
“I’m so, so sorry I hurt you, Mari.” His hand drops to mine, holding it tightly as his voice grows thicker.
“My past, my reputation… I never considered it would hurt anyone. But yeah, if I put myself in your shoes, I get it. The thought of you with other men makes me murderous. I want you just for me, and I guess it’s the same for you.”
Tears build in my eyes as I nod.
“I hate that I ever hurt you. And I hate that my foolishness makes you doubt how deeply I feel for you.”
He lowers his forehead against mine while wiping away the tear that spilled over.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to make you trust me, trust in us. I promise this isn’t just a phase, like you called it. This is the real deal.”
“Please forgive me for having been so blind.” His tone is filled with quiet anguish. “I was searching everywhere outside our circle for my One, thinking she had to be someone I hadn’t met yet, someone new. But I was a fool!
“I didn’t see what was right in front of me, the one person who could truly make me whole.”
He pauses, his hand lifting to brush a strand of hair from my face, his touch feather-light. “Because you, Mari, make me feel whole.
“And I promise you, I will spend the rest of my life making up for the hurt I caused. You are my One. My fate. My everything.”
