Page 65 of The One
The tension between us is thick. His eyes are on me, searching for a lie, but I keep my gaze steady. I might be scared, but I’m not going to betray him. Ever.
“You are angry with me now.” It’s a realization I didn’t mean to voice. And it stabs my heart.
“I’m so sorry.” My voice trembles and tears begin to well up. “I never meant for any of this to happen. But what was I supposed to—”
“I am angry. But not with you,” Mateo cuts in, his features softening.
He reaches over and unbuckles my seatbelt. Then, gently taking both my hands in his, he gives a slight pull, urging me to turn until I’m fully facing him.
When a lone tear tips over and runs down my cheek, he cups my face, his thumb brushing it away with such tenderness it makes my chest ache.
“Thank you for trusting me. I know telling me wasn’t easy and comes with its risks.”
His hands stay firmly on my face, and I can’t resist leaning into his warmth.
I close my eyes, letting myself get lost in the feeling of his skin on mine. But then, with the gentlest touch, he lifts my chin, wordlessly asking me to look at him.
Unable to deny him, I slowly open my tear-filled eyes.
What greets me isn’t anger, but… torment?
His sigh is long and heavy. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I’m the one who owes you an apology.”
His eyes darken as he watches my forehead crease.
What is he talking about?
“I’ve failed you again.” His voice is thick with regret. “Your father should never have been able to get near you, not while you’re under my protection, let alone accost you and make demands.”
What? No!
I shake my head firmly, unfortunately dislodging his hands.
“You’re not responsible for me like that. It was my choice to go to Rome. There was always a chance one of Father’s men might follow me. I never thought he’d come himself. I really believed he returned to Sicily.”
“Did he hurt you?” Mateo’s eyes flick to my cheek, lingering on the bruise hidden beneath the makeup.
He doesn’t need to see it to know. It’s like he feels it, and I can see the worry etched in his face. It makes my heart melt.
“Other than scaring me half to death when he dragged me into that alcove, no, he didn’t touch me,” I assure him.
Mateo gives a curt nod, his features relaxing in quiet relief.
He really does feel responsible for me. I just don’t understand why.
“In the future, if you plan to leave Carloso, you’ll take a guard with you,” Mateo says, his tone firm but not harsh. “It’s too dangerous for you to be out on the streets alone. You’re the daughter of one of our highest-ranking men. You’re a target.”
I blink, my eyes widening.Oh, I hadn’t considered that.
“And please call me,” he adds after a heartbeat.
Call him?
“Give me your phone,” he says, holding out his hand. “I’ll put my number in it so you’ll have it.”
I stare at him, a bit stunned.
Umm.
