He cupped my cheek, pine-green eyes staring into mine. They have been heat and welcoming. “I really like you past what’s bodily attainable. I really like you adequate it hurts, but nonetheless I’ll courageous the ache as a result of for you I’ll do something, Francesca. Something.”

I rested my head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat. We stood there like that for ages, merely having fun with this newfound love, or relatively a love that had at all times been there to start with.

I left Arabella’s room shortly after Cassio. I wanted a while to gather myself after such an emotional second. I used to be on cloud 9.

“Cara mia.” I heard the monster’s voice coming from behind. I turned and there he was.

My nightmares wrapped up multi function. Donato approached me trying all smug like he had simply gained the lottery and was on his method to rub it in individuals’s noses.

“You didn’t heed my recommendation, did you?” He chuckled. “No worries, you foolish fools usually are not going to face in the way in which of my plans.”

“Plans.” I crossed my arms. “Who cares about your plans, Father?”

“How invincible it should really feel to have Cassio Moretti by your aspect.” He shook his head. “In a couple of months, you’ll be mine to do with as I want.”

I shivered, however on the similar time, my physique grew to become heat, I used to be burning from inside. “I’m not marrying anybody.” Cassio had made me a promise, and I believed in him.

“Oh, however you might be, and he’s keen to fulfill you.”

Oh, however I wasn’t. “I’ll inform Cassio about your assembly with Grigori,” I threatened. I had no thought if the person within the image my brother had proven me weeks in the past was in actual fact Grigori, however I appeared to have been right as a result of he blanched.

“What did you say?”

“You heard me all proper.”

He took a step towards me, and I took one again and raised my hand stopping him. “Contact me and he’ll know that, too.”

“So assured of your energy over him.”

It wasn’t energy, it was love. Cassio beloved me and that made me really feel invincible, even in opposition to Donato.

“You dedicated treason,” I stated. The one purpose I hadn’t advised Cassio was as a result of Donato had threatened to harm the individuals I beloved. I hated my father, however I trusted his promise to me. I wasn’t going to danger it, not for the world. I couldn’t dwell with myself if one thing occurred to them due to me. They have been the one household I had.

Donato smiled. “There’s nothing you are able to do about it, Francesca. Not if you wish to see your good friend stroll down that aisle tomorrow. Or if you would like your loved one to maintain respiration.”

“You wouldn’t dare hurt them.”

“Oh no, I might by no means, however I’ve some mates that may be glad to. In spite of everything, within the throes of warfare, who is aware of what would possibly occur.”

“You’re a monster,” I snapped.

He laughed. “Tick-tock, Francesca, your time is nearly over. One in every of as of late Cassio goes to slide, and I’ll be there to catch you.”

31

FRANCESCA

After the vows have been exchanged, all of us moved to the marriage reception to observe their first dance collectively. I watched with teary eyes, I couldn’t recall the final time I used to be this glad, a type of glad that made me wish to cry.

After the toasts, the newlyweds headed to the dance flooring and after their first dance the friends adopted. Antoine was my first associate, then Vitelli, and on and on the lads got here wanting a dance. I may really feel Cassio’s eyes burning via my cranium, however he saved his distance.

It was equally irritating and annoying. All I needed was to be with him now that I knew how he felt. Possibly I had at all times identified, however having heard the phrases come out of his mouth was a aid.

I reached my seat, drained from all of the dancing, and out of behavior, I reached for my telephone, I knew nobody was going to name me, however I checked it both method. I dropped the telephone on the desk after I noticed the three missed calls. The whole lot occurred as if I used to be on autopilot. My fingers swiped the title on the display screen, and I pressed it to my ear. Slowly, I turned to the dance flooring the place everybody else was smiling and having fun with the celebration. The telephone rang twice earlier than it was answered.

“Francesca? Thank God. I attempted to achieve you earlier than,” got here his voice.

“Dr… Dr. Conrad?” My voice croaked.

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