I kneeled in front of her.
“We are all monsters, sweet princess, even you.”
Her jaw trembled as she stared back at me.
“Do you want to go home?” I asked softly.
“You know I do.”
“Do you want to see your dear Domenico? Vincenzo? Levin? Fallon?”
“I do,” she rasped, tears filling her eyes.
“Then tell me what I want to know.”
“I don’t know anything.”
I sighed. “Bianca, sweet girl, do not do this. I do not want to continue to be the monster in your story, but I will if it means getting the truth.”
“I want Anson,” she whispered. “Please. Call him. Tell him to come here.”
“Alessandro will not save you,” I said, studying her.
She was afraid. I both loved and hated that she was.
“Please. I want Anson,” she repeated.
“He does not love you. He loves another.”
“I want Anson,” she repeated once more, staring past me.
I sighed. “I am not bringing Alessandro into this mess. If you won’t tell me what you know, then I will simply take him away from you too.”
She widened her eyes at me. “No?—,”
“Where is Stefan?” I asked again.
Her bottom lip wobbled. “He’s dead,” she whispered.
I nodded, knowing she wouldn’t give in. I had to hand it to her, her loyalty was unrivaled.
“That is fine. Drake can take your place. I’m sure he knows.” I held my hand out to her. “Come. It’s time for you to rest.”
She trembled, but slipped her hand in mine. I brought her to her feet and took her to her bedroom. She cried softly the entire way there. When I opened the door to her room, she stepped inside and turned to face me.
“Please don’t hurt Drake,” she whispered.
“Why does it matter? You do not care for him, right?”
She visibly swallowed. “Matteo. Please.”
The way she said my name made my heart stumble, but it was her coming to me and pressing her lips to mine that really got me.
She kissed me sweetly. Gently. She cradled my face like she gave a damn.
And me?
I parted my lips and kissed her back as she pressed herself to me, my hands on her little waist.
