Of course I would be fine without him. We were only friends and the truth was I knew he liked me more than a friend. It was best for him to return to hisreal life.
Before I nodded off, Alba and I had a good talk. She wanted me to ask Roman or Luca to check in on Paolo this morning. She wasn’t family and nobody would tell her anything at the hospital.
Of course, I’d ask one of the brothers about Paolo. I felt awful about him getting shot. Again, if I’d stayed at the hotel or gone to Canada with Ciro, things might have turned out differently.
I closed my eyes and tried to imagine a different outcome, but what good would it do?
The door opened and I heard it latch. Peeking through my lashes I saw Ciro creeping in. Rather than address him, I waited to see what he was going to do.
I sensed him on Pippa’s side. Alba had made a pillow wall because I wanted her in the bed with me. There wasn’t a crib in the room, but I knew Rosa had a nursery set up for her baby and probably a portable playpen, but I needed my lovebug near me.
He kissed Pippa’s head and caressed her head. His gentle touch melted me.
Keeping my eyes closed, I sensed his attention on me. I should just show him I was awake. How long would I avoid him? He should be able to see Pippa whenever he wanted while we were in his home.
I heard him leaving.
“Ciro.” I said his name in a low voice.
He turned around with a remorseful expression. “I’m sorry to wake you. I just wanted to see her,” he whispered.
“It’s fine. Can you sit with her? I need to use the bathroom.” I’d been holding it all night, but I didn’t want to leave her unprotected. Silly, I know.
“Of course.” He came to my side and helped me out of bed. “Want me to go in with you?”
“No. I’ll be fine. Just stay with her.” I looked down at my sleeping baby. “Don’t leave,” I told him sternly.
“Never.” He sat on my spot to watch over his daughter.
A couple of minutes later, I exited the bathroom after doing my business and brushing my teeth. I looked horrible, but I was feeling better.
I froze at the sight of Ciro and Pippa. She was awake and her big brown eyes were locked on him.
“When you’re big enough, we’ll get you horseback riding lessons. And ballet lessons. Piano lessons. All the lessons you can dream of.”
Pippa cooed at him like she was telling him she wanted all the lessons. It was so stinking adorable.
“How are you feeling?” he asked as if sensing my presence behind him.
“Sore but better.” I went to the window and peered out. “Canada hasn’t changed since the last time I was here. It’s almost June and the grass hasn’t turned green yet.”
“Nope. Not yet. If you want green, we can go to Barbados.” He peered over his shoulder and smiled at me.
“That sounds tempting, but?—”
“But what?” He sat up and faced me. “I know you love it there. Your hammock is waiting for you.”
“It’s not my hammock.”
“Yes, it is. You’re the only person who uses it. That makes it yours.”
“Look at my face. I can’t go out in public looking like my boyfriend beat me up.”
“I would never hurt a hair on your beautiful head, My-la.” His smile faded.
“I didn’t mean to insinuate?—”
“Shh.” His finger went on my lips, and his dark eyes bore into my soul. “All I want to do is make you happy and try to redeem myself. Will you give me another chance?”
