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I spin around. “Don’t.”
Jude stops instantly.
The water is only around my knees now, and the lights above the beach reach far enough to illuminate his face. His hands hang at his sides, but then slowly curl into fists, like every part of him wants to come to me and he’s forcing himself to stay exactly where I told him to.
My chest caves in.
What did I do?
“I’m so… so sorry.”
“Nora, you don’t have to—”
“I… you…” I gesture between us, my heart and mind racing with so many thoughts and emotions I can't seem to make sense of them until one particular emotion screams louder than all the rest. I know that emotion, I know what it is, I know what it means, and I can't let it in.
“I can't…”
I look at Jude and see the same emotion reflected in his eyes.
He closes his eyes like I slapped him.
And my own heart breaks at the sight.
But I can’t.
I can’t do this.
Damiano…
Damiano, Damiano, Damiano.
“I have to go.”
Jude opens his eyes.
The storm I saw in them only seconds ago is gone. There’s pain there now, but underneath it is something worse.
Understanding.
Like he knew this was coming.
Like maybe he’s been waiting for me to rip his heart out all along.
“I’m so sorry.” My voice breaks.
He gives me one small nod.
And I turn and run back to the hotel.
CHAPTER 24
Eleonora
I’m in my hotel room freaking out, pacing from one side of it to the other, when the door opens and Chiara walks in.
Her smile dies the second she sees me.
“Nora?”
