Page 121 of Vicious Intentions
“Don’t say that,” I tell him. He said something similar to me not too long ago. I hated hearing it then as much as I do now. “I don’t ever want you to say that again. It’s not true.”
“But it is, Anna. It is,” he says, opening his eyes and staring at me as if his very life depended on it. “Whatever happens next, I need you to believe me when I say that I love you. Ever since we were kids, I have loved you. I love you with all my heart.”
“I love you too. So much it hurts,” I profess, pulling him into a hug.
He sinks into my arms and lets me hold him.
“You’re my best friend. My only friend. I don’t know how I could live without you.”
“You’re my best friend, too,” I admit, because it’s true.
My life would not be the same if he weren’t in it. Every joyful moment I’ve ever had was richer because I shared it with him.
We stand like that for what feels like forever, Raffaele shuddering in my arms as I do my best to soothe whatever pain is tearing him apart. Once he’s cried all he can, he pulls away just a smidge, just far enough to press his lips to mine.
I’ve been waiting for this kiss for so long that when it finally happens, I’m surprised by how I’m a little underwhelmed by it.
Yes, it’s soft and tender, much like the ones he gave me on my birthday, but it lacks that spark. That heat we had in our phone calls. I’m beyond confused at how something I’ve wanted for so long can feel this… wrong.
When he breaks the kiss and pulls away, turning his back to me, I can’t help but be relieved that I don’t have to force a smile after such a lackluster kiss.
“You deserve the world, Anna. You really do,” he says, his voice still heavy with misery.
“I wish you’d tell me what’s wrong,” I say quietly. “I wish you’d confide in me so I could help you.”
“I’m beyond help now,dolce angelo. My soul is already damned.”
“I don’t believe that.”
“You won’t be saying that in a minute.”
My brows knit together at the ominous remark. I step closer to him, placing a hand on his shoulder blade before moving to stand in front of him.
But that’s when I see it—Raffaele holding a handkerchief, damp with some kind of clear liquid. My mind doesn’t catch up to what he’s going to do with it until it’s too late.
“I’m sorry,” he says, pain etched to the corners of his eyes.
Before I can reply, he’s pressing the handkerchief over my mouth and nose. I struggle against him, but it’s useless. The chemical burns with every breath, flooding my lungs too fast.
Raffaele’s face begins to blur at the edges of my vision… until everything fades to black.
Chapter 25
Matteo
I have many flaws, but I never thought cowardice would be one of them. I should have been the one to meet Anna in the woods behind her mansion. I should have been the one waiting for her there—not Raffaele.
But I was scared. Scared she’d scream. Scared she’d run.
Scared she wouldn’t recognize me as the man she had given her heart to.
No, it had to be Raffaele. His presence was expected, not mine.
But it still hurts.
Did she run into his arms the minute she saw him?
Did she hold him tight, tell him how much she’s missed him?
