Page 104 of Ruthless Sin

---

I lift my hand to his face.

Trace the line of his jaw.

He closes his eyes.

“Spasibo,”he says quietly. Thank you.

I don’t ask what for.

I press my mouth to his shoulder.

“Moy,”I say. Mine.

His breath goes still.

He doesn’t say anything.

He pulls me closer.

I fall asleep on his chest with the sound of his heartbeat in my ear.

20

NICO

The kitchen light is on at low.

I come down barefoot. Shirt unbuttoned.

The truth is in my mouth. It’s been there for seven nights.

Seven nights I’ve decided to tell her tomorrow.

Tonight is the seventh.

I’m here for water.

Nonna is at the sink.

Robe cinched. Hair wrapped. Drying a plate. She doesn’t turn when I come in.

“Glass on the counter,cher. Water from the pitcher, not the tap. Tap’s been off tonight.”

I take the glass. Pour from the pitcher. Drink.

I set the glass back on the counter.

My hands are shaking.

Guilt.

I press them flat against the marble to make them stop.

She’s still not turning.

“Sit down.”

I sit at the island.

---