When we finally pull apart from that kiss, we’re both breathing like we just ran a damn race. I’ve got this goofy little smile creeping across my face, and I cup his cheek, feeling the heat of his skin under my palm. I don’t even know what to say. I’m just staring at him like an i***t.
“I’m so sorry,” I mumble, voice a bit shaky. “For what my father did to you… to your family… I swear, if I could go back and rewrite the end of time or whatever the hell, I would. God, I’m so f*****g stupid.”
“Gabriella, you’re not stupid,” he whispers gently, brushing his thumb along my cheek.
“No, Dante… I am,” I insist, not even trying to sugarcoat it. “How the hell didn’t I see who he really was this whole damn time? He even—” I choke a bit. “He betrayed me. Left me behind like I was nothing. He’s suc
