Author's POV.
Sophia's eyes widened. She didn't expect him to say that so soon. She had not just fulfilled her part of the deal, but won his heart.
"I love being with you, holding you...touching you," Alessandro whispered close to her ear, his heart racing.
"I liked you from the moment you gave me those snacks. It's not like no one had ever offered any snacks to me before, but at that moment, it mattered. It came with a lot of warmth and thoughtfulness." he added melting her heart.
"Thank you for trying, even when didn't have to anymore. I'm sorry for how I treated you, for abusing you in one way or another. I made you feel less. Please forgive me," he apologized, his voice soft.
"I'll do my best to protect you, and never hurt you again," Alessandro said, smooching her earlobe.
"I do
