Aria’s POV
By the time I was led back to his room, my legs still felt unfamiliar beneath me, as though the darkness downstairs had drained something permanent from my bones.
The guard pushed the door open.
Luciano was seated on the edge of his bed.
His hair, usually arranged and combed back, had fallen forward in loose strands, shadowing his eyes. The white bandage wrapped around his arm stood out sharply against his tanned skin. He looked tired, and disordered.
And yet, he was still infuriatingly handsome.
The sight stirred something I refused to name.
So I looked away.
Anger was easier to hold onto.
The guard remained inside until Luciano lifted his chin slightly.
“Leave.”
The man obeyed immediately. The door shut with a firm click.
Then Luciano leaned back slightly, studying
