“I need you to leave now, Alessandro.”
His fingers still on my face.
“I’ll get dressed and go back to the party,” I say, willing my voice not to tremble. “I’ll ask someone to drive me home in the next hour. Will that be enough time for you to get your things from the mansion?”
He drops his head, leaning his forehead to mine. “Yes.”
“Okay,” I choke out.
Alessandro doesn’t move, just resumes stroking my cheek with his thumb, silently staring at me. That hush is shuttered by laughter outside the room, probably a few guests heading to a restroom. There is a possibility that they may walk in here, but I can’t make myself care. I lift my hand and wrap my fingers around Alessandro’s wrist, pulling his hand off my neck.
“I love you, Alessandro,” I whisper. “Please, take care.”
He shu
