"Don't you have somewhere to be? Hurry up," Giovanna urged, her nerves showing.
Antonio lifted her shirt and frowned.
A deep bruise marred her waist; it was clear the men from earlier hadn't held back. Anyone else would have crumbled by now.
His fingers brushed the bruise, making Giovanna gasp in pain.
"Ugh..."
"How could you not feel anything before? You went into such a dangerous situation alone—didn't you feel scared?"
Antonio's tone was uncharacteristically sharp, and Giovanna clenched her jaw, cold sweat forming on her forehead.
"What was I supposed to do? You know exactly what would have happened if I hadn't fought back."
He gently applied ointment to her wound, his voice softening. "That's not what I meant. I just care about you."
"Giovanna, you can lean on me. I can protec
