This time, he appeared with dark bruises under his eyes and rough stubble shadowing his jaw.
In the apartment Salvadore had arranged for me, Sergio sat across from me, carefully dressing his desperation in a soft, almost apologetic smile.
"Marella. I know you still hate me, so I won't rush you into forgiving me.
"I've had Sicellia's private island prepared again. It's quiet, almost no one there, and the view is beautiful. I remember you once mentioned wanting to get away to an island and just rest for a while.
"Let's spend two weeks there, alright? Leave the Pagano matters behind. Leave Louisa behind. Leave everything that's been troubling you. Just the two of us."
He even kept that sincere expression, as if trying to make me believe every word he said came from the heart.
I stared a
