บททั้งหมดของ Marked By Him: บทที่ 81 - บทที่ 90

ARYA’S POVI woke to an empty bed and a hollow feeling in my chest that I refused to acknowledge.What had I been expecting? That Giovanni would still be there, holding me like he had last night? I swallowed hard against the hurt that threatened to surface and climbed down from the massive bed, my feet hitting the cool floor.The bathroom was a welcome distraction. I turned the shower as hot as I could stand it, letting the water wash away the confusion of the night before. By the time I dried off and dressed in a simple sundress, I had almost convinced myself that I didn't care that he left without a word.Almost.A sharp knock on the door made me jump. "Miss Arya? Are you awake?"Claire burst in before I could answer, her eyes bright with barely contained excitement. She looked like she was about to explode with whatever gossip she had concocted in her head."Good morning," I said, watching her practically vibrate with energy."Good morning?" She closed the door behind her and lea

ARYA’S POVThe bass thrummed through my body as Jasmine pulled me deeper into the club, her hand warm in mine. After the note from Marco, I was jumpy, ready to tell her everything and begged to go home. But one look at her excited face, and the words died in my throat.Maybe I was being paranoid and it was just someone's idea of a sick joke."Two cosmos!" Jasmine shouted to the bartender, then turned to me with a brilliant smile. "You need this. Trust me."I did need it. I needed anything to stop thinking about Giovanni's empty side of the bed and the cryptic note burning a hole in my purse.We found a booth in the corner, away from the worst of the noise. Jasmine kicked off her heels with a satisfied sigh, tucking her legs underneath her."God, I needed this too," she admitted, taking a long sip of her drink. "Don't get me wrong, I love those kids. But sometimes you just need adult conversation and overpriced cocktails."I laughed, some of the tension leaving my shoulders. "Thank yo

ARYA’S POVI followed him to the car, my legs feeling like they might give out at any moment. The night air was cold against my flushed skin, but it did nothing to cool the anxiety burning through me.Giovanni opened the back door, his movements sharp and controlled. I slid in, and he followed, the door slamming shut with a finality that made me flinch.The silence was suffocating."Giovanni, please," I started, turning to face him. "Whatever you're going to do, don't punish Jasmine. This wasn't her fault. I wanted to go”He kept staring straight ahead, his jaw clenched so tight I could see the muscle jumping beneath his skin."She was just trying to help me feel better. She didn't mean to do anything."He still kept ignoring..I tried again, my voice smaller. "Giovanni, please say something."The car pulled away from the curb, and he remained silent, his hands tapping a spot on his lap. The drive back to the estate felt endless. Every second stretched out, and I kept glancing at him

GIOVANNI’S POVThe first thing I registered when I woke up was Arya was curled against my side, her dark hair spilled across my chest with one hand resting over my heart. She looked peaceful in her sleep and my chest squeezed in response.Mine.The thought came, and I didn't try to push it away this time. She was mine. I had marked her and made her mine in every way that mattered. And unlike yesterday morning when I fled like a coward, today I had no intention of going anywhere.I pressed a kiss to her forehead, careful not to wake her, then slowly extracted myself from her embrace. She made a small noise of protest in her sleep, reaching for me, and something in my chest tightened.I pulled on my discarded pants and padded downstairs, my mind already working through what I wanted to do.Maria looked up in surprise when I entered the kitchen. "Mr. De Santis! Good morning, do you need anything?”"Good morning, Maria." I moved to the refrigerator, pulling out eggs, milk, and flour. "

ARYA’S POVI staggered backward, my mouth opening and closing but no words coming out. Giovanni advanced on me like a predator, controlled fury radiating from every line of his body."I asked you a question." His voice was so quiet, it was worse than shouting. "Where. The fuck. Have you been?""I-" My voice broke.He pushed past Matteo like he wasn't even there, closing the distance between us. This close, I could see the blood wasn't all his and the rage in his eyes was terrifying."I trusted you," he spat. "I let you into my home, my bed, my fucking life. And this is how you repay me?""I don't understand…” I tried to back away but hit the wall. "Giovanni, what are you talking about?""Mr. De Santis, please." Matteo started walking forward.Giovanni whirled, raising his gun and pointing it directly at Matteo's head. "Stay back."Matteo froze, hands raised."Giovanni, please!" I was crying now, tears streaming down my face. "I don't know what's happening! What did I do?""What did