(Celeste Moretti’s POV) “Back off.” The voice came from behind me, sharp and controlled, carrying an authority that made the air itself feel heavier. Even I felt my shoulders loosen in response without meaning to. Vincenzo crossed the courtyard in four long strides, grabbed the man by the collar, and threw him onto the grass with a clean, efficient motion. He did not waste a word on him. He simply turned away as though the situation had already ceased to matter, then crouched in front of me instead. His gaze moved over my face, then lowered to my knees. Without hesitation, he slipped one arm beneath my legs and lifted me up. “I can walk,” I said, though my voice came out steadier than I expected, with only a faint tremor hiding underneath it. “Your knees disagree.” “They’re fine.” “Celeste.” He said my name once, quietly, and started walking before I could argue further. I stopped arguing. Back inside the apartment, Vincenzo set me down on the sofa and disappeared without
Last Updated : 2026-05-10 Read more