August didn’t speak, keeping perfectly still in my arms. We stayed like that for a very long time, with me listening to his calming breath. “It’s my fault,” he said finally, pushing himself away and lifting me in his arms. He lay me in bed, covering me and sitting down at my side. I shook off the remaining sleepiness, watching him. It was clear Massimo had come in a hurry. He hadn’t even had the chance to change clothes and was still in his tuxedo. I caressed the lapel of his jacket.
“Was there a party?”
August dropped his head, pulling at his bow tie.
“I’ve let you down. I promised I’d protect you and that nothing bad would ever happen to you. I went away and you’ve just barely avoided death. I don’t know who did this to, but I swear I’ll find the one responsible,” he growled and rose
