Chapter 42

Blossom POV

Suddenly, Dean felt a strong urge to keep me close, safeguarding me from the world's harm. My sweetness and innocence fueled his protective instincts. He realized he should have shielded me from Liza and wondered if I had encountered her after he sent her away from Eliza's room.

I was contemplating Dean's words when I felt his arms wrap around me, holding me protectively. The security of his embrace soothed me more than anything else that day, or perhaps it was finally hearing the truth in his own words. I realized I needed to place my trust in Dean, rather than others. I was relieved to hear that Liza would soon be leaving the villa.

As Dean and I lay together, his arms holding me, we each became absorbed in our own thoughts. I continued to process his explanation of the previous night, willing myself to believe him completely. Initially, I thought I could. It was a relief to finally hear him speak about that night, answering questions I had been lo