Chapter 31

Alessio

Seeing Gio’s face makes me falter, loosening my grip on him. Only when he tries to scamper away do I snap to my senses and hold him down much harder. He gasps for air, but he doesn’t claw at my hands like I expected him to.

“It’s just me, Master,” he chokes out. “I’ve been following you--”

I grit my teeth and tighten my grip. “And now you’re here to get me fucked over again?”

Gio shakes his head. “No.” He coughs and gasps. “I’m alone. I swear, Master. I didn’t bring anyone with me and no one knows that I found you. . . .”

He trails off, his face going purple. His limbs start to look more jelly-like as he still tries to struggle. Chiara jumps out of hiding and screams, “Alessio, let him go!”

I was going to do it anyway, but her voice spurs me into action. I drop Gio, and he sinks to his knees, retching and coughing into the patch of dry leaves.

“Gio!” Chiara rushes over to him and gently rubs his back. “Oh, god. . . .”

A pang of jealousy zips through my chest as I watch her. Sc