Chapter 46

Chiara

I want to ask what Alessio thinks he’s doing but my voice is nowhere to be found. I open my mouth but no sound comes out. All I know is that he’s getting closer and closer, and here I am hoping for a single point of contact.

But it doesn’t come.

Alessio just swims to the corner of the pool closest to me, slicking back his wet hair. When our eyes meet again, I notice that he has a slight smirk on his lips.

I can’t help but assume he’s doing this on purpose, torturing me, so I don’t say anything. But the fact that he’s this close but he’s not doing anything to be closer is just starting to drive me crazy. I have to control my breathing because if I don’t, I will end up gaping like a fish out of water.

I have to say something to break the tension, or else I’m going to explode over here.

“I care about you,” I end up blurting out breathlessly, my voice echoing in the space.

Alessio’s eyes widen with surprise.

Fuck. Why did I have to start with that?

He laughs gently, and I feel even