chapter 22

But I needed to stay strong for Athena. I would grieve after I made sure she was okay. I helped change her out of her hospital gown and into my dress shirt. She was facing me, looking down, as I tied her hair up into the neatest bun I could.

"Butterfly?" I said when she kept her head down. "Look at me." I tilted her head up by her chin and as soon as her eyes landed on me they became glossy.

"I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry, Alessandro. Please don't hate me I didn't mean for it to happen. I didn't mean for any of it to happen." She cried, putting her forehead on my bare chest. "Please..."

I stroked her back and blinked back any tears. "Athena, I need you to hear me when I say this." I pulled her head back so she could look at me, my hands cupping her face and wiping at her tears. "You did not do any of this. None of this is your fault it's Nate's. I'm not mad and I don't hate you, okay?"

I kissed her soft lips then her cheek. "You know I'd do anything for you, right? Even kill." I had