Chapter 163

• “Wake up, cuore Mio. I need to go.” Jake’s voice rouses me from my sleep. I’m sprawled completely naked over the bed on nothing but a sheet with a fur throw over me. He exhausted me to the point I finally passed out; I have no idea how long I’ve been asleep, and now he is going. I open my eyes in protest, looking at him like a child who’s about to cry.
• “I know, baby. It’s after two; I’m late as it is because of this. I should have gone already. Daniel’s already downstairs in the car.” He kisses me, leaning over me on the bed. He’s fully dressed in a dark suit and shirt open at the collar, and he smells like he always does, with aftershave and his special scent. He kisses me longingly, his hand pulling up to tangle in my hair, his body gently resting on mine. Suddenly, I want to cling to him and not let him go, emotions getting the better of me and my anxiety peaking.
• He’s going to see her; he’s going away from New York to discuss his future with Marissa’s baby, and I don’t want it to be happening.