Lying next to Vittorio, Ellis absentmindedly traced her fingers across his chest, her touch gentle and curious. As her fingers glided over his skin, she noticed the subtle marks of bullet wounds scattered across his torso. Her forehead furrowed with concern and intrigue.

Counting the scars, Ellis whispered, "Vittorio, how many bullet wounds do you have?"

Vittorio stirred as he woke from his sleep, his eyes meeting hers as he realized her touch. He let out a low chuckle, his voice ...