Mirabella's Pov

"What?"

"I. Love. You."

My eyes well up with tears. "You can't, Matteo. You cannot love a woman like me, a woman who's–"

"Amazing? Intelligent? Quick witted? Beautiful? Strong? Powerful? Exquisite? Perfect? Of course I want to love a woman like that. I love a woman like that. I love this woman in front of me."

I shake my head, guilt enveloping me. If only he knew the things I am, the secrets I've kept away from him. "Matteo. . ."

He strokes my cheeks with his ...