Chapter Seventy-Seven

Giovanni’s POV

The night had been long—too long. The glittering lights of the presidential mansion still haunted the back of my mind, flashing like cameras behind my eyes. I’d smiled so much that my cheeks ached, danced when I wanted to hide, and endured the silent stares that told me I didn’t belong.

Now, back in our room, the silence felt like a balm. But it was also heavy. The air between Gray and me was quiet, filled with unsaid things. He sat on the edge of ...