Marcello allowed his brother to grieve. He stood by, watching Mattia’s body convulse with sobs, and his own chest tightened at the sight. The thought clawed at him if Rio hadn’t saved Azzurra, he would be the one in Mattia’s place now.

Slowly, Marcello stepped closer, crouching beside him and reaching to rest a hand on his shoulder. Mattia jerked away, his body shaking with silent cries.

“Come here,” Marcello urged softly, trying again to embrace him.

But Mattia shoved him ...