Azzurra stirred, trying to shift, only to realize something held her in place. Slowly, her heavy eyelids fluttered open, then widened in shock. Draped across her waist was a solid, heavy arm. She turned her head slightly.

Marcello.

He was fast asleep, holding her pressed tightly against his chest as though she were something too precious to let go.

She shifted again, wincing when her head brushed the pillow. A bandage was wrapped around her forehead, and a dull ache throbbed through ...