Brambilla was certifiably crazy. I stayed by his side until he fell asleep. He wasn't wearing cologne. He hadn't showered since the fight and due to the stitches, it would be a few days before he could get himself completely clean. I might have licked a small bit of salty skin. Or I might not have.

Marino checked in on him and gave me a thumbs-up when he saw me curled beside him in the bed. He closed the door quietly and left.

Alessandro shuddered and then fell back into a deep ...