"Matteo." My voice cracks as his name spills from my mouth.

He shoves past Dominic, taking the stairs two at a time. When he's close enough, Matteo yanks me toward him. I flinch as his arms wrap around me.

Hearing my hiss of pain, he loosens his grip. His fingers slip under my chin and tip my face toward his. "Sorry, bella. I didn't mean to be so rough." His lips brush over mine.

My breath comes out in shaky puffs. My heart drums against my ribcage. I thought I'd ...