Submitting To The Devil - The Devil's Snare - Book 2

Chapter Nintey Four

Bianca

I awaken to the sensation of unfamiliar bedding enveloping me, the gentle warmth of the air wrapping around the room like a soft cocoon. The scent of fresh linen mingles with the earthy fragrance of the vineyard just beyond, creating an inviting atmosphere. My gaze is drawn to a pair of ornate doors flung wide open to reveal a sun-drenched balcony that overlooks sprawling rows of grapevines.

With a rush of adrenaline, I bolt upright, the fine sheets slipping away from my legs as I leap from the bed. The vivid scenery before me stirs a wave of nostalgia, reminiscent of my father's vineyard nestled in the sun-soaked hills of southern Italy.

"You're awake," Niko calls out, his voice a melodic contrast to the tranquility of the morning. He sits casually on one of the elegant wooden chairs, his attention absorbed by the breathtaking view that stretches across the lush landscape. A wave of excitement courses through me as I race towards him, my heart pounding in anticipation. Throwing myself into his arms, I catch him off guard, but the warmth of his embrace quickly dispels any surprise.

"Niko," I call him breathlessly, leaning forward to kiss him on impulse.

At first he ignores my kiss, working against me not with me, but something clicks, something makes him kiss me back and then were all fumbling hands and teeth, clawing at each other in anticipation of claiming one another but the kiss doesn't last, soon were both breathless and he pulls back, pressing his creased forehead to mine, his eyes closed and lips turned down in a scowl as if he's been instructed not to go there with me.

"Where are we? I don't remember leaving," I murmur, a frown knitting my brow as I try to shake off the sudden ache in my chest at his rejection.

"You collapsed; you've been unconscious for five days," Niko replies, his voice a low rumble tinged with concern. "Doc' said you've been through a lot and needed rest. I suppose he was right after all."

"And Benji? Did he...?" My voice trails off, heavy with unspoken fears.

Niko's jaw tightens, and he grits his teeth as he says, "He's down the hall."

"I'm sorry..." I whisper, the word tumbling from my lips like a fragile confession.

"Bee," he shakes his head, his voice breaking slightly, tears shimmering in the corners of his eyes before he swiftly turns his face to hide them, fighting against the swell of emotion.

"I shouldn't have kissed him, I—wasn't thinking and I regretted it the moment it happened. Niko?" I reach out, desperate for his understanding.

He doesn't meet my gaze, instead turning his chin away as if bracing against an impending storm. Yet, despite the emotional chasm that seems to stretch between us, he suddenly pulls me closer, cradling my head against his chest. The warmth of him envelops me, and there's an undeniable sense of safety as I lay against his steady heartbeat, the rhythmic thump echoing like an unsteady promise in the air.

"He's doing remarkably well," he informs me after a thoughtful pause, his voice a gentle blend of reassurance and sincerity. "He woke up just two days ago, and the very first words that escaped his lips were your name. He expressed a deep yearning to share everything that weighed on his heart, as if he were offering you back the reins to your." He lets out a soft snort, a mix of anger and disbelief. "He was adamant that you were the only person in the world he trusted enough to divulge his secrets to. If you chose to share his revelations with others, he vowed to stand unwaveringly by your side. Yet, if you preferred to keep those truths locked away, he would completely understand, knowing that he had made the right choice to keep your privacy."

"I don't want everyone to hear, Niko," I start, my voice barely above a whisper, and I can see the tension ripple through him. "It's just you. I only want you to know."