The silence between them was heavy. Only the sound of their slow, synchronized breathing filled the still room. His hand stayed around her wrist.
If she continued to avoid him, this would likely stretch on indefinitely. She didn't have the courage to meet his gaze, but she had even less desire to remain in this shared space.
Hesitating, Eileen finally gathered the strength to lift her head. The moment she did, their eyes met—as if he had been waiting.
They stared at each other in silence. Neither Cesare nor Eileen spoke, their gazes locked.
The bedroom was dim, the lamp casting a warm glow that never quite reached the brightness of daylight. Eileen spoke in an even softer voice.
"Please, let me go."
But Cesare only tilted his head slightly. His gaze, steady and unwavering, lingered on her before dropping to her tightly pressed lips.
"How should I make you forgive me?" he asked.
