He stilled for a moment, then gently turned me around to face him. His dark eyes locked on mine. "I can't speak for the rest of the world. But me? I'll only ever love you."
I searched his face, his perfect, practiced expression. "You'll only love me for a lifetime? But a lifetime is so long."
He pulled me close. "A lifetime is long, yes. That's why I only want you to fill it."
I let out a laugh, but it tasted bitter on my tongue. "What if you betray me, Marcello?"
"If I ever betray you, may God strike me where I stand."
The vow was bold. Cruel, almost. Because I already knew the truth. His skin reeked of another woman's perfume after nights he spent away from me. He could touch them, claim them, and still whisper these words as if he meant them.
"Are you really not afraid that promise might come true?"
"Not at all. No one in this world knows how deep my love runs for you. If you don't believe me, I'll open my chest and show you my heart. If that still doesn't convince you, Arianna… I'll give you my life."
I thought to myself, If you're so willing to give me your life, why can't you control your desire?
Before I could say more, a voice cut in from the doorway.