Chapter 16

Vincenzo gathers his courage and knocks on the door. His heart is still racing. Luna opens the bedroom door, looking surprised at Vincenzo. He stands at the door, looking at Luna, who soon says, “Are you going to stand there staring at me with that crazy look, or are you going to say what you want?”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know what to say when you opened the door. Can I come in?” he asks.

“The house is yours, so come in,” she replies.

“Don’t say that; I would never enter your room without asking.”

“Let’s go in and say what you want,” she says, irritated.

“Look, Luna, I know we didn’t start well; I scared you.”

“If only you had just scared me, that would be something. You traumatized me,” she interrupts him.

“Can I continue?” he asks.

“Continue, ignore what I say,” she mocks.

“As I was saying, I scared you, traumatized you—whatever. I know it wasn’t right of me, and my problem with your family shouldn’t involve you. And as you told Amália, yes, I did try to kill you, but when I saw you, something was stronger than I. I couldn’t do that to you, and that’s why I can’t let you go because I know my father will come after you.”

“And why didn’t you kill me? You always say you can’t, but you haven’t told me what made you change your mind. After all, you’re going against your father to keep me alive—me, the girl you hate, and my family. I’m sorry, but this is quite strange. It makes me think that you and your father are plotting something.”

“You’re right, you have reasons to be suspicious, but I’m not in a scheme with my father or anything like that. I just can’t see you suffer.”

Luna can’t hold it in and starts crying, remembering Vincenzo beating her brother in front of her and the torture she suffered at Nate’s hands. She sits on the floor and begins to cry desperately. Vincenzo, unsure of what to do, watches her in despair. Then she sits on the floor and gives him a strong hug.

“Please don’t cry,” he says while hugging her.

“Why did this have to happen? I could have been raped,” she cries.

“Don’t say that. I wouldn’t forgive myself if something happened to you. I would die,” he says, placing his hands on her face.

“And why would you die for someone you hate?” she asks, still in tears.

“Because I’m in love with you, Luna. From the first day I saw you, that’s why I didn’t dare do anything to you. No matter how much I fought it, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. Knowing that you think I’m a monster and consider me an enemy is killing me. When I saw what Nate did to you, I only wanted to kill him because I couldn’t bear him touching you. I suffered seeing you lying on the bed in shock,” he says, his eyes filled with tears.

Vincenzo’s words made Luna see something in him that she hadn’t before. She saw his heart and was sure that he was truly in love with her. Luna takes his hand and lifts it to Vincenzo’s face, gently caressing his face while looking into his eyes. Vincenzo looks at her in astonishment.

Luna kisses Vincenzo. He pulls away and says, “Are you sure about this?”

“Don’t say anything, just kiss me,” she replies.

Vincenzo holds Luna’s face as he starts to kiss her. Their tongues intertwine, and they share slow, passionate kisses. Vincenzo slides his hands to Luna’s waist, pulling her closer, and then his hands move to her bottom. Luna pulls away.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that,” he says.

“It’s not about you; I just never did this before,” she responds.

“You’ve never kissed anyone?” he asks, surprised.

“Kissed, yes, but I’ve never gone further,” she says, embarrassed.

“I confess, I’m surprised.”

“I don’t see why you’re surprised. I’m not like the woman you’re used to.”

“My surprise isn’t about you being a virgin. When I first saw you, I saw the innocence in you, the sweetness, something I had never seen in any woman before, and that’s what made me fall in love with you. My surprise is that no man has noticed that angelic sweetness in you,” he says, caressing her face.

Luna kisses Vincenzo again, this time with a more passionate kiss, surrendering to his charms.

“Wait, hold on a minute,” he says.

“Did I do something wrong?” she asks.

“No, I loved every kiss. I just don’t want you to lose your virginity like this. It’s an important part of a woman’s life, so I want you to be sure when you’re truly ready. I can wait; I’m in no rush. I want to show you that I’m really in love with you, Luna,” he says, kissing her forehead.

“Thank you,” she responds.

“For what?” he asks, curious.

“You could have taken advantage of this moment, but you want to prove to me that I can trust you, and that’s very good.”

“Take all the time you need; I’ll wait. I’ll let you rest a bit. The doctor said not to overexert yourself. When dinner is ready, I’ll ask Amália to bring it to you. I’ll prepare a surprise for you tomorrow that you’ll like.”

“What surprise?” she asks, curious.

“If I tell you now, it won’t be a surprise anymore,” he laughs.

“Yes, you’re right,” she smiles.

“I’ll be in my room if you need anything. Goodnight, my Luna.”

“Goodnight.”

Vincenzo leaves the room, leaving Luna alone. She begins to think about what just happened—the exchange of kisses and affection between her and Vincenzo, and the way he was gentlemanly with her. She walks to the window, looking at the moon and reflecting on what just happened.