The Hidden Light (The Rossi Family #2)

Nico
There’s no reason for the sharp pain in my chest each time Charlene's sad brown eyes meet mine. It doesn’t matter if she’s sad. We all are. I got her here safely, and I will keep her alive. I’ll make sure she's protected. But come tomorrow, I’ll be far the hell away from this woman who has somehow managed to stir up emotions I didn’t even realize I was capable of experiencing.

Charlene
I remain frozen in place, staring at the lifeless body of the person who once again tried to take me. The lifeless body of a man who will never hurt anyone again.
I look up at Nico, wide-eyed. Not from fear. But gratitude. Relief. Tears sting my eyes, and I want to explain, but I can’t find the words to speak. I fall into his arms when he pulls me into an embrace, and we stay like that for several minutes. Or hours. I have no idea how much time passes before I try again to find the right words.