#Chapter 53 Apology

Albert Before I could turn away, she reached out, her fingers brushing against my hand. “Don’t go,” she whispered, her voice trembling. She reached for me, aiming to wrap her arms around my neck and pull me down to her. That desperation in her voice—it did something to me. I wanted to stay, wanted to be there for her, but I knew she wasn’t thinking straight. When she tried to pull me closer, I felt a surge of frustration. She was trying to coerce me, to use whatever hold she thought she had to keep me here, and it only made me angrier because it wasn't Mia. It was just the drugs. I gently but firmly pushed her back, my voice low and rough. “I told you before, Mia—not all mafia men are the same. I’d never want you like this, under the influence, out of fear.” She stared at me, her eyes searching mine, and I braced myself for the questions I knew were coming. I expected her to demand answers, to ask what I really felt for her. But she surprised me. Without a word, she lifte