Chapter 39. 

 IGNAZIO’S POV.   I pulled Isa into my arms and allowed her to settle into the warmth my arms could offer.  She leaned into me, her head resting on my right arm. My mind drifted to the moment we met and till now. The first day we met I thought she was only going to be a lady who would walk into my house warm my bed and leave afterwards. But here, she is the daughter of my best friend. One I have spent all my life trying to stay away from. One that reminded me of her brother and the little feelings that were left for her, before her dismissal. I feel like a failed friend.   A gentle exhale left my lips. On Ivano’s deathbed, I had promised to look for his killer and avenge his death, but his death had taken a toll on me. I had to leave for the state and the constant thought of being a failure would not stop nagging at me. Not only have I failed to avenge his death, I have failed to protect his daughter from not just the preying eyes of the outside world but the preying eyes of my own