she never wanted to let him go, it was as if their bodies slotted together perfectly like they were made to hold one another. and perhaps she had read too many sonnets and grown too hopelessly romantic, but khaya could swear her heart beat only to the rhythm of valentino’s name and would continue to do so until her very last breath. and oh, when valentino smiled at her, it touched khaya deep in her chest like the warm summer sun had chosen her to shine upon. and that’s how it felt like with valentino, to be chosen. a feeling so foreign, but so welcome. she’d never had someone handle her heart before and as terrifying as it was to place something so fragile into another hands, she trusted valentino. “nothing you do could make me think any less of you,” khaya assured him, running her thumb up and down the back his neck. valentino was so soft with her, as if she were something to be cared for. each morning she’d woken with a dreamy look in her eyes and a smile on her lips, but beneath the awe and gratitude, she still worried she’d never be enough to love. valentino had likely loved before and what if she didn’t compare? what if she fell short? for the amount of love stories she had read, khaya had also found stories of heartbreak. and what if that was her fate? but, as soon as his lips met her hand, khaya could only think of valentino and he anchored her to the moment. khaya believed her heart might just spill over with pure adoration. “i only ask that you not risk your life for me ever again, mio principe,” she giggled, lashes tickling her cheeks. as she sat next to him on her bed, khaya couldn’t help but smile. he’s so quickly walked into her world and slotted himself into the pages of her story, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. a shiver went up her spine when she felt his arms around her and a pink blush painted her cheeks, “i am far from exquisite,” she hummed, “and i’m no doctor but -” her fingers trembled as she unbuttoned his top two buttons to inspect his shoulder for any wounds. eyes fluttering, heart pounding, khaya bit back a sigh. she truly hadn’t thought this through. valentino’s skin was so warm and toned, it lit a fire inside of her. “you have a bruise right here,” a frown as she ran her fingers gently across it, “i’m not seeing any blood, though, which is quite the relief.” he was okay, so she could breathe. “i must tell you something,” khaya’s voice was soft and shaky. nevertheless, she brought her hand to her lips, pressing a soft kiss to it before placing it over his bare chest, above his beating heart. khaya’s eyes found valentino’s as she whispered, “i love you, too, my darling.”