His gentle encouragement breaks down my last defenses. Taking a deep breath, I tell him everything – about my father’s impossible expectations, his constant criticism, and my desperate need to prove myself worthy of his company, of his approval.
As I speak, I watch a furrow deepen between Stefano’s brows, his jaw clenching with barely contained anger. When I finish, he’s silent for a moment, his eyes blazing with a protective fury that takes my breath away.
“Your father’s lucky I can’t touch him,” Stefano growls, his voice low and dangerous. “If not, I would f*****g blown his brains out for thinking you’re anything less than perfect and worth so much more than working in his damn company.”
My eyes widen in surprise, my heart swelling with a mixture of gratitude and affection. In that mo
