_Thalassa's POV_
My heart skipped a beat at his words, a rush of heat flooding my cheeks. But as much as I yearned to lose myself in his embrace, this was not the right time for us to mate. He had just returned from battle and he must be exhausted.
"Matteo, you were just injured," I reminded him gently. "Maybe... maybe this isn't the right time."
Matteo's expression fell at my words and I could see the hurt in his eyes. "Thalassa, if you don't want me, you only need to say so," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of bitterness. "You don't have to make excuses."
I felt a pang of guilt at the pain evident in his eyes. "No, Matteo, that's not it at all," I protested, reaching out to gently grasp his hand. "I want you more than anything, but I also want you to rest and recover properly.
