Chapter 79 - Gabriella (2)

I'm pressed to his side and his arm is laid on the back of the sofa, casually but also subtly around me. He hasn't spoken much tonight—only unless he's spoken to. But I'm thankful my family isn't giving him a hard time. Even Sebastian hasn't said anything ill toward him. Though Sebastian kept his distance, he merely looked at me as if to check on me and I smiled at him. I think my brother only wants to know I'm okay.

As for me, I'm not as shy in holding back how close Mariano and I have gotten, unlike the last time we were here. And I'm guessing it's because of it that my family has welcomed him too. I'm all he has when he's here, and I'm not about to let him feel that he's alone.