CHAPTER 177
ROMEO POV
What the fuck am I doing.
The thought hit me the moment her weight settled fully against my chest.
Katya was light, her arms were still curled inward, fingers gripping the front of my shirt like it was the only solid thing left in the world.
Her face was buried against my shoulder, breath uneven, exhaustion finally winning where panic had ruled minutes ago.
I stood there for a second longer than necessary, recalibrating. This wasn't a move. This wasn't strategy.
There was no advantage to be gained from carrying a shattered girl through my hallway. And yet my feet moved anyway.
Nonna watched me lift Katya carefully, her gaze was sharp, assessing—not approving, not stopping me either.
Just measuring whether I would drop what I'd finally chosen to hold. Katya stirred slightly as I adjusted my grip, a small sound escaping her.
My body reacted before my mind could interfere. "It's okay," I murmured, low and steady. "I've got you."
