Chapter 72:

When Xander arrived in Italy, night had stretched far, he could hear the owl's peaceful music, hooting through his own ears. He said goodnight to Lucas in the hallways, and walked along the halls.

It was eerily quiet, he passed the doors as he walked, his breathing whisking, in any minute from now, he was going to see Nicole. Her peaceful face- maybe, her angry face.

He stood in front of the door. Here goes nothing: He pushed, the room was exactly how he had left it a week ago, the sheets were arranged, and on it was Nicole in the shortest nightgown.

His throat bobbed. He walked towards her slowly, afraid that each step would wake her up, careful.

Damn careful.

He sat on the bed, her lashes curled together perfectly, her head struck on the pillow.

She was marvelous even when she slept.

Her eyes bobbed open, "Took you a while."

His lips stretched into a smirk.

__

Nicole sat up straight, staring deep into his eyes, she could spot the circles under his eyes, his tired shoulders.

"You sho