Chapter 13

"Welcome home." Tristan's voice was full of relief and love, it tore at Francesca's heart. She finally opened her eyes, revealing the beauty of Tristan's enormous Manhattan penthouse to her. The interior was so sleek and polished, so very different from the coarse Victorian interior of Stefano's house. 

"I haven't cleaned in a while so the place looks a bit messy." Tristan apologized, gathering her tired body in his strong, warm arms. Francesca noticed that he was naked, probably freshly shifted back into his human form, and she couldn't help but blush as Tristan carried her into his bed. He wasn't as huge as Stefano, but she liked his lean, muscled body and the way it pressed against her own. 

"Thank you, " she murmured, deeply appreciating how gentle Tristan was with her. Francesca wanted to kiss him, to show him how happy she was that they were finally together. But she cried instead.

"Hey, it's going to be okay, Francesca." Tristan soothed as he