When they separated, Giuseppina remained close enough that Cassia could feel her breathing. “Tomorrow's mission will unfold as it does,” Giuseppina said quietly. “Tonight, you don't have to be anyone but yourself.” Cassia reached up to trace the line of Giuseppina's cheek, as though that soft skin held all the answers to life’s questions. “I'm not sure I remember how,” she admitted, before rationality could erase the thought. “Then we'll discover it together,” Giuseppina replied, taking Cassia's hands in her own. “One moment at a time. Starting with this one.” Outside, the winter rain continued its assault on narrow streets, but inside their small sanctuary was warmth and comfort. Tomorrow would bring violence. Tonight, Cassia allowed herself to truly believe that she deserved the patient warmth of the woman who had somehow learned to see through to the person trapped beneath the ice.
She waited for Giuseppina to accept the dismissal, as any sensible person would when faced with walls so insurmountable. Instead, she felt secure arms wrap around her from behind. Giuseppina had not bothered to dress, her naked warmth now offering a stark contrast to Cassia’s armor. “I'm sorry,” Giuseppina whispered. “I shouldn't have pushed. I know you're not ready to talk about whatever happened, and that's okay. I'll wait as long as you need.” Then you’ll wait forever. “There's nothing to discuss,” she said instead. “Maybe not. But there's always love to offer.” Giuseppina's arms still held her tightly. “Come back to me, cara mia. Don't disappear into that cold place where you think you have to carry everything alone.”
#AmQuerying #SapphicRomance #lesfic #AutisticRomance #DangerousWomen #HistoricalQueerRep
A romance between two Italian agents on an assassination mission, where failure could lead to the exposure of the nature of their partnership by their abusive commander
