Chapter 53 A New Turn (2)

• Of course her hair had come undone, Vera never could keep it in place when she rushed to comfort someone she loved. It tumbled all the way down her back, brushing her thighs as she rose on tiptoe to reach Belle’s face.
• “Look at me, Rosabelle. Look at me and breathe. I’ll talk to them myself. Stop worrying for now, okay? Please, La Signora…”
• Her hands, small but steady, cupped Belle’s wet cheeks, thumbs brushing away the tears that still slid out no matter how hard Belle tried to hold them in. The warmth from Vera’s skin spread across her cold face, sank into her tense shoulders, wrapped around her ribs until she finally let out a shaky breath.