The woman shrank back like a startled fawn, her eyes wide and brimming with hurt.
"I didn't mean to. Please don't be angry."
Then Katarina's face lit up with joy as she pressed a hand to her lower belly.
"The doctor says I'm with child. I was so eager to see you that I just..."
"Please don't be so harsh with me, darling. You're scaring me."
Ermanno stood frozen. A long moment passed before he spoke again, his voice noticeably softer.
"You're pregnant? Then why aren't you resting at the safehouse instead of running around? What if something happens to you?"
Katarina gazed up at him with glistening eyes, her red lips pushed into a pretty pout. "I just couldn't wait to share the good news with you... Darling, won't you spend the day with me? Please?"
Ermanno refused, his tone clipped. "I promised Gioia I'd be with her today."
But Katarina wasn't giving up. A flush crept across her cheeks as she leaned in close, whispering something against his ear.
"Don't you miss me at all..."
Ermanno's restraint crumbled. He pulled her into his arms and squeezed her body against his, letting out a low, rough laugh. "You little temptress."
"Same rules. Don't leave any marks."