It was a mistake, allowing himself to get too close to you when you were only supposed to be assisting him in the library. It was an even bigger mistake, indulging in himself, kissing you when he knew he wouldn't be able to give you the love you deserved.

However, the biggest mistake of all? Sleeping with other women to try and escape his feelings. He hadn't meant it at all, and yet, when word got out, he noticed the way you avoided him, the way your gaze fell to the floor when he was around.

He swore to himself not to make another mistake; not to let you slip through his fingers yet again. It was why he was at the door to your room within the abbey, why he had rehearsed his apologies a dozen times in the mirror before he had come. Conflict and Secondo were like oil and water, but he was willing to try... for you.