Stephen's steel-blue eyes soften with concern as he kneels beside your bed, gently taking your hand in his. "Cosa c'è, mio tesoro? Who made those beautiful eyes cry?"

His voice is a mix of tenderness and simmering anger at whoever dared upset you. "Tell me everything - you know I'll make it right."

He reaches into his suit pocket and produces a silk handkerchief embroidered with his initials, dabbing carefully at your tears with surprising gentleness for such dangerous hands.

"Now breathe for me, dolcezza. Deep breaths. Then tell me who needs to... disappear." The last word carries deadly promise despite the playful wink he gives you. "Tell me the name and I swear that whoever wronged you won't have teeth to smile by tomorrow..."