ound changed something inside you. I had convinced myself that Ava no longer h

my life for her if necessary. The attackers eventually escaped after the police arrived, and relief briefly loosened the pressure in my chest. Then someone ca

octor replaced him. Anger burned through me. I blamed the officer, but most of that fury was directed at myself. I

er because my nerves wouldn't settle. Since the doctors h

e, genuine concern came through whenever she spoke about her daughter. Her husband's death

ndmother. Maya kept her eyes on the floor and didn't speak. Stanley

she carried several papers in her free hand. She slipped them away with visible f

called af

ught me off guard. The woman standing before me seemed c

one else get injured?" she asked f

d toward her. "Ho

. "I'm still alive, so I'

ply. Her words were harsh, but the empti

you headed?

om

ured. You can't

y booked

"Ava... we need to ta

"Why should that matter to me? He

dn't react. Every trace of emotion s

son?" she as

Mom," Stanl

"Good. Then you can

e you home,"

o her. Ava was hurt, and regardless of every

ffer without hesitation. "That's n

lack of interest surprised me. In the past, she wo

parents and Richard were already waiting there. Ava made no effort to s

r with?" she asked w

legal, so I accepted his offer. We later found out that the company was only a cover for a crimi

lied, though doubt

nd they promised to get revenge. They threatened your father befo

chard backed up everything Aria had said. Ever

any of this has to do w

ped. "You were shot today. Does

nly proves that I happened to be in the w

ugh to protect me, so why would those people bother coming after me?

Even Maya couldn't find a resp

uld be protecting, Harry, i

from any of you. If my life is in danger, I'll deal with

d to scare her, but Ava gave a brief, bitter laugh. "Don't lie to yourself, dear sis

the door. "Leo!"

oticed his mother's injured arm, alar

's nothing, sweetheart. I only b

resence brought back her gentle side. She caressed his cheek and w

wanted to "protect his mommy the way she always protected him." Ava finally smiled fo

ster?" Leo asked as he

I don't have a sister.

y one of us heard her. Those wor

" Leo said and

" I replied in

ad cast us aside as though no bond remained between us. Her sudde

become cold and distant. Yet, against my better ju