na's

ds, my fingers frozen around it. Vanessa's

I'm not done with you yet." And then...like fate knew

ut which part of my life just changed more: the tiny

elly. "You felt that, didn't you

. She's here, a

ree times...but I stop myself. Every time I look at him, he's... trying. He brin

gentleness in his eyes now I've never seen before. And I don't want to ruin i

mugs. I nod, yes I am fine thanks. sitting on the co

beside me. "You've been quie

"Yeah, but this is the kind of quiet th

better than I thought. I look a

w. I mean really. Why now? After all this t

regret asking. Then, softly, he says, "Becaus

to Europe, started a new company, even got engaged..." He winces. "But

n't fight for you, Carina. I let my fear make decisions for me. But w

d, "W

. "That the best mistake I e

when he kisses me, I don't stop him. Because

ike he's c

ht, tangled together like a broken p

sten to his steady breathing, and for

hole. But peace never las

xt Aft

nt. "Are you alone?" "Dante just stepped out.

raightens. "And?" "She's not just your average ric

Fired by Dante's father some years ago after embezzlement charges.

nd of di

." My blood runs cold. I look towa

ust about you anymore. It's about the baby." I sa

ve feared since the moment Van

That

My skin itches with unease. Every creak, e

. I fake a smile. He buys it. We eat in s

man he once loved might

baby from a threat I

brushing my hair, when I h

in the mirror. He smiles. "Just wa

from behind and kisses my

toothpaste stai

s chest, my heart aching. "Do you beli

rying to be strong. Brave. But I feel like I'm

face. "You're not her anymore.

andages. and when he kisses me again,

, but I wake to a nightmare. Gl

y chest. "Dante?" I said. No a

window is open. The flowers he brought me are shredde

shaking. I unfold it s

en't fas

n I realize...

palm. I spin around, half-expecting him to jump out and laugh...some sick joke. But there's onl

gain, this time barely a

gs give out, and I sink to the

nown number. My hand

the line, low and venomous. "You never deserved him.

"Oh, darling," she laughs softly. "I

screen, my heart racing, baby kicki

first coat I find. My mind is racing...where would she take him to? Maybe

I'm not the girl she used t

protect her family. Even if that hell