Chapter 68 Harlow
Harlow
I was finally ready to see my friend and the little girl who stole my heart.
Caterina held my hand as I rested my head on her shoulder.
We would be okay. I knew things would be hard, but I needed to have faith in whatever deity was watching over me that I would be okay.
My heart felt full knowing I was home, alive and safe.
There was fear gnawing at me, but I couldn’t let it overpower me.
I was healing but not fully healed. My chest was still tender, and Caterina said she didn’t want me to exert myself, so that’s why she kept Vincenzo alive.
She wanted me to properly have my revenge on him, and I loved her for it.
I couldn’t fathom my life without her. Yes, we didn’t start off like a normal couple, but I wouldn’t want to change it.
Caterina had this pull. She was domineering and terrifying, but she treated me with respect, cared for me in a way that didn’t make me feel broken, and loved me so fiercely, I swear we created new galaxies. She was my soul.
Now we would see Serenity. Even months later, I still wanted her, but I knew right now wouldn’t be ideal. Serenity deserved the best, and she would have it—but I needed to heal more before we did anything else.
When we got to Mallory’s house, Mallory met me outside, running to me.
She pulled me into her arms, and I winced, but hugged her back.
My body was still healing, but I was deprived of human touch for weeks.
A chest wound wouldn’t stop me from hugging the people I loved.
Mallory pulled back to look at me. Over a month in a coma healed most of my bruising and the superficial scrapes. The deeper ones were still healing.
“My god, Harlow.” She pulled me back into her arms. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“Me too. I fought as hard as I could.”
“You’re a warrior, and now your battle is over.” She pulled back and looked at Caterina. “It’s over, right?”
She nodded. “Yes. Vincenzo Mancini will no longer be an issue once I kill him in a few days.”
“He’s still alive? It’s been weeks since she was rescued, and he’s alive?” Mallory blurted. “Why are you keeping him alive after what he did?”
“Because I deserve my revenge,” I told her, giving her the reassurance she needed to trust Caterina. “I need my closure. He isn’t happy down there, trust me. Vincenzo hurt a lot of people, and everyone is getting a turn.”
“If the sight of blood didn’t mortify me, I’d join in, but if Harlow is safe and he will die, then I won’t yell at you. I have a little girl who will be very excited to see you.”
I took Caterina’s hand and we walked into her house. Serenity and Mallory’s children were upstairs playing when she called them down. When Serenity made it to the top of the stairs and saw me, her entire demeanor changed. She lit up like the Fourth of July and raced down the stairs.
“Row!” She leaped into my arms, her arms tight around my neck as she cried. “You’re back.”
“Yeah, baby. I’m back and I’m never leaving again.” My hands brushed through her hair as she pulled back. I winced slightly as I swapped her to my hip. “I’m still hurting, but I’m okay. I’m so sorry I left you.”
She kissed my face again and again, ignoring the tears. “It wasn’t your fault. The bad man came for you. Did the bad man hurt you badly?”
I pressed my lips together. “Yeah, baby, he hurt me. But it’s okay because I have you, Caterina, and my mama to help me.”
“Does this mean I can stay with you now?”
My bottom lip trembled. “I want that more than anything else, sweet girl. I need a little longer.”
Serenity’s face dropped. “You don’t want me anymore?”
My heart broke, and I couldn’t help the sob that broke free. “No, baby. I want you; you are mine regardless, okay? You deserve me at my best, and right now, I am not my best. I was hurt really badly and I’m still trying to heal. You will be with us soon though, okay?”
“Okay, I’ll stay here, but you’ll visit me?”
“I will. I promise. When I am better, I’ll be the best mommy and we’ll be a family.”
“We are a family.” She kissed my cheek once more and I knew everything would be okay.