Chapter Fifteen
SHAY
Six Months Later
“Are you ready for this?” Rocco asks.
“I think so,” I say, but I can’t answer him honestly.
We’re sitting in his car in my parent’s driveway.
It’s the first time I’ll be seeing them since I found out they sold me to the mafia.
We are doing this at Rocco’s request. If it were up to me, I’d stay away from them for a few more years, until I’ve processed all of my negative feelings.
But Rocco says that forgiveness is the only path we can take, and I’m inclined to agree.
If they didn’t do what they did, I’d never have met Rocco. What a horrible shame that would have been. He’s a perfect gentleman. He’s kind and treats me like a princess. Every day I get to wake up next to him, and I’m reminded of how good life is.
Because if it wasn’t him, I’d have been thrust into a world of agony.
My parents have been standing in the living room, peering through the curtain since we stopped here.
Mom’s wiping away tears while Dad consoles her.
A part of me wants to leave and never come back.
I understand that good things came from what they did, but deep inside I’m struggling to come to terms with it.
I’m still their daughter, and shouldn’t have been up for auction.
“I’ll be at your side through it all,” Rocco says, reaching a hand over mine and squeezing softly.
He gives me the confidence I need to open the door and get out of the car.
He walks beside me and holds my hand all the way to the door.
“To new beginnings,” he says.
“To new beginnings, and letting go of the past,” I say.
It’s become somewhat of a mantra for the two of us. In Rocco’s case, it’s forgetting about living life as a mafia hitman and starting over. For me, it’s forgiving the wrongdoings of my folks.
Or at least, coming to terms with it. Deep down, I believe I can. They made the deal before I was born, right? I shouldn’t hold it over them for the rest of their lives. They still gave me a home and gave me love…
I suck in a deep breath as we get to the door.
Rocco notices my unease and wraps his arms around me. He draws me into a tight embrace and presses a soft kiss against my forehead.
“I know you’re scared, but you don’t have to be.”
“Why not?” I ask.
I can’t put myself in his shoes, the same way he can’t put himself in mine. We walked different paths to reach this moment.
“Because I love you, and I’m here for you.”
“What did you just say?” I stare up at him in disbelief.
A charming smile crosses his lips. “I love you, Shay Cayden.”
It’s the first time he’s said that to me and it makes my heart swell. I throw my arms over his shoulders and bring his mouth to mine. I kiss him like I’ve never kissed him before.
Those three simple words are enough to give me the strength to get through today, because I know that no matter what happens, I have Rocco on my side.
He’s the only person I need.
He’s my rock, my anchor, and the best damned thing that’s ever happened to me.
“I love you too, Roberto Moretti.”
THE END.