CHAPTER 40
She’s mine again.
This week will give her the space to think through her feelings for me. I won’t be around to mislead her, as she might fear. She’ll have complete control of our home and all the freedom she desires. I’ll make sure she knows tomorrow.
After checking the cameras to ensure Lana is asleep, I head downstairs. I go to Mom’s room and knock on the door.
She opens it, wrapping a dressing gown tightly around her body, squinting as though she’s just woken up.
Sometimes I wish I had a life as peaceful as hers, but here I am, dressed in a suit, about to go out and risk my life. Although her life isn’t easy either, given my work and how much she worries about me.
She crosses her arms. “What’s the matter?”
“She forgave me... I think.”
She rolls her eyes. “Did you tell her the truth?”
“No, but—”
“Dante!”
“I know, Mom.” I lean against the door. “I just don’t want her to deal with it alone.”
She frowns. “What are you talking about? Why alone?”
“I’ll be gone for a week.”
Her face changes immediately, and my stomach churns.
Every time I leave, my heart aches, especially since we lost Dad.
For months, I wished I’d died in one of the rescues. I felt I deserved it. But at the same time, I carried the burden of knowing he died so that I could live.
I was supposed to die that night, not him.
It wasn’t until I met Lana that I stopped having those thoughts. One reason wasn’t enough to stay, but three reasons are—especially if one of them needs a father in his life.
She wraps her arms around me in a tight hug, and I return the embrace.
“If I don’t come back, look after them for me. Tell her the truth.”
“When I see your body, I will.” She looks at me, holding my face in her hands. “But you will come back. I’m certain.”
“Mom—”
“You always come home.” She pats my cheek. “No exceptions.”
I nod. She kisses my forehead and hugs me once more.
“Please take care of yourself, son. You’ve given me enough trouble as it is.”
I smile sadly. “Mom…”
“I know, I know.” She lets go of me. “Now hurry before I regret letting you go again.”
I kiss her cheek. “Goodnight.”
“I adore you, cucciolo.”
With a smile, I walk back down the hall and sneak into Lana’s room after I take her phone on a table; she might have left it there before running to the woods.
This may be the last time I do this.
Whether I live or die, it should be until she invites me—but they’re the only ones who calm my disturbed mind. I hope Javier will be able to handle the situation on his own if the absolute worst happens; I don’t trust Ian to follow my orders.
Erik was right. Love can’t come between me and work—not unless she asks me to.
Dad told me I had to find someone with my same ideals.
They must be as passionate as we were in every rescue.
Unfortunately, I’ve only come across idiots who seek power and nothing else; that’s why Dad never spoke with Ian about the future of the organisation.
Javier is the closest to someone I would trust with that responsibility…
but he’s still too young, even if he’s the same age I was when I took charge. Our situations are entirely different.
Lana shifts slowly. Finn does too. They both cuddle and, after sighing, continue to sleep soundly. I smile. I hope she doesn’t have any more nightmares these days.
Finn has so much of Lana in him—even though physically there’s little resemblance. I see his dark blue eyes every day in the mirror, just like his black hair.
I should tell her someday that I know the truth, though I trust her to be honest when she feels comfortable.
I kiss them both on the head. Neither wakes up. Then, I make my way downstairs and get in the car, where Alonso waits for me.
I was supposed to leave a few hours ago, but I don’t regret changing my flight one bit. Lana needs me as much as I need her. Tonight is a game-changer. It could be the beginning of our life together.
I wanted her to spend the night with me.
That way, at least I could have slept before getting on the plane.
Although now I’m grateful I didn’t insist. The last time we slept together, I left early, and she ended up marrying someone else.
I don’t want her to think I’ve ditched her again.
I’ll call her in a few hours, when I wake up.
I’m tired of running in circles with her, though I can’t blame her for giving up on me so easily.
Her whole life she has been betrayed, even by those who were supposed to care for her and love her unconditionally.
I won’t ask for more than she can give me, though that doesn’t change the fact that I will strive for the rest of my life.
I’ll help her leave her past behind and embrace a future with me, while she enjoys her present.
Leaning my head back in my seat, I close my eyes.
It will be only a week away from my family, if everything goes as planned.