Chapter 15
Chapter fifteen
The last hour has been illuminating from learning that Dante was born with a heart condition, to Cara being in the damn Witness Protection Program.
She didn’t mention it, but now I’m wondering if Cara is even her real name.
I don’t know that it matters because that’s who she is to me, but I hope she knows she doesn’t have to keep secrets from me anymore.
Now isn’t the time for me to ask my questions though.
As soon as Liam and his team disconnect, Cara crumples into a mess of tears and sobs.
I don’t think, I just react on instinct, and I stand to pick her up and carry her to the couch.
I sit down with her on my lap and hold her while she cries.
She’s had to be so strong for so long, and like a fog lifting from my brain, pieces of the puzzle of us are clicking into place.
“That’s why you pushed me away.” I didn’t necessarily mean to say that out loud, but my mind is filled to the brim.
Cara nods and swipes at her tears. “I couldn’t be another woman that you cared about who lied to you—I refused to be another person that hurt you like that.”
This woman. “Cara, you weren’t lying to me about being involved with the mafia, were you?”
“Well, no, but my brother is kind of affiliated with the mafia.”
“Yeah, as a witness, not quite the same thing. Did you have a secret affair that you kept from me or orchestrate a murder?”
Cara shakes her head softly as she takes a shuttered deep breath. “No, I was just trying to protect those babies and hopefully get my brother back eventually.”
“Just so we’re on the same page, we will be talking about all of that in depth and thoroughly once Dante and Mila are back home with you, but I’m here Cara.
I’m with you, okay?” I kiss the top of her head as she snuggles in a little more, whether or not she’s aware of that movement, I absolutely am.
“Why do you have to be so perfect?”
“I’m not perfect, but I’m here and I’m not going anywhere, alright?” She nods and we let the silence settle between us because words won’t change anything right now, and all we can do is wait.
And pray for a miracle.