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She stares at me, a serene expression warming her beautiful features. Compassion radiates from her, and in this moment she reminds me so much of my mom.
“I don’t know that I will ever be able to make up for what I did to you, for the pain I caused you, but please know that I will do whatever it takes. If you ever need anything from me, I’ll be there. I know that might not seem like much, and I’m probably the last person you’d want by your side, but I’ll do anything…” I suck in another breath, acutely aware that I’m rambling, and force myself to stop.
“I’m not going to lie and tell you that what you did wasn’t one of the worst things that’s ever happened to me.”
One of them? What the hell else has happened to her? I open my mouth to speak but realize she isn’t done.
“But Lorenzo told me what happened to you when you were a child. The state he found you and your friend in, and how you believed he was one of the men responsible.”
My cheeks burn with shame. I hate that she’s aware of such intimate details of my past, even as I recognize that the knowledge is probably what saved my life.
“I know what it is to be hurt by men who use their power and strength to intimidate and violate. Like they have a right to do so simply because they can.” Her eyes shimmer with unshed tears. “I know how it feels to wake up every day and stare into that blank void, wondering if today will be the day it’s finally over. I know what it’s like to not fear death because it would offer an end to the pain.”
I had no idea she was ever anything but who I thought she was—a rich Mafia wife with more money and privilege than any one person has a right to. “And then I met my Lorenzo and learned how a man with more blood on his hands than anyone should ever have can also possess the most tender heart. The world isn’t so black and white, Keres. There are evil deeds committed with noble intentions, and I believe that your heart is good, despite some of the choices you made.”
I moisten my dry lips with the tip of my tongue. “You’re more forgiving than I deserve.”
“Perhaps. And perhaps one day you’ll see why forgiveness is one of the hardest yet kindest gifts we can give ourselves.”
Unexpected tears burn behind my eyes, and I blink them away. “I have nobody left to forgive. Everyone who hurt me is dead.”
A shadow falls across Mia’s body, and I glance up to see Lorenzo towering over us. She smiles at him, and his entire demeanor yields to her. In that moment, he’s no longer the powerful Mafia Don who makes people cower in fear. I was so utterly wrong about him. How differently the haunting shadows of our past make us see the world.
He holds out his hand. “Come get some food with me, sunshine. You need to keep your strength up.”
She rolls her eyes and turns to me. “So protective,” she whispers.
Lorenzo grunts, and she laughs before her face turns serious again. Her bright hazel eyes narrow on mine and she squeezes my hand. “You said there’s nobody left to forgive, but you left out the most important person of all.”
I frown. I definitely killed them all, and those that I didn’t, the Morettis took care of for me a long time ago. “Who?”
She leans close, and her breath dusts over my cheek as she squeezes my hand tighter. “Yourself.”
“I’d say this has been a raging success, Fuck-up, wouldn’t you?” Romeo says, his lips pressed against my ear so that his hot breath dusts over my skin.
I shiver, and his arms slip around my waist, warming me from the inside. My eyes scan the sea of happy faces, all of them supporters and donors of Phoenix Rising, the incredible charity we created.
Ace and Romeo have been as much a part of this as I have. By my side every step of the way. Every decision, every obstacle, every victory is theirs as much as mine. But that they stand back and allow me the space to shine in this arena means everything to me. Because while I love their whole possessive Neanderthal act, I know that’s all it is. They are the most supportive and empowering partners any woman could have, in life and in business.
“Keres?” The voice behind us makes Romeo and I spin around.
I recognize one of the social workers I’ve gotten to know over the past few months, and there’s no mistaking the look of worry on her face. “Jade. Is everything okay?”
“We have a family of four, with three kids under eight. They have nowhere, and…” She scans the room. “I wouldn’t ask today if it wasn’t pressing. Are you equipped to take them?”
Romeo’s arms slip from around my waist, and he rolls his shoulders back like he’s ready to spring into action.
I nod furiously. “Yes. We can take them. We’re ready to go today.”
She offers me a faint smile, then chews her lip. “They’re only a half hour away. The officer I spoke with said they’re traumatized. I’m not sure… with all these people…”
“They’ll be gone within fifteen minutes,” I assure her. Without any further communication, Romeo understands what to do next. He offers me a reassuring nod before disappearing into the crowd.
Less than five minutes later, after Ace and Romeo explained that our first residents were arriving a little earlier than planned, most of the crowd has dispersed and the remaining stragglers are on their way out the door. Everyone was totally understanding. All except one donor who clearly hasn’t had his fill of the free food and wine yet. I can’t recall his name, but he’s some rich banker type whose daddy is a billionaire, and he obviously believes that gives him the right to act like he’s better than everyone else.
“The invitation clearly stated this thing ended at seven.” He checks his watch. “That’s over two hours away, sweet cheeks.”
Sweet cheeks?
