Then whisper the truth I’ve carried for years.
“Serenity is the love of my life.”
I shake my head.
“My best friend.”
“I need her beside me.”
He studies me for a long moment.
Then sighs.
“Son...”
The single word guts me.
“My daughter will never be whole again.”
Every muscle in my body locks.
“Let her go.”
His words hit harder than any bullet ever could.
“Tizáno, please tell me where she is.”
The desperation in my own voice embarrasses me.
I press my fist against the surface of his desk, not hard, not threatening, just the gesture of a man who needs something to hold on to.
He reaches across the desk and rests his hand on my forearm.
“She’s in Italy.”
Relief and heartbreak collide inside me.
“If you go there and drag her back, she’ll only leave again, and next time she won’t tell anyone where she is.” He pats my arm. “Take a step back. The time apart will do you both good,” he says, settling back in his chair.
I stare at the floor.
Then back at him.
“Where in Italy?”
He blows out an exaggerated breath. “Nico.”
“For my sanity, I just want to know where she is.”
“Serenity’s living with my mother.”
It’s my turn to exhale as I relax in the seat. “Those assholes will never stop looking for her.”
Recognition flashes across his face.
He understands exactly who I’m talking about.
He drums his fingers across the desk.
