And somehow I've never felt more alone.
I close my eyes.
But all I see is the look on Rafaelle’s face when I told him to let me go. He opened his heart and I trampled on it.
I know he’s never going to forgive me. Which is fine.
I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself.
* * *
My knuckles barely touch the door before it swings open. My mother freezes.
For a second, neither of us moves. Then relief crashes across her face so quickly it almost steals my breath.
"Liliana."
My name comes out shaky. Like she'd been holding it inside for days. I barely have time to smile before her gaze shifts over my shoulder. To the black cars and the men standing beside them.
The weapons they aren't bothering to hide.
I watch as the relief in her expression vanishes immediately, replaced by alarm.
Then anger.
"What have you gotten yourself into, Liliana?"
A soft sigh escapes me, “Hello to you too, mama."
"What is going on? Who are those men?" she questions frantically.
I don't answer.
I can't. At least not yet. There's only one thing I care about right now. She was at the forefront of my mind the entire ride over here. My skin tingling at the thought of getting to her.
"Mila?"
My mother's expression softens slightly.
"She's sleeping."
I don't wait for anything else. I brush past the doorway and step inside the house. The smell of home momentarily makes me feel dizzy. Of all the places I’ve been at, my childhood home still provokes the most belonging.
That and the bed of an Italian mobster.
I move quickly past the kitchen, straight toward the small bedroom in the corner. The door is already cracked open.
I push it gently and my heart stops.
There she is. My little girl lies peacefully in her cot. One tiny fist tucked beneath her cheek, dark curls scattered across the mattress, long eyelashes resting against chubby cheeks.
For a moment I simply stare. Trying to convince myself she's real. Trying to make up for all the moments I missed. I could gorge on the sight of her.
My vision blurs.
"Mila,” the whisper barely leaves my lips.
As though sensing me, she stirs. Her tiny nose scrunches before her dark eyes blink open.
