“There’s darkness in all of us. You don’t have to embrace it, but you do have to accept that it’s part of you. It doesn’t define you. It’s just one piece of the puzzle.” She takes a sip of her drink. “By the way, there are plenty of people not in the mob who do bad things."
She’s right. People like Brett.
People like me.
“But where there’s darkness, there’s light. And just like you listed all the light you see in Nero, I’m sure he could tell you all the light he sees in you. He’s probably the one who sees it better than anyone, because he needs it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Sometimes, Rafe comes home with the heavy scent of cruelty and fear practically radiating off him. I don’t delude myself by thinking he just pushes some papers around at a desk. But when he comes to me, no matter what kind of a day he's had, he’s still my husband. My love. My best friend. And there’s something beautiful in being that one person this powerful, terrifying man can just drop the mask and be himself with.”
Tears well up again, but this time, they’re not just tears of fear and despair. There’s a swell of hope there too, a reminder of this great foundation of love, loyalty, and even integrity that Nero and I share.
Cleo’s voice softens even more. “You don’t have to do this alone, Blake. And you don’t have to run away to protect yourself. You’re stronger than you think.”
I take a shaky breath, tightening my grip around Cleo’s hand. “But what if staying means I lose the best parts of myself? What if I become someone even Nero won’t recognize?”
She gives me a reassuring smile. “Nero fell in love with you because of who you are, not because of the things you’ve done. And he knows that the world he’s brought you into has its own dangers. But he loves you, and he’ll help you through it. You just have to give him the chance.”
Can I?
The clouds outside part, and sunlight pours through the window, warming my skin. Something shifts inside me. The fear is still there, but it’s no longer paralyzing. I don’t have all the answers, but I know one thing for sure. I don’t want to run away.
“Thank you,” I whisper, squeezing her hand one last time before letting go.
Her eyes are filled with warmth. “Anytime. Now, let’s finish our lunch and then figure out what you want to do next.”
I pick up the sandwich and take a few more bites. What to do next…
Ah. Of course. “I want to go back to Nero, but I need to make a stop somewhere first,” I say, glancing at Cleo. “Do you mind if I make a quick call?”
“Sure.”
I dig inside my purse for my phone and the small “Get Well” card I kept, then dial the number written on it.
“Vita? It’s Blake. I’d like to meet.”
CHAPTER 37
NERO
Ring. Ring. Ring.
I’m sprawled out on Blake’s bed like a giant fucking starfish, staring blankly at the ceiling.
My head throbs with a pounding rhythm. My chest aches. I’ve been lying here like this ever since she left, unable to get myself to do anything else.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
Whoever’s calling can go straight into the fiery pits of hell. I hope they suffer as they burn.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
That’s the phone connected to the concierge desk.Alec, take a hint. I’m not interested in visitors. Closed for appointments until next month. Scratch that, next year. It’s fucking February, so yeah. Perfect.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
I’m going to fucking kill whoever this is.
