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“I am. My real mom . . . well, no, Maura was my real mom in every way that counted. The woman who birthed me was raped, and out I popped.”
Haven’s mouth dropped open. “I was made the same way.”
“I figured,” he said. “See, you and I aren’t that different. None of us are when it comes down to it. The only difference is my mom stumbled upon me at the right time and saved me from what could’ve been a disaster. I wonder all the time where I’d be if they hadn’t taken me in.”
“You got lucky.”
“I did,” he said. “You and Carmine aren’t that different, either. My brother’s a spoiled little shit—that’s why he’s picky. Everyone always catered to him. Not saying I was neglected, because I wasn’t, but Carmine received the kind of attention I never had to deal with.”
“What kind of attention?”
“Attention from, uh . . . Dad’s friends.” He glanced around to see if anyone was listening. “At my christening when I was a kid, there were about two dozen people. It was relaxed, a potluck at the house. Carmine’s christening was a few months after mine, and hundreds of people came to show their respect. It had to be catered and held in a reception hall.”
Haven frowned. “That’s horrible.”
“Not really,” he said. “I’m sure I was jealous then, but I don’t envy my brother. Before he could walk or talk, people were making plans for his future. I’m grateful I never had that kind of pressure.”
“Why him?” she asked. “Why not you?”
“Because he’s Dad’s son, a DeMarco, and that’s what they care about—the Italian blood.” He paused. “Or what they used to care about. I don’t know anymore. But anyway, to what I was saying. Carmine’s spoiled, but deep down he’s still a terrified little boy, trying to figure out where he belongs, just like you’re that girl looking for her place in the world. You two were searching for the same thing.”
“You think?”
“I know,” he said. “And my mom would’ve called that fate.”
* * *
After leaving the diner, Dominic stopped by the Harper residence to pick up Tess. She threw a duffel bag into the back of the car and crossed her arms over her chest, her usual scowl on her face as she sat in the backseat in total silence.
Once they reached the house, Tess thrust a shopping bag at Haven. “It’s a swimsuit.”
She was taken aback. A gift? “Thank you, but I don’t need one.”
Tess looked amused. “If you’re going to the lake with me, honey, you do need one.”
“Lake?” Haven asked. “What lake?”
“We’re heading down to Aurora Lake for the day,” Dominic said. “It’ll be a blast.”
Haven glanced at the bag. “And I’m supposed to wear this?”
Tess nodded. “Yes.”
Haven went straight upstairs to her room and stripped out of her clothes, leaving them in a pile on the floor. The swimsuit was a black one-piece that tied around the neck, the bottom cut like shorts. Haven put it on and tied it the best she could, tugging at it to make sure she was covered.
* * *
Aurora Lake was located in a valley ten minutes south of the Durante city limits. The community of Aurora surrounded it, a few hundred residents living along the twenty-seven miles of shoreline. Although the lake was man-made, much of the land beyond the homes remained untouched.
Haven climbed out of the car and spotted the water in the distance. It went as far as she could see, wildly tall trees bordering it on all sides. Despite its enormity, something about the place put her at ease. Beyond the grassy lot they had parked on was tan sand, reminding her of the desert ground she’d been used to all her life.
“Welcome to paradise . . . or as close as we get around here,” Dominic said, juggling some lounge chairs under his right arm. They headed toward the water, setting up on the sand in an area partially encased in shade. There wasn’t a cloud in sight, and the warm summer breeze felt nice on Haven’s skin.
Dominic set out into the water while Tess stripped out of her clothes. Haven pulled hers off carefully and sat down, watching the few people who were already playing out on the lake. Someone started a game of volleyball after a few minutes, and Dominic and Tess joined the game while Haven relaxed under the sun’s rays.
It didn’t take long for the temperature to rise, sweat trickling down Haven’s face. She grabbed a bottle of water from the cooler and took a drink when a familiar voice rang out. She coughed, gasping for air as the liquid went down her windpipe.
“Excuse me?” she sputtered, coming face-to-face with Nicholas. She took a deep breath that burned her chest. “What did you say?”
