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“What?” I whisper, my voice hoarse.
“You are strong, Gia. The strongest. No one can take that from you. That’s one of the reasons you stayed as long as you did. You were strong. You survived until we could get you out. And you’re stronger now.”
I smile weakly. “You are definitely a Conti, no matter what your last name is now. I don’t know how you guys do it, but you are always able to read my mind.”
“I’ve been watching you for a long time. I have a good idea of what you are thinking.”
I nod.
“I need something to drink,” I finally say.
She jumps up. “We have wine or whiskey or vodka or…”
“Whiskey.”
She fixes an overfilled glass and slides it to me.
“You aren’t going to join me?” I ask. It’s eight in the morning. It’s not surprising that she won’t drink with me.
“I would, but I can’t.”
“Work?”
“No.” She pauses. “Can you keep a secret?”
I shrug. “Sometimes.”
“I think you will be able to keep this one. I’m pregnant!”
“Congratulations!” I say staring down at the invisible bump under her dark grey T-shirt.
“But why is it a secret?”
“Because if I told Caspian, there is a chance he wouldn’t let me work as hard or would put me on desk detail instead of helping him. He’s never denied me the ability to do what I love before, but I’m afraid if I tell him I’m pregnant, he won’t let me continue working for him. Caspian has always trusted me with my safety. He’s let me make my own choices. He knows I can take care of myself and kick anyone’s butt when need be. He’s never told me I can’t before. That’s what is so great about our relationship: we are a perfect team working together. He’s not my boss. We work together.”
I hate it, but I respect Caspian more for treating his sister this way. My brothers were always too protective of me. Never let me do anything without security and protection. I guess they were right to worry because of where I am now, but maybe if I had had the skills Adela has, I wouldn’t be here.
“But I’m afraid when Caspian finds out I’m pregnant he won’t be able to resist keeping me away from all of this to keep me safe.”
“I won’t tell Caspian. I promise.”
“Thank you. It’s so exciting to tell someone. I’m excited to be a mom, but I love working security.” Her arms go around me before I realize it.
And I melt in her arms. This is exactly what I needed. A hug from a friend.
Caspian might be dark, but there is nothing but warmth in Adela. She loves her brother, and it’s not her fault he has an evil side. I won’t fault her for that. She’s a friend. I just don’t think I can trust her judgment of Caspian.
There is no reason he should have left me with Dante if he could have saved me. If her words are true, there is nothing he could do to ever earn my forgiveness. He might have saved me, but nothing can save him from what he’s done.
13
Caspian
Today sucks.
Worse than sucks. Today destroyed me.
It knocked me on my ass time and time again. Beat me until I have nothing left. Ripped out the tiny bit of strength I have left, leaving me weak and vulnerable.
