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“I’m sorry I let that bastard get so close to you, Muriella,” Daniel said. “I’ve been scared shitless since Stone called yesterday and said you were gone. I suppose I’m not handling it well.”
“I forgive you.”
His shoulders relaxed. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
“No, I mean, Iforgiveyou.” He blinked at her. “I tried to call you a few days ago to tell you. I couldn’t reach you.”
“I didn’t know. I would’ve called you back,” he said, running a hand through his hair.
“It’s okay.” She touched his cheek. “You hurt me, but I know you didn’t mean to.”
He stared at her in disbelief, then pulled her in for a hug, squeezing his eyes shut. Daniel murmured something in her ear.
She pulled back, her eyes watery. “We’ve made it this far together. I can’t imagine not having you in my life.”
“You don’t have to. I’m not going anywhere.” He hugged her again, like he needed reassurance. Gratitude Muriella had that kind of love and support flooded me. I owed Daniel a lot for taking care of her all this time.
“Donato, you have a lovely home. No offense, but I’m ready to get these two back to ours.” Vivian flashed him a disarming smile.
“I can’t thank you enough for your help,” Muriella said. “I expect to see you for dinner some time.”
Donato looked to Daniel before he answered. “I’d very much like that. And if there is anything I can do for you, please come to me. I’ll make it happen.”
“You’ve done enough, but I appreciate it anyway.”
“I didn’t get to eat my soup.” I made it halfway out of my seat before I froze.
“Stone, you don’t need to do that without help,” Muriella chided.
“Give me a second.” I released a long breath once I was up straight.
“You’re in a lot of pain,” Vivian said.
“He won’t take his pills,” Muriella said with disgust.
“Are you up for traveling?” Daniel asked.
“He’ll suffer the whole way there.” She leveled me with a stare.
“Vivian, would you mind getting me a couple of those.” I pointed toward the orange pill bottle. “Wait a minute. How did you get back from New Zealand so fast?”
“It’s been twenty-six hours,” Daniel said.
I glanced out the windows. No wonder it was so dark out.
“I’ll pack up the soup for you to take.” Donato disappeared.
I swallowed the pain medication and chased it with water. “I call shotgun.”
Chapter Forty-Nine
Muriella
Is he dead?
I hovered my finger over the phone number that belonged to my brother. If I knew the answer to that, then I could pick the direction my life needed to take.
But I knew.
