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However, her boyfriend, Alexander Dougal, could be a problem. The aircraft recovery pilot is curious by nature. If Rhia ever suspected the truth, she’d have him dig around for information.
Ella lifts her eyes to meet mine. I haven’t answered her yet, and she looks so hopeful. It nearly kills me to squash that flicker of light.
“I’m sorry, princess. Rhia believes we’re in Africa for the rest of the week and haven’t got reception.”
Her face falls and tears stream down her face. I pull her closer against me so I can avoid her eyes. She lets me hold her as her body shakes with sobs.
“But it’s a lie.” She hiccups. “I need my best friend.”
“I know, angel. And I know it’s not the same, but I’m here for you. I’ve got you.” I kiss the top of her head as she keeps crying in my arms. I can’t stand it.
“If you called her in your current state, she’d be so worried. She’d probably jump on the next plane to get to you. It’s too dangerous for her. And once she was here, she would become too involved in this, and her boyfriend and her whole family would be in danger, too. You don’t want that, do you?” I’m an ass to use Ella’s love for her friends to my advantage, but I know she’d do anything to protect them.
As expected, she shakes her head, but her tears don’t slow.
God, I feel like shit. I’m putting her through this. But there is no other way.
“We’ll get through this together,” I reassure her as much as myself.
The need to touch and comfort her is overwhelming, and I take her face into my hands, letting my fingers caress her skin.
Her eyes search mine. So many unspoken emotions shimmer in their depth. Sadness, resignation, but also longing.
“Then let’s run away together, Tiero. Just you and me, to somewhere far away… where nobody can find us. Away from all this violence and constant danger. We could build a life together, have a family who lives in peace,” she says softly. “Or we could live on your island, away from all of this.”
Just her and me… the picture she paints is so tempting. I’m electrified.
I rest my forehead against hers and take in her scent.
If I can’t give her freedom and the one friend she wants in her life, could I give her this?
Could I walk away from everything I’ve ever known?
Am I not asking Ella to do the same?
It would only be fair for both of us to start afresh.
What am I thinking?!
This family needs me. I have a legacy to protect and carry on. As alluring as the idea of a quiet life with my angel is, it could never happen.
We’d always be in danger. You don’t walk away from this life. It’s impossible. You’re born into this family, and you die in it.
I stay quiet and let Ella read the answer in my eyes.
She shakes her head as if to dislodge the sudden emotion she showed, color staining her cheeks. It’s like she flipped a switch.
“Do you really want to live with this constant danger and uncertainty, Tiero?”
“Everything in life is uncertain,” I reply. “You know that better than most. There are no guarantees we’re still here tomorrow.”
“Perhaps, but are you happy living in constant fear?”
“I’m not afraid,” I answer honestly. I made peace with my mortality a long time ago… in my world you have to.
“Aren’t you though? Maybe not for yourself, but you worry someone will get to me. To Mateo. To your future children. Aren’t you afraid that someone will harm them? Hurt them? Maybe even torture and kill them?”
I look away. She’s got me, and she knows it.
