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“All clear here as well,” I hear Sean reiterate.
“Enough with the small talk, Antonio; it’s time to talk business.”
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
Emily
The feel of Hadley’s hand on my knee to reassure me has been the only thing helping me stay calm during the showdown between her and Antonio. Antonio's revelations were shocking, yet Hadley handled them with a poise I’d not anticipated. Her years as her father’s consigliere have prepared her for such situations.
Her lack of emotion aggravates Antonio as he doesn’t expect her to show no remorse or regard for the truths he is sharing.
“Alright, Hadley, business it is,” he replies, his tone grave in resignation.
Tuning out to their talk, I allow thoughts of hope to flood my mind. If Hadley is here, that means Hawke is here, and if he is here, then there is hope I will be rescued.
I’m surprised that Hadley challenged Antonio about being held here against my will. I realize it shouldn’t, especially after hearing stories about that girl. Under different circumstances, if you were to meet the girl Hadley is today, you’d never believe how dangerous she is when the need arises.
“Why do you choose to reject my claims that we are family, Hadley?” Antonio suddenly questions. “Does it displease you to know we are related by blood?”
When I glance in Hadley’s direction anticipating her response, I see a face lacking emotion. It’s as though she has no interest whatsoever in Antonio’s revelations or their lineage.
“I am the granddaughter of a sadist, Antonio, the daughter of a psychopath, and you ask if I dislike being related to you because of the man you are?” she calmly yet matter-of-factly discloses.
“I expected some kind of reaction,” he admits. “It amuses me, Hadley, that a declaration such as this would alarm anyone except you.”
“I’m not your normal kind of girl, Antonio; we’ve established this, but if you want to surprise me, then do something I’d never expect, such as releasing Luciana,” she retaliates.
Once again, she challenges him to let me go.
“Why the interest in Luciana, Hadley?” he demands. “What is she to you?”
“Honestly?” she asks.
“Yes,” Antonio declares.
Oh my God, please don’t let her mention Hawke.
“Love can’t be forced, Antonio,” she begins. “It happens naturally, and all I see on Luciana’s face is fear, not love.”
Silence fogs the room, but that doesn’t stop Hadley from continuing. “If you love Luciana as much as you declare, allow her to live the life she desires.”
“I never believed you to be a supporter of such things, Hadley. I see your marriage to that federal agent has changed you,” he finally claims, his voice less agitated than I’d expected.
“Being in the arms of someone whose feelings mirror your own is more powerful than the effects of any drug,” Hadley concedes. “But love must come freely so it can grow and flourish. If forced, it will end in hatred. Is that how you wish for your relationship with Luciana to end?”
It seems that Hadley is getting through to Antonio for the briefest moment, but as quickly as it appears, that moment vanishes. “My relationship with Luciana is none of your concern, and I will discuss it no further.”
This time I squeeze Hadley’s leg to say thank you. I genuinely appreciate her trying to get Antonio to release me, even though I knew it would never actually happen. Her words, though, highlight how much love she feels for her husband, Sean and exactly how I feel about Hawke.
A commotion near the door grabs Antonio's and his guest's attention, allowing Hadley to whisper in my ear. “When I tell you to run, I want you to go through the kitchen and exit out the rear door to where Jackson’s team is waiting.”
“What about Hawke?” I quietly ask.
“He has unfinished business,” she whispers in return. “He will find you.”
“My apologies, Hadley, but we need to cut this meeting short,” Antonio suddenly announces, returning to the table. “Some urgent business has presented itself that I must deal with. Luciana, please return to your room.”
“I will ask Gerrick to conclude your dealings later, Antonio; thank you for accommodating me,” I hear Hadley reply.
