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I recount the events, explaining that marrying Alejandro was the only way he'd agree to stop the bloodshed. Carlos's jaw tightens, and he asks, "Do you trust him to keep his word?"
"I don't know," I admit, feeling defeated. "But what other choice do I have?"
Just then, my sister crosses the room and wraps her arms around me. "I love you," she whispers, her voice choked with emotion. "I know you're doing this for our safety."
Tears prick the corners of my eyes, and I hug her back tightly. In this moment, surrounded by the love of my family, I find a small glimmer of strength to face the uncertain future ahead.
ChapterThirty-Nine
Isit at the office, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts that refuse to be pushed aside. My distraction is overwhelming, and I can tell that my employees are noticing. Their glances are filled with curiosity and concern, making me tense. I realize I need to go home because I can't be seen like this. I grab my laptop and rush out, heading for the penthouse.
As soon as I walk into the penthouse, a feeling of emptiness washes over me. I drop my keys on the table and open my laptop, trying to work, but it's no use. Thoughts of her consume me – what is she doing? Is she safe?
I haven't messaged her since she left, wanting to respect her choice to return and continue her life in Miami without the haunting memories of what might have been between us. But now, my resolve is crumbling. I close my laptop, unable to focus, and switch on the television in an attempt to drown out my thoughts.
As I flip through the channels, my mind inevitably drifts back to Lulu. The more I think about her, the more I try to figure out what these feelings could mean. I've never felt like this about a woman before. Hell, I've never had much use for a woman beyond a good fuck – which is why I always just used prostitutes. But Lulu was different. She was beautiful, feisty, and tested me in ways no one else ever dared. She could handle all of me, and I couldn't help but want more.
Suddenly, something on the television catches my eye. I turn up the sound, my heart pounding as the reporter speaks. "A mother and her two daughters were found brutally murdered in their Miami home. Authorities are looking for any information that could lead to the whereabouts of the killer."
My breath catches in my throat, shock and fear coursing through me. The thought that it could be Lulu and her family sends a chill down my spine. Panic rises within me, threatening to overpower any semblance of control I have left.
"Fuck," I mutter under my breath, unable to tear my eyes away from the screen. The reporter continues, providing descriptions of the victims, but there's no certainty that it isn't Lulu.
I run a hand through my hair, frustration and anxiety consuming me. I need to know if she's safe. I need to protect her, even if it means defying her wishes. And deep down, I admit to myself that I simply can't live without her.
My chest tightens, and I struggle to breathe as the panic attack takes hold. The possibility of Lulu being hurt or worse is too much for me to bear. I can't stand by idly, not knowing if she's okay. With trembling hands, I open my laptop and swallow the guilt that rises in my throat as I access her GPS device.
"Forgive me, Lulu," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "I need to know you're safe."
The device connects, and I see that it's moving. My heart leaps momentarily, but it does little to calm the storm inside me. I need to confirm her safety for myself.
"Fuck it. I'm going to Miami," I say, slamming the laptop shut.
None of my things are here; they're all still at the mansion. I grab my keys and rush to my car, my mind swirling with emotions and fear for Lulu's safety. As I drive, I wonder if she'll ever let me back into her life. But even if she doesn't, just knowing she's safe will be enough for me.
When I arrive at the mansion, Teddy is there in the lobby. His eyebrows shoot up when he sees me, and he quickly steps in front of me.
"Whoa, slow down, Gio! What's the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost," he says, concern etched on his face.
"Teddy, I can't be sure Lulu's safe. I have to go to Miami," I blurt out, my voice cracking with urgency.
"Damn," he says, shaking his head. "I'm surprised it took you so long to realize. About time, brother."
"Realize what?" I ask, puzzled by his comment. Teddy just shrugs, a knowing smile on his lips.
The foyer’s opulence fades into the background as Teddy narrows his eyes at me. "What are you going to do about the Irish while you're gone?"
"I need you to step up and handle things for me with them," I admit, my voice tense. The weight of our family's business hangs heavy in the air.
"Me?" He shakes his head, clearly uncomfortable. "I don't handle the business side of things."
"Look, I have to do this. I need your help." My chest tightens with the urgency of my plea.
He sighs, relenting. "Okay, fine. But you better be back when things heat up."
"Of course. Just do your best, and call me if you need anything." My mind races with thoughts of Lulu, her safety now my priority above all else.
"Alright. Now go find her, you lovesick fool," Teddy says, a half-smile on his face as he throws an arm around my shoulder briefly before pushing me towards the stairs.
