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“You know I hate when you say things like that,”
“I know, but it's important to mention. Lucy Goddard is pregnant, and if we didn’t reach her in time,”
She paused, and then I finished for her, “Marco would not have hesitated to put a bullet right through her, taking not one but two lives.”
“Yes, now tell me about Sabina,” she asked kindly.
“She’s scared and is fighting me at every turn, but I think deep down she knows she can trust I won’t hurt her.”
“Be careful with her, Bourne, we all have painful stories in our past, but something tells me she has many. My God, her father wanted her dead, and there is no telling what could have happened to her if you didn’t get to her first.”
“I know, and that fact weighs heavily on my mind, amongst other things.”
“Listen, one more piece of advice before I end this call.”
“Okay, I’m listening,” I said.
“Exactly, do that, and do not stop. But, then, when Sabina is ready to let you in, she will need you more than she’s ever needed anyone before, including her brother.”
“I was someone’s brother once, and I failed her. I will not fail, Sabina,” I said, hating the memory that never seems to disappear.
“Oh, Bourne, you didn’t fail your sister; she would be the first to tell you that. If saving Sabina gives you the absolution you need, I hope it turns out how you want it to. It’s not okay anymore, and she wouldn’t want this life for you.”
“I’ll take it under advisement, and we will talk once I arrive on the island.” Again, Kaz’s words brought me to a state of rage, and I wanted to smash the phone, but I didn’t and tried to get my agitation under control. I quickly e-mailed Kaz, apologizing for my abruptness. My laptop pinged with a new e-mail; of course, it was my assistant. She typed the word “Forgiven,” and I sighed in relief. Kaz was so much more than my assistant; she’s family. She’s important in my personal and professional life, and I would be lost without her.
Before I turned in for the evening, I wanted to check on Sabina again. I gave her the bedroom, and I would take the reclining chair out in the main cabin. It’s not like I could sleep anyway, but she needed the rest. I slowly opened the door to ensure shewas asleep, but she was far from sleeping. I watched her small form thrash all over the bed and realized she was in a nightmare as she cried out in distress. I did not want to scare her. However, I could not leave her either. I got into bed, pulled her close, and held her. I prayed she would feel comfort instead of stress.
“Shhh, it’s okay, you’re safe,” I continued to whisper as quietly as I could, and then I felt Sabina tense in my arms. She looked as if she was in pain, and I couldn’t bear it for one more minute.
“Principessa, you’re safe,” I whispered.
“Mama!” she shouted in a blood-curdling scream and then jolted awake and was out of the bed, hiding in the corner, and curled up into a ball.Fuck! She is breaking my heart and doesn’t even know it. I crouched down beside her, where she cornered herself and tried again to bring her back to me.
“Principessa, open your eyes. I promise you are safe. No one is going to hurt you,” she flinched when I tried to touch her, but I tried again until she finally did what I asked. Her eyes slowly opened, and then her tears fell. I wiped them away with my thumbs, and when I could not bear it for one more minute, I pulled her petite body to mine and lifted her into my arms. She fit perfectly, and I never wanted to let her go. I was crazy to believe that we would have a shot in hell at being together, but I didn’t care about all that right now. What was important was making her feel safe and cared for.
I rocked her in my arms until I knew she was asleep, but I would not leave her alone. I decided to deal with the consequences, if any, in the morning. I placed her down and then covered her with the blanket. I slept on top of it but pulled her close so I could hold her. “You are safe, Principessa; no one will ever hurt you again. If they dare to try, I will kill them slowly and painfully. I swear it on my life.” I whispered into the night and kissed her head, praying she would find peace tonight.
When I opened my eyes again, I found beautiful brown ones watching me. Here, I thought I was comforting Sabina, and she was giving it to me. “Hey, don’t be scared,” I began to say, and then she leaned in and kissed me. It was only for a second, but being this close to her felt amazing. She pushed back a little to balance on her elbows and stared at me for a second. Damn, she was beautiful.
“I’m not scared, and thank you for staying with me last night.”
“You’re welcome. I could not leave you while you were in that state. I swear I was the perfect gentleman.”
“Such my luck, a kidnapper with a conscience.” She smiled.
“A captive with a sense of humor,” I said in return, then shifted so I could sit up with my back against the wall.
“Do you have nightmares often?” she turned to her back and stared at the ceiling.
She sighed and said, “Yes, every night since returning to Italy.”
“Will you tell me about them?”
“No, it is bad enough that I have to live through them at night. I cannot possibly do it willingly during the day hours.”
“You were calling out for your mother. Were you dreaming about her or somehow looking for comfort?”
“Why do you want to know? It’s not as if you care what happens to me. You kidnapped me, for God's sake.”
