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I closed my eyes, clutched the crucifix around my neck, and silently prayed to the patron saint, Maria Goretti. I haven’t prayed in more years than I remember, but today, I did. I begged my mother for forgiveness and mercy. I didn’t deserve it, and I’m a selfish bastard to ask, but I had to try.I looked at Gio and said, “You know what to do; I'll be upstairs.” I wiped his blood off my knife and left without looking back. Once we uncovered all of my father's lies and had the video and audio proof to comb through, there was no doubt about what I had to do next. Bourne wanted revenge for his sister, but he couldn't be the one. My father was a merciless bastard and felt no remorse when he killed all those innocent people that day on the train. The same man, Andreas, led the team to place the explosives that would kill Marielle Atwater and countless others. My sister was the intended target for foiling his plan, and then two years later, my mother paid with her life to save Sabina.
So many lives were lost over the need for power and ambition. Greed fueled my father’s desire to control and rule over the families, doing whatever it took to keep his seat at the table. However, that was all before Valentin Vasiliev. I never met him, but I sure do know of him, and he is one you never want to cross. My family is secure because I know to stay in my lane and never cross into someone else's, a lesson my father never learned. I placed my hands on the shower wall and watched the remnants of blood go down the drain along with my sins. I have no idea what I will say to Sabina. I could always say, “Our father is dead, and he will never hurt you again.”
“Lucas, may I come in?” Gio called out.
“Yeah, I’ll be out in a minute,” I said, reaching for a towel and wrapping it around my waist. “What’s up?”
“The text came in; they’re ready.”
“Okay, connect the call, and I’ll be down in a few minutes after I dress.”
“You don’t want me to wait?”
“No, I don’t. Say nothing about my father, and I’ll be down in a few minutes.” I said again. I needed time to clear my head and couldn’t delay Bourne more than I already had. I gripped the edge of the sink and counted to ten to calm the fuck down. Sabina is the only family I have left, and I’ve failed her. I don’t expect her to forgive me, but since she will be on the call, I hope it’s the first step in healing our fractured relationship.
I silently stood by the door and listened to Gio speak to Bourne. I didn’t hear Sabina’s voice and thought maybe he was waiting for me to arrive, and then she would appear. I let out a breath and then walked further into the room. As I approached, Gio told Bourne I had arrived, and he got up from my chair. He nodded and gave me an encouraging look to believe everything would be okay, but I wasn’t sure of anything anymore, not with all the lies that destroyed anything good in our family. I sat behind my desk and saw Bourne behind his. His jaw tightened, showing me he was probably gnashing his molars together to avoid telling me to fuck-off.
“Where is my sister?” I asked, getting right to the point.
“You don’t get to ask the questions, Lucas; where is Marco?”
“You don’t get the answers until I talk to Sabina; she needs to hear it first.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Sabina
I could hear everything from where I was in the room. If Bourne had his wish, I wouldn’t be here at all, but I promised to remain out of sight, but never too far where he couldn’t see me. I understood how frustrated he felt and wanted the nightmare he’d been living to be over for him and me. I couldn’t hide in the shadows anymore, and I knew my running days were over now that I’d committed and connected my life to Bourne. He professed his love and said he would never let me go because of that love. It still beguiles me to know someone in the world truly cares about me. Lucas wants to believe he does, but my mother’s prophecy could not be disputed, not when it came true. He loves the destiny that our father carved out for him, and I can’t see him changing for me.
I waved at Bourne to get his attention, and he got up immediately to come to me, with Edric taking his place. He reached for my hand and led me away from the room. Bournepulled me roughly against his chest, wrapping his arms around me. I couldn’t move an inch but knew he needed this. I felt all his tension coil around his back muscles, and he released a loud sigh, kissed my forehead, and then took my mouth in a bruising kiss.
“I’m here, Bourne; no matter what is said today, I swear nothing will change between us. You believe me, right?”
“Always, my sweet Principessa, I wasn’t worried about you leaving me. It’s one thing I never doubt.”
“Because you would find me?”
“Yes, I would, but that’s if you were successful enough to escape me.”
“I thought you said I wasn’t your captive?”
“You might as well be since you’ve captured my heart. I love you so much.”
“I know, but even knowing how much you love me will not change the fact that I must go back and face my brother. Please, Bourne, let me do this,” I asked, showing him my strength. I wasn’t afraid and knew I would be alright.
“Fine, but I swear if he says anything to cause one tear to fall, I end it. Are we clear?”
“Yes, I got it.” He smacked my ass, causing me to jump a little forward. He always knew what I needed even when I didn’t. Edric told Lucas I was here and got up so I could take his place. The minute I sat down, my palms began to sweat, and I had to wipe my hands on my jeans. When our eyes met, his immediately softened, and then Lucas appeared nervous.
“Hello, Sabina,” his greeting was cautious.
“Lucas,” I said his name, holding my head up high.
“Thank you for talking to me; I didn’t believe you would. However, we can no longer delay this conversation.”
“No, we can’t, and I don’t want to. So, who starts?”
“I will, Sabina, because what I have to say is long overdue. Words cannot express how sorry I am for not believing you when you tried to warn me about our father. I should have never forced you to come home, but in some small way, I’m glad I did because I now know everything.”
