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I return Claudette’s smile. All the tension leaves my body, even if only for a breath.
A little Mafia princess.
I’m doubly glad now I ran and more determined than ever to keep Tiero away from our baby.
A shudder runs through me contemplating what her life would be like back in Sicily. In Tiero’s world, women mean nothing. They’re expected to be obedient and meek. And being Tiero’s child, she’d be in constant danger, used as a bargaining chip for power and greed.
Not by Tiero, though? He wouldn’t do that to his daughter, would he? He’d adore her and be more like an overbearing, overprotective papa bear. Still, the target on her head would be permanent.
I press my hand firmer against my abdomen. “Don’t worry, little darling. Mommy will keep you safe.”
“Ash,” Claudette says, bringing my attention back to the here and now.
Her face is serious and etched with worry. “It’s time you fill me in on what’s going on. I want to help you, but I need to understand the situation.”
I stare at her, debating with myself what to do. This secret between us feels like carrying the weight of two elephants on my shoulders.
I shouldn’t drag her further into this. If Tiero found her today and interrogated her, her ignorance would protect her.
“The less you know, the safer you are,” I whisper, not meeting her eyes. “I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you because of me.”
Claudette takes my hands and waits until I look up at her.
“Ash, do you think I believe in coincidences?”
I frown at her. “No?” It comes out more like a question than an answer.
“Correct. I don’t. We cross paths with people for a reason. You and I clicked instantly. It’s not a coincidence.”
“It isn’t?”
“No. We’ve done this before.”
“We have?”
“Yes. In a different lifetime.”
“Oh. I’m not sure I believe in that.”
I didn’t a few weeks ago, but with everything that’s been happening… doubt is sprouting.
“You’re skeptical, but I can see you’re beginning to understand the bigger picture.”
I am?
It sure doesn’t feel like it.
“You think you’re protecting me by keeping me out of your drama,” Claudette continues. “But Ash, I’m right where I’m meant to be… helping you. I’m going to be okay no matter what happens.” Her conviction is convincing.
I’ve wanted to tell her about Tiero, and Aiden too, for so long. Still, I hesitate.
“It would be selfish of me,” I say in a last effort to keep her out.
Claudette shakes her head. “There isn’t a selfish bone in your body. Remember what I told you the other night? You’re well looked after. I’m on your team. Now tell me, darling. But first, let’s get out of this cramped bathroom.”
She pulls me up, and we return to the sitting corner of her cabin. She pours us each a cup of tea from her copper teapot and hands it to me. I close my eyes and breathe in the spicy aroma.
“You know, the meditation was meant to reassure you, but that clearly backfired. You’ve tapped into the drama part, not the end when all has turned out well. I’m sorry this happened. But perhaps it was to give you a heads up?”
