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“The pain lessens. It’s not as bad as the first week after Giulio’s death.”
I shake my head, not believing him. I saw his raw heartache at the restaurant. He’s lying to make me feel better.
“Once the bodies are ready to be buried, I’ll help you with the funeral arrangements,” he says.
“The funerals. Plural,” I correct him. “I have to bury Louisa and my dad.” My breathing hitches, and destructive emotions return with a force that knocks me off my feet.
I sway in Renzo’s hold before my legs go numb. His arms tighten around me, and a second later, I’m airborne as he picks me up.
My breathing hitches in my throat as painful sobs shudder from me.
Renzo sits down on one of the couches and cradles me like a baby while he presses kisses to my forehead and hair.
‘Honey, I want you to meet someone very special,’ Mom says.
I watch as a man comes to crouch in front of me, a kind smile on his face.
‘Hi, Skylar. My name is Harlan Davies. I’m a friend of your mommy’s.’
I bury my face against Renzo’s neck and cry my heart out as the memories start to bombard me.
‘Where could she be?’ I hear Uncle Harlan call out.
Hiding behind the curtains, I let out a chuckle. Suddenly, the curtain’s swept out of the way, and he lifts me into the air.
‘Gotcha!’ He gives me a hug, then taps his cheek. ‘Where’s my prize for finding you.’
I plant a wet kiss on his stubble, then wipe my mouth with the back of my hand.
“Renzo,” I groan, the pain too much for me to handle.
Wrapping his hand around the back of my neck, he pulls me away from his neck until our eyes meet.
“Tell me what to do,amo,” he says, his tone hoarse. “How can I help you get through this?”
I don’t know.
I grip the fabric over my heart as I struggle through the sobs, and Renzo squashes me against his chest again, rubbing his hand up and down my back.
“T-They killed my d-d-dad,” I cry through broken sobs.
“I’m so fucking sorry,” he whispers. “I’m here,amo. You’re not alone.”
“I am!” The words sound devastating to my ears. “I have n-no one l-left.”
“You have me,” Renzo assures me.
“You’re my k-kidnapper,” I argue.
“No. We both know that’s no longer the case.” He presses another kiss to the side of my head. “That ship sailed at the restaurant.”
Somehow, his words manage to calm me down enough that I’m able to stop crying. I rest my head against his shoulder and suck in deep breaths as the storm inside me quiets until everything feels empty again.
“When I say you have me, I mean it, Skylar,” Renzo murmurs. “No more kidnapper and captive bullshit.”
“Will you let me go?” I whisper.
“Where? Back to the mansion?” He lets out a sigh. “No, it’s too dangerous. You’re staying with me so I can protect you.”
