Page 41

Keiran stayed motionless after she left. Rage simmered inside of him, but it was not directed at the girl he had spent the last three years hating. He was furious at Bex for making it seem as if he cared about saving his marriage. But he was also furious at himself because itwastrue.

Why, dammit?

Why did she matter to him so damn much even when she had chosen her worthless parents over him?

When Keiran finally returned to the penthouse, it was with a weight on his shoulders that felt heavier than any he'd carried before.

As soon as he stepped into the living room, he stopped dead in his tracks.

Giancarlo was seated on the couch, looking perfectly at ease. Cadence sat across from him, her face drained of color.

Keiran's blood ran cold. One look at her face and he knew exactly what Marchetti had told her.

"Is what he's saying true?" Cadence asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

FUCK.

How did one explain just because he was famiglia did not mean he was a monster...or had to stay one at least? How to explain that it was not his choice to be born in a different world, and one that was soaked in blood and scarred by sin?

"Cadence—-"

"Just answer me. Yes or no."

His heart thudded against his chest. What would he do if she couldn't accept him? If she asked—-

"Are we still married?"



















Cadence

PRESENT TIME

My mind is still blank when Keiran comes back to the living room, alone.

"Giancarlo?" I hear myself asking.

"Gone."