Page 45

Cadence

PRESENT TIME

I've never been on a private jet before—not even with Keiran.

Fancy is the only word I can think of to describe its interior, but as much as I want to enjoy it...

"How are you doing?"

I can't.

Not when my whole world is falling apart.

And so all I can do is muster a weak smile for Giancarlo. "I'm coping."

"That's more than good, all things considered."

His gentle voice makes me want to cry, and I'm not even sure why that is.

My mind drifts back to the past, and I remember how Giancarlo and I made our escape from Keiran's penthouse apartment. And the entire time, all I could think about was...

Is this really happening?

Is it?

Really?

And to be honest, the question is still at the back of my mind, like some ingested poison that's about to take effect at any given moment.

"We're here."

I glance out of the window...but it's not Boston I see below.

St. Martha's Vineyard?

"Think of this as a proactive strategy," Giancarlo murmurs. "We cannot let your parents be used as leverage against your husband,sì?"