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My lips tilt up in a smile. I’m really glad he asked.
CHAPTER 26
Sterling
Ihad been expecting a no and more assurances after that question, but Emilia pulls away to offer me a sheepish look.
“Just one,” she states.
My eyes narrow, and she sighs.
“I think my stepfather’s found me.”
I frown, my eyebrows rising. “You have a stepfather?”
I know she’s barely told me anything about her past, I just didn’t expect that she kept something so big. The expression on her face tells me she’s about to reveal something huge, so I steel myself as she speaks.
“He got married to my mom when I was a little girl. Sterling, he’s-he’s dangerous. I’ve never told anyone this because I’ve been too scared, but he’s the one that killed my mother. And before that, he tried to kill me so many times. I ran away because of him, because I was terrified he’d come after me.”
My fists clench. “Does he know where you are?”
“I don’t know. But I’ve been getting these strange calls. Anytime I pick up, there’s no reply on the other end, just eerie silence. It’s scary and the only person who could possibly be trying to mess with me like that is him. The man’s a sociopath.”
“Why didn’t you go to the police all those years ago if he killed your mother?”
“I did. They didn’t believe me. They all thought it was an overdose. My mom was a drug addict, but she was always careful. He fed her those pills—I watched him do it. Watched until she took her last breath, and then I ran.”
I exhale softly, my chest aching at the thought of what she might have experienced living with a man like that.
“What’s his name?”
“Lucas,” she breathes. “Lucas Rojas.”
“Alright. I’m going to take care of this,” I tell her. She looks a little freaked out, so I crouch down, taking her hand in mine. “Look at me, angel. I’m not going to let anyone hurt you. Or our daughter. I’m going to protect you. He’s never going to come anywhere near you, I promise.”
“Thank you,” she breathes.
We leave the garden soon after, heading into the house where our families are gathered. Emilia’s hand is in mine so she’s able to hold me back, her grip growing tighter.
“Do you think your parents are going to be upset with me?” she asks.
I look at her, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. “I think they’re going to be happy, actually. We’ve added another blessing to our family. I’m sure they’re glad.”
“Even your mom?” she asks nervously.
I laugh. “My mom’s not an evil witch, Emilia. Or at least I don’t think she is.”
“It’s not funny.”
“She’ll like you, come on.”
Emilia has nothing to worry about, of course. When we enter the living room, we find our families enjoying each other’s company. The mood in the room is light, happy in fact. My father approaches us first. He’s holding Stella in his arms.
“She looks so much like you, Ster,” he says happily. “Look at her eyes.”
“I know.” I grin.
Then he turns to Emilia. “Thank you, sweetheart. I can’t say I’m not a little upset that you didn’t come to us, but I already gave your dad hell in your place so it’s fine.”