Page 121 of A Convenient Secret

We already are.I smile at her, hoping my internal conundrum doesn’t show.

“The pictures…” she starts. “They put you in danger?”

The cars honk and move like molasses through the Manhattan traffic. “Let’s hope not.” I sigh.

Living in my cocoon here, the danger became distant—still lurking around the edges of my mind, but somehow removed, residing in my head only, well-guarded. A memory. A secret. But now?

The kids. Declan. What I wanted to prevent seems to come crashing in on my little bubble. Did I really believe I could disconnect from my past this easily?

“If my family finds me, it will be difficult,” I add.

“I respect that you have reasons not to share,but now my niece and nephew are involved, and Corm’s brother… They are my family, so please promise me that you will ask for help if needed.”

I reach out to squeeze her hand. “Thank you. I will explain everything soon. I trust you, Saar. I’ve been quiet because I felt that the more people know, the easier my family can find me. I wanted to protect everyone.”

“Are you in the Mafia?” she whispers, like somebody can hear us.

I snort. And it feels good to feel some mirth after the turmoil. “You really have a wild imagination. I’m sure some of my family is morally dark gray, but nothing organized.”

“That sounds ominous.”

“That was put diplomatically.” It feels good to talk to someone. “I would tell you more, but Declan deserves to know first.”

She smiles at me. “Fair enough. Before Corm, I would be offended, but now having someone who is always my first for everything, I understand.”

Is Declan my first? Will he want to stay my first when he knows who I am?

The man doesn’t want any complications. Will he accept mine?

Chapter 24

Lily

“Lily, Auntie!” Zoya runs to us. “I have to go backstage now. Whewe is Daddy?”

I squat to kiss her cheek, and she wraps her little arms around my neck. It’s an automatic gesture, but in my current state it brings tears to my eyes.

“He’s on his way. You go to your group and focus on the performance. I can’t wait to see you on that stage.”

She gives me a wet kiss. “I have a feeling it’s going to blow evewybody’s mind.” She winks at me and hops away.

I chuckle. That girl won’t get lost in this world. With her confidence and her loving family, shewill slay.

Saar looks from the hopping Zoya to me. “I’m pretty sure we’ll be sisters-in-law.”

I sigh.

She pokes me, smirking. “What? That girl adores you. And you’re sleeping with her father,” she whispers. “I see a happily-ever-after.”

“Saar.” We both turn. “Lily.” Declan’s mom smiles at us, Zach walking behind her, frowning.

“Dorothy, were you spending a day with this young gentleman?” Saar hugs her mother-in-law.

“And what a delight it was, wasn’t it, Zach?”

He bows his head briefly, the same way his father does. “We went for high tea and an art auction.”

I blink. “Wow. Did you have a good time?”