Page 149 of Cara

There’s no choice.

Xavier knows it, deep down. So do I. In no world is my life more important than hers. An innocent child, waiting for her father to come save her.

Icanaccept that.

What I can’t accept is this—this sick game he’s waging onmy husband. A choice that Dominic knows is a worse fate than death.

Dante climbs the porch, moving slowly when he sees how his friend—his brother—is collapsing in on himself.

I can’t bear it.

Not after this night, what I’ve done. What they’ve done.

“We need to get out of here. They’ll be coming?—”

“No one is coming,” I say for Xavier, climbing the stairs one weak step at a time. “We’re going to them.”

“Sophie, wait. What thefuckis going on?”

As Dante shakes Xavier, I retreat to the bedroom, my gaze drawn to the empty liquor bottle on the table. The bedsheet draped by the door serves as a stark reminder of the nightmare that led me here.

To the final night of my life.

At least I got to hurt them… take some with me.

Not a comfort, but it’s something.

And as Isabella’s face flashes in my mind, I’m relieved that my death will mean something. Because I’ll be damned before I ever let them touch me again.

As I rinse blood off my face and clear the foul taste from my mouth, Bo steps in, his gaunt expression overwhelmed with disbelief. It’s clear that Xavier has somehow spoken, revealing the grim reality that awaits us. I glance at the clock.

55 minutes left.

“You need to get your brother and Mimi on a plane right now. Tell Zeke what’s happened.” My eyes widen, realizing. “Courtney.”

“I’ve already called her. She’s packing.”

My vision is so clouded that I can barely make him out. Bo crosses the room and pulls me in. Apologies pour out of me. “I’m… I'm so sorry. For not seeing who he was. For coming here. I’ve killed us. I’ve killedus.”

“No.”

“Isabella,” I choke out. “If anything happens to her…”

“It won’t. Xavier would never let it. Not to either of you.”

“He doesn’t have the choice.”

“Yes, he does.”

“I’llneverlet him choose me,” I snap. “That girl is his flesh and blood. She’s part of him. She is the only innocent one here, and she needs her father. If they’re willing to let him go, he has to take the chance.”

“I'm not giving up?—”

“You’re getting on that plane too.”

“No.”

“They will kill you the moment you set foot in that place. They know you’re loyal. No, you have to make sure everyone gets out safely. That’s the only way you can help us.” He’s notlistening. “Bo. Do you hear me?”