Page 75 of Forgive Me, Father

Alfonso was there, hunched over his laptop, working, as if nothing had changed.

“He didn’t,” I whispered, a knot forming in my throat.

Nico shook his head, his expression unreadable.

The tears welled up before I could stop them, and one slid down my cheek.I rushed toward him, unable to hold back the flood of emotions.I pushed him gently back into his chair, crawling into his lap.And then, I just cried.

He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close, holding me tightly as I let it all out.

“I’m sorry.I should’ve told you everything before I gave you that contract.”

My sniffles were the only thing audible when he didn’t speak.

“I didn’t think I would feel this for anyone, and I love you more for trying.You have no idea how badly I wish it were enough.”

I clung to him even tighter, my heart pounding with a fierce determination.He wasn’t going to Sarah.I wouldn’t let that happen, not now, not ever.Whatever he needed, whatever he craved, I would give myself to him completely.I would find a way to make this work, no matter what it took.

TWENTY-SIX

THE WHITE RABBIT

I stayed awayfrom Camilla tonight.Sarah had texted me a few times, even called me, and I spoke in Italian.I told her tomorrow.Camilla was still struggling with the idea and I needed her consent.

“You really love her, don’t you?”she asked me.

“Love is not enough.”The words seemed inadequate to explain what I felt.

“You think it would help if she met me?”

“I’ll ask, but I doubt it.”Actually, I knew it would just piss the little runaway off.

“I’ll do anything for her to be onboard, Alfonso.”

“I know you will.I’ll phone you tomorrow with the time.”

“Okay, speak to you later.”

The call cut off, and I headed to the spare bedroom to take a shower, hoping the water would wash the day from my mind.

But I couldn’t shake the image of her, curled into my arms this morning, crying like the world had already ended.

It shattered something in me.

The way she clung to me, the sheer relief in her touch.It told me everything.A part of her had already believed I was gone.

I was going to lose her if I continued to meet with Sarah.

The next morning, I already had three missed calls from Sarah.She needed the pain, and I knew the last time I saw her was cut short due to Simi telling Camilla the truth of why we were there.

Normally, I would fly Sarah in for two days, do what we both needed, and she would be on her way.

I was a fool to think I could keep the dungeon, and Sarah, a secret from Camilla once we were home.

I got dressed, my mind racing, knowing I needed to weigh today carefully before giving Sarah any kind of answer.

When I stepped out, I was surprised to find Camilla already up and dressed.

She rose from her seat at the breakfast table and, without a word, walked over and kissed me.