Page 86 of Lupo

"Tell me what you're thinking," I say.

"I'm thinking about the photo. Trying to remember." He's quiet for a moment. "When you described it—me in a suit, with other men—something flickered. Not a full memory, just a feeling. Like I've stood in that exact position before. Many times."

"What kind of feeling?"

"Power." The word is barely a whisper. "Like I was someone who people listened to."

"The man said they were searching for someone who was badly injured. That someone might have helped him." I prop myself up on my elbow. "They know you survived. I’m sure of it. And they're not going to stop until they find you."

"That’s what I’m afraid of."

"What do we do?"

He pulls me closer. "We wait. We see if they come back. And if they do—" He stops. "Then I'll have to face whoever I was. Whatever I left behind." He kisses my forehead. "But that doesn't change this. You and Elena—you're my life now. Not whatever I had before."

I want to believe him. Want to believe that when his memory returns fully, when he remembers his real name and his real life, he'll still choose us.

But I'm not sure I do.

Because the man in that photograph looked like he belonged to a different world. A world of power and violence and expensive suits.

Not our world.

And I'm terrified that when he remembers, he'll realize he doesn't belong here after all.

We fall asleep eventually, tangled together, both of us knowing that tomorrow might change everything.

That the men asking questions will keep asking.

That sooner or later, they'll find what they're looking for.

And when they do, I might lose him.

I just hold him in the darkness and pray for more time.

Just a little more time before the past catches up and takes him away from us.

Chapter 25: Lupo

I see the men in the cars before they see me.

Two black sedans pulling into the construction site parking area. Expensive. Out of place among the beat-up trucks and work vehicles.

My hands go still on the lumber I'm carrying. Every instinct I have screams danger.

"Lupo?" Aldo calls from across the site. "You okay?"

I force myself to move, to set down the lumber. "Fine. Just need water."

But I'm watching the cars. Watching as four men in suits get out. One of them is the man from Isabella's description.

They're scanning the site. Looking for someone.

Looking for me.

I could run. Slip away through the back, disappear into the surrounding buildings. But where would I go? And running would only confirm I'm who they're looking for.

Besides, it's too late. One of them has spotted me.