“They attack.”
He nods in agreement. “And that’s why we need to make the breakup between you two look final. Whoever’s watching needs to believe she no longer matters to you.”
I know he’s saying it with full knowledge that not a single word of it is true—but just the thought of Lilly believing she’s not the center of my world makes me physically sick.
“What do you have in mind?”
“It’s all set. You might not like the solution, but it’ll make her give up on you for good. First, though, we need to talk to Theodoro. Even if everything goes as planned and Lilly turns her back on you, I don’t trust her living alone until Maria is caught. That monster only needs one moment of distraction and that could cost my sister her life.”
“It won’t happen. I won’t allow it.”
“Good. We’ve got a few hours to set everything in motion. The plan is already underway.”
“How can you be sure taking out Maria will be enough? That we won’t have to take down the entire organization?”
“Because they’re merchants. It’s not personal,” he says, almost repeating what Jonathan told me. “They don’t give a fuck about your history with Maria. There’s no hatred or revenge involved. They just want to keep making money. Once she’s out of the picture, we’ll hand over everything we have to the police and let them handle it.”
“Tell me about the plan,” I say, even though I already feel like I’m making a huge mistake.
Chapter 61
Theo’s been acting a little strange.
He told me he wanted to be alone, but this morning, he asked if I could spend a few days with him because his shoulder was bothering him again.
I don’t see much sense in that, since from what my brother told me, the big blond guy follows him around like a shadow and is even staying at his apartment.
There’s some kind of energy building between them, and using Martina’s words, I’m not going to be a third wheel.
AfterBlood—Theo said that’s his nickname, but I don’t feel comfortable calling him that—made sure my friend’s apartment was secure, he told us he’d leave two men stationed at the entrance and walked out without saying goodbye.
“Are you going to visit Bruno today, like always?”
“Yes. He looks forward to my visits, and honestly, so do I. The hours we spend together are precious.”
Being with him is the only thing keeping me from falling apart. I’ve been trying to avoid thinking about my situation with Amos. I want to hold on to the belief that nothing he said was true, that he’s just trying to do what he thinks is right to protect me, but I swing between acceptance and this bottomless sadness.
I miss him every minute of the day.
“How are things between you and your handsome man?” Theo asks, like he’s reading my thoughts.
“There are no things.” I shrug. “We haven’t seen each other.”
“Lilly . . .”
“I don’t want to talk about that right now, but I do want to tell you something.”
I quickly explain my intention to adopt Bruno, and as I do, his eyes widen.
“Are you sure about this?”
“Absolutely. I’ve gotten attached to him, and I want to give him all the love he’s never had.”
“Lilly, you’re just starting your life. What about college?”
“That won’t be a problem. I can take fewer classes each semester. There are so many women who balance careers and motherhood. I’m sure I can too. I’d really like your support.”
“Sweetheart, I’ll always be by your side—I just don’t want you to make a rushed decision.”
