“Have you told this to Stella?”
“I’ve made my intentions clear enough.”
“And what were her thoughts on the matter?”
“Judging by the pity in your eyes, you already know exactly what her thoughts are.”
“That’s what I was afraid of.” Selene sighs, her expression softening as if a realization has just clicked into place. A heavy pause settles between us before she continues. “My Stella has always been fiercely independent, you know. Extremely so. Being her mother has been the challenge of a lifetime.” I stay silent, letting her speak. “Most parents have some influence on their children’s happiness—at least until they leave the nest. But my Stella? She has always marched to the beat of her own drum, never letting anyone dictate her path.” She swallows hard. “Do you know how powerless it feels, as a mother, to watch your child choose a life of bloodshed and pain? A life you tried so hard to shield all your children from?”
“If it’s what makes her happy, then why try to stop it? Why stand in the way of her happiness?”
“Who says that was ever my intention? No, Kill. What I’d love nothing more is for my daughter to stop running from true happiness like the plague.” Her voice cracks just once. “Yes, once inducted, Stella will live the life she always dreamed of. But you and I both know that serving any criminal organization isn’t enough to fill the hollow in your heart. You need people for that. People to love.”
I don’t say anything, too afraid my voice will betray me.
She looks at me again, as if she can read every thought running through my mind.
“Do you know how a woman knows when a man is in love?” she asks suddenly.
I shake my head.
“Through the eyes,” she says softly. “The way he looks at the person he loves most in the world.”
“And a woman? How…how do you know she loves you the same way?” I ask, my voice rougher and more vulnerable than I intended.
A shy smile tugs at Selene’s lips.
“By the way she smiles.” Her voice warms. “I saw more smiles on my daughter’s face while she was working with you on that riverboat casino than I’ve seen in most of her life.” But then her expression dims. “However, after her father… got shot,” she mutters, lowering her head before looking back at me, “my sweet, wild, defiant daughter lost that endearing smile altogether.”
I swallow hard, my heartbeat drumming a mile a minute.
“By the way you’ve been looking at my Stella since you arrived, I think you’re the man who put that loving smile on her lips,” she continues gently. “And she’s the one who made sure to tear it out. Am I close?”
I nod, feeling raw and far too exposed.
“As I suspected.” She frowns sadly before stepping closer. “That’s why I thought it prudent to speak with you.”
“I see. And what exactly do you want to tell me?”
Selene takes my hands in hers, giving them a firm, motherly squeeze.
“All I’ve ever wanted for my Stella is her happiness. And I think that happiness lies in you.” Another tender smile. “But it won’t be easy. She will fight you. She will push you away. She willeven make you question whether she’s worth the misery she puts you through.” Her voice softens further. “All I can say is that she is. My Stella is worthy of the world. She deserves every one of her heart’s desires. She deserves true love… from a man worthy of her.”
I nod again, still too shell-shocked to form words.
Selene surprises me further when she leans in closer, her lips only inches from my ear.
“But let’s be clear about one thing, Kill.” Her voice drops into something cold and sharp. “If she allows herself to love you back, and you take that love for granted… if you hurt her in any way… well. Let’s just say not even all theBratvasoldiers at your disposal would save you from my wrath. Is that understood?”
I smile, finally understanding where my Stella gets it from.
“If the day ever comes that I hurt your daughter, you won’t need to hunt me down. I’ll put the gun in your hand myself.”
“Good,” she coos, stepping back and glancing toward the crowded living room. “It’s almost time now,” Selene says, locking eyes with her husband. “Don’t go inside. Wait here. I’ve made arrangements for you.”
My brow wrinkles at the ominous remark, but I don’t dare move an inch.
“Selene,” I call out when she reaches the sliding glass door.
