I’m frozen in his arms, shaking and a bit dazed as I try to make sense of what he’s said. I’ve missed him so much, and the pain was worse because I thought he hated me. Knowing he didn’t mean it, that he’s been searching for me all this time, blows my mind.
“I was so angry that day, Sloane, and I couldn’t think straight. I didn’t even let you explain. I didn’t stop long enough to realize the woman I loved would never hurt me or my son. I?—”
“Dad?”
We break apart at the young voice, and emotion builds at the back of my throat as I face the boy sheltered at his father’s back. “My little prince,” I whisper, my voice cracking with emotion as I stare at Elio.
Unlike his father, Elio is completely changed. His head reaches Cristian’s chest now, and he’s sporting the same dark hair, vibrant green eyes, and strong features as his father. No one looking at them would ever doubt they were father and son, despite Cristian being his uncle and adopted father. No longer a cute baby-faced little kid, Elio is a handsome young man in the making. I’m stunned speechless.
“Sloane?” He stays close to his dad as he looks at me with confusion.
“It’s me.” I clear my throat. “You’re so grown up, Elio.”
“I’m nearly ten now.” His chest puffs out proudly as he stares at me. “You look different.”
“I do. I didn’t expect you’d remember me.”
“I remember some things. You saved me from the cartel,” he softly says. “I used to have nightmares about it,” Elio explains, and my heart hurts for all he must have endured. “But at the end, you were always there, in the kiosk, hugging me and kissing me and telling me I was safe, that the police were coming, Daddy was coming, and you weren’t letting anyone take me.”
“I’m sorry. I?—”
“Sir, we should get off the street.”
“John Angelo?” I’m only noticing the broad-shouldered older bodyguard now.
“It’s good to see you again, Sloane.” There’s no mistaking his welcoming smile.
I’m only alive because of him, of that I’m sure, but I don’t know if Cristian is aware he helped me, so I don’t throw myself at him and thank him like I want to, merely saying, “You too.”
“Will you come back to the penthouse?” Cristian asks.
“Why?” I cross my arms around my chest.
“To talk, maybe get something to eat. Please, Sloane.”
My eyes dart wildly around the place as I remember the men chasing me. There is no sign of them, but I don’t relax. They could’ve taken off when they spotted Cristian, but most likely, they’re hiding close by, watching our interaction. “I can’t go with you. It’s not safe. I won’t bring the cartel to your door again.”
Cristian frowns. “The cartel is no longer a problem. Pablo Fuentes is dead, as are all his men, and his brother is now in charge. He doesn’t give a fuck about his brother’s vendetta. He’s all about business. We brokered a peace deal with them, so you’re safe now, Sloane. You can stop running.”
“No.” I shake my head, instinctively moving in closer to Cristian. “They’re still after me. I was fleeing from two men when my car broke down a few blocks away. I had to abandon it because they were chasing me.”
Cristian whips out his gun at the same time John Angelo does. “Get Elio back to the car now!” he barks before tucking me against his side. John Angelo grabs Elio’s hand, and they start running.
“What are you doing?” I ask, protesting as Cristian pulls me with him, striding purposely back down the street after his son and bodyguard.
“What I should’ve done that day.” He peers into my face as he threads his fingers in mine. “Protecting you.”
“But—”
“No buts, Sloane. You’ve dealt with shit on your own for years, and it ends now. I don’t want to force you to come with me, but I’m not letting you go. Not ever if I have my way, or at least until we figure this out.”
“I don’t understand.” Surely, he can’t be saying what I think he’s saying?
“I know you’re hurt, but can you run? It’s too open here. We need to get off the street.”
“Nothing is making sense.”
“It will when we talk. Don’t fight me on this. Please.” His eyes blaze with steely determination. “No one should be after you, Sloane. But someone clearly is, and I’m not letting you out of my sight until I find the threat and eliminate it. I’m protecting you now the way I always should have. Now, am I carrying you, or are you running?”
