Julianna gasps. “Really?” When her brother nods, she squeals. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted. How did you know?” Her gaze slides to me. “This is your doing, isn’t it? Oh my god, thank you so much!”
Her excitement has me smiling. “You’re welcome. I can’t wait to see what you create.”
She beams back at me.
Maximo continues, “Most evenings you will be free to do as you choose. Once in a while you may be required to attend a function with us. We’ve decided it’s important for you to make friends with other young women.”
“Okay. I can get dressed up and hang out with you two. Just try not to embarrass me, Maximo, you sound like Papa a lot these days.”
I laugh at Maximo’s insulted expression.
“I donotsound like Papa.”
“Yeah you do. You’re even starting to look like him. Is that a grey hair?”
He glowers at her. She giggles.
Ah, family.
We finish our meal, conversation flowing from one topic to the next. It’s light and relaxed. I could get used to this.
As we clear away dishes, I glance at my husband. Something has been eating away at Maximo. I see it in the way he won’t hold eye contact for long. Every time he looks at me, his shoulders stiffen. When he touches me, his hands are too gentle, as if he’s afraid I’ll break. I don’t want him treating me differently after everything that’s happened.
After we say good night to Julianna, I take his hand and lead him through his office, onto the private balcony. A warmsummer night wraps around me like a cozy blanket. From up here, the whole city stretches out before us. It’s so big. And I’m not afraid of it any more.
I lace my fingers through his. “What’s wrong, Maximo? I can tell something’s bothering you.”
He breathes out a shuddering sigh, like the weight of the world rests on his shoulders. The sound goes straight through my heart.
“I’m so sorry,cara mia. You’re hurt because of my arrogance and stupidity. I thought we were untouchable. How wrong I was…”
“Max—”
“Because of me, you relived your worst nightmare. They took you, trapped you, and I wasn’t there to save you.”
“Yes you were. You saved both me and Julianna.” I try to comfort him.
He clenches his jaw and shakes his head. “I wasn’t there soon enough.”
“I disagree. You arrived right on time.”
He pins me with a questioning gaze. “How’s that?”
“This probably won’t make any sense to you, but I believe everything happens for a reason.” I glance out at the city all around us. “For example, if I hadn’t been kidnapped all those years ago, I would have gone through with my arranged marriage. Which means I’d be Cian O’Rourke’s wife—and we would have been a terrible match. Instead, he married Ravenna, and they are happy together.”
“I don’t see?—”
“Let me play it out for you. If I hadn’t been traumatized from that experience, I never would have come to live with Aunt Antonia. You wouldn’t have become my protector.” I glance at him and smile. “Our paths wouldn’t have crossed like they did, and that would have been a shame.”
He’s quiet as I continue, “Was being kidnapped again terrible? Yes, it was. There were moments when I thought I wouldn’t survive, but I did. Furthermore, because of what happened, I was able to prove to myself that I’m not weak. In a strange way, I got to have a re-do, to respond differently this time. I was able to fight back and save myself. If I hadn’t been set on freeing Julianna too, I would have succeeded in freeing myself, all on my own.”
“You never should have had to do that all on your own,” he murmurs.
“I know. But I had to prove to myself that I could. That I could do it on my own. I learned my own strength because of what happened. For that, I’m grateful. I’m not afraid any more, Maximo. My demons are laid to rest.”
He closes the distance between us, cupping my cheeks in his massive palms. “I’ve never doubted your strength,bella.”
“I know. ButIdid.” I drink in his warmth, letting his presence sink in. He feels like home. Finally, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be in this world. “I love you.”
