“Nothing is your fault,” Chance said.
“Everything is my fault.” I looked at him as the tears streamed down my face. “I’m the one who said we had to run. We had to get away from the verbal and physical abuse. I didn’t have a plan.”
“You did have a plan. You kept us safe these last few years.” He nodded. “You got us out and kept us going even when I screwed up over and over again.”
“You screwed up a lot.” I wiped my nose with the back of my hand. “But that’s because we had it rough from the beginning. I hope you know that I tried.”
“You did more than try. You made it happen. You went to Milo when I got into trouble, and that saved us.” When he sighed, the regret in his eyes came through. “I made things difficult and I caused you so much pain, but I swear I was trying to look out for you.”
“I know.”
“I’m sorry, Sable.” He stood and turned away from me. “I hurt you.”
“It all worked out.” I got up and placed my hand on his shoulder. “It’s going to work out.” I sucked in a breath in an attempt to control my erratic emotions. “We both did the best we could, and now all those struggles are paying off. We caught a break.”
“Finally,” he said, his voice low. “You deserve it.”
“So do you.” I nudged him to turn around. “But you can’t screw this up. Okay? Nico won’t give you a second chance. He’s not Milo.”
“I like him a lot more than Milo.”
“Stay out of trouble, and if you get the urge to make a choice that you know is wrong, please call me.”
“Even with the time difference?”
“Anytime you need me.”
“Okay.” He pulled me into a hug. “I have to go.”
“Wait.” I held him tighter. “This is all going to work out, I promise. I would never have agreed to it if I didn’t think this was the best thing for you.”
“You’re the only person in my life who has ever made sure I had the best possible things.”
“Thank you for saying that. I really did try.” I let go of him. “Text me when you get there. Nico said he added international data to your cell plan.”
“He thinks of everything."
“That’s why he’s in charge.”
“Sable.” Ax tapped on the doorframe. “I have to get your brother to the airport. We need to miss the afternoon traffic to JFK.”
“You’re taking him?” Knowing he’d be with Ax before he left made me feel better.
“To the airport.” Ax nodded. “He isn’t flying alone. Mr. Accetti has someone accompanying him who will get him settled once he arrives in Italy.”
“See,” Chance said. “I told you he thinks of everything.”
“Sable.” Ax motioned for me to join him by the door. “It will be a few hours before I get back, but Milo said you’re staying in the building with him.”
“I won’t leave.” Milo didn't let me out of his sight much these days. “Please take care of my brother.”
“You don’t have anything to worry about,” he said. “He’ll be fine.”
“That’s what I keep telling her.” Chance kissed my cheek. “Bye, sis.”
“Be careful.” I waved when he and Ax headed down the hall. “Call me.”
I placed my hand over my mouth, holding back the sob that wanted to burst out as I hurried back into the office. Sinking down in front of the fireplace, I pulled my knees into my chest and let the tears stream down my face.
