“No. But it makes me wonder if something’s changed.”
“Like what?”
“Like maybe you’re seeing someone.”
The question hangs between us.
I could lie. Tell him I’m just adjusting to having the boys home, to not being in Ireland anymore. He’d probably believe me.
But I’m tired of lying.
“And if I am?”
His mouth curves slightly. “Then I’d say it’s about time. You’ve been locked away for six years. You deserve to have a life.”
“You’re not going to ask who?”
“I don’t need to ask. I already know.”
My stomach drops. “Julian?—”
“It’s Cassian, isn’t it? You’re seeing him outside the supervised visits.”
I don’t confirm or deny. Just stand there feeling exposed.
Julian runs a hand through his hair. “I suspected after Nadia mentioned the way you two look at each other. But I wanted to hear it from you.”
“Are you angry?”
“Should I be? You’re an adult. You can make your own choices.”
“But?”
“But Cassian Rourke isn’t a regular person, Aurelia. He’s dangerous. He runs criminal operations. He’s killed people. Trust doesn’t come easy with men like him.”
“I know what he is.”
“Aurelia, you’re falling for the man who tried to kidnap your children three weeks ago.”
The words sting because they’re true.
“He’s their father,” I say.
“That doesn’t make him safe, and it most definitely doesn’t make this smart.”
“I’m being careful.”
“Are you? Because careful would be keeping things professional. Careful would be maintaining boundaries for the boys’ sake. This—” He gestures vaguely. “Whatever this is, it’s not careful.”
I don’t have an answer for that.
Julian stands. “I’m not telling you what to do. You’re a grown woman. But I am telling you to be smart. Don’t let your feelings for him cloud your judgment. Don’t forget what he’s capable of when he doesn’t get what he wants.”
He walks toward the door.
Stops.
Turns back to face me.
