"I need to see them," I said for the hundredth time. "Please—"
"Every time you go to that hospital, you're exposed. Marco's probably watching, waiting—"
"Then let him come! I'm tired of hiding while our children are alone—"
My voice cracked. I pressed my palms against cold glass.
Alessio's arms came around me from behind, careful of my incision, his hand settling over my belly.
"I know this is impossible. But just a little longer."
"It's never going to end!" I spun in his arms. "Marco will always find a way. We're going to spend the rest of our lives running while our children grow up without us!"
"That's not true—"
"Isn't it? He escaped from a federal supermax. Has people inside the system helping him. Killed four guards like it was nothing." Tears streamed down my face. "I just want to be their mother. Is that too much to ask?"
"No,principessa. It's not." He held me tighter. "And I'm going to make sure you get it."
But his promises felt hollow when Marco kept proving he was untouchable.
A knock at the door made us both jump.
Livia entered carrying coffee, looking as exhausted as I felt. She'd been staying at the facility too—witness protection until Marco was captured.
"Any news?" she asked.
"Nothing," Alessio said. "Marco's still out there."
Livia sank into a chair. "You both look terrible."
"Thank you," I said flatly. "Very helpful."
"I mean it. When's the last time either of you actually slept?"
I couldn't remember. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Marco's face. Or imagined him at the hospital, getting to the babies.
"We're fine," Alessio said.
"You're not fine. You're running on fumes." Livia crossed to me and took my hands. "Valentina, you just had major surgery. You're supposed to be healing, not spiraling."
"My babies are in NICU without me. My father escaped prison and is hunting us. Spiraling seems appropriate."
"Maybe. But you're stronger than this—stronger than him. You've already proven that." She squeezed my hands. "We're going to get through this. Together."
Something in her words steadied me. She was right. I wasn't that terrified woman from the motel room anymore. I'd testified against my father, survived his murder attempts, and given birth to twins despite everything.
I was stronger than the fear.
"Together," I repeated softly.
"DeLuca daughters," Livia confirmed. I pulled her into a hug, this sister I'd known for three weeks but who understood me completely.
"Thank you," I whispered. "For being here. For choosing us."
"Always, sorella."
The next morning brought the first real lead.
