I check my watch. 3:47 PM. "What time?"
"Seven. Sharp. Don't be late." She pauses. "And bring your wife. It's time the family met her properly."
The line goes dead.
Fuck.
I turn back to find Sera and Mr. Bolinger discussing restoration techniques, her face animated in a way I rarely see. She's gesturing at the Dickens, explaining something about binding structures and wheat paste.
I don't want to take this from her. Don't want to cut this moment short.
But I don't have a choice.
"Sera."
She looks up, and I see her expression fall the moment she sees my face.
"We have to go," I say. "Family dinner. Tonight."
"But we just got here?—"
"I know." And I do. I know this is exactly what she was afraid of. That every small freedom would be temporary. Every moment of happiness cut short. "I'm sorry."
Mr. Bolinger pats her hand. "It's alright, kiddo. We'll have plenty of time to catch up. Starting next week, yes?"
She nods, but the light has gone out of her eyes.
I help her into her coat, guide her toward the door. Leo and the guards fall into formation around us.
At the threshold, Mr. Bolinger catches my arm.
"Mr. Nero," he says quietly. "A word."
I nod to Leo to give us space.
The old man looks at me with those sharp, assessing eyes. "She's special. I hope you know that."
"I'm beginning to," I say honestly.
"Good." He doesn't release my arm. "Because that girl has been through more than most people could handle. Lost her parents. Raised a brother who..." He trails off, diplomatic. "Well. You know."
I say nothing. Just listen.
"Whatever's happening in your world, whatever's keeping her locked up in that penthouse with armed guards following her everywhere..." He glances toward where Sera waits by the door. "She deserves better than to be kept like a bird in a cage. Even if the cage is gilded."
"I'm trying," I say. And I mean it.
"I believe you." His voice is gentle but firm. "But try harder. Or you'll lose her. Maybe not physically. But you'll lose the parts of her that make her who she is."
He's right.
I know he's right.
"I will," I promise.
He nods, seemingly satisfied, and turns back to his books.
I join Sera at the door. She's quiet as we walk to the SUV, quiet as Leo opens her door, quiet as we pull away from the curb.
