“She needs time to think. To heal. We do not know what trauma she has gone through,” Matteo said gently. “She will likely need time to deal with it all.”
I said nothing. I knew they were right. I was a second thought in the big scheme of things.
“I…” I had no words. I did need to work on my relationship with my sons, and Matteo did need me for the next part of his plans.
“Do you love her?” Matteo asked.
“I-I care for her,” I replied softly, not wanting to say it because the idea was terrifying to me, given what it meant. I blinked, and Matteo gave me a knowing look.
“You are not ready for her. You can’t even admit your feelings aloud. You won’t be ready for her until you can do that. Not just to us, but to yourself. Do not waste her time, brother. Not until you are sure, and you are in a better position to give all of yourself to her.” Matteo reached out and squeezed my hand. “I only say this because I care about both you and Rosalie. And I care about how it’ll affect Evan and Alessandro if you decide you aren’t ready. Let her have her life, brother. When your work is done, you can try again. If you can make it through what’s ahead and still feel the want for her, you will know it’s real.”
I swallowed and nodded. He was right. I knew he was.
“I think you should take a small break from everything. Some think time,” Matteo continued. “A few weeks away to get your affairs in order before we fully dive into everything. It’ll give you time to focus.”
“What will I even do?” I frowned.
“Travel. Take Levin and Stef out to dinner. Spend time at a spa. Whatever you want,” Matteo said. “As long as you are thinking about what you truly want.”
I stared down at my hands, not sure how I’d even handle a few weeks away. I’d never taken a vacation from this life. I was always at Matteo’s side. For all these years, it had always been the three of us.
“She will want you still,” Alessio said.
“How do you know?” My voice was low as I looked at Alessio. How he knew that was my fear was beyond me, but perhaps I was easier to read than I thought.
“Because you’re you,” Alessio said simply. “And I know you. You have never been so happy as you have been these last few weeks. If this is truly love, you will both be better for it if you get through this. Then, you can be hers without anything stopping you. Wouldn’t you want that?”
I nodded. “I would,” I whispered.
“Then let’s get this life over with so we can start fresh, brothers,” Teo said.
I locked my eyes on his and nodded. Getting out of this life had seemed impossible, but now the real possibility of leaving was before us. I wanted to speak to Levin to ensure this was what he wanted before I made any decisions. If he needed me, I’d stay, even if it meant I worked for Dominic.
I would never abandon my boys again.
Matteo’s phone buzzed, and he pulled it out.
“Do you have her?”
I sat forward in my seat.
Matteo closed his eyes and breathed out. “I am happy. Yes. Of course. Bianca is in surgery. Drake is with her. All is well, my son. Yes. I understand. Be safe.” Matteo disconnected the phone and looked at me. “He has her. She was safe the entire time.”
A whoosh of air left my lungs at his words. “Where was she?”
“Dante Church had her.”
I frowned at that information. “Why did Sylar not tell us?”
“I’m sure he had his reasons,” Matteo murmured, looking just as frustrated as I felt about the entire situation. I wanted to wring that little piss weasel’s neck, but pushed the urge down.
“I will speak to him,” Matteo said. “Soon.” He looked at me. “But she is well. Unharmed. Alessandro says she is in good spirits. He is taking her to his house, and…”
“What?” I demanded.
Alessio looked from me to Matteo.
“She’s leaving,” Teo finished.
