“I understand.”
“Well, that’s good because I don’t.” I slouched on the chair. “I have no idea what Ciro will do or what he wants.”
“Sounds like he might expect you to move to Canada. Are you okay with leaving your life and sister, and all your friends?” When she put it that way, my answer was no.
I’d always done whatever Ciro wanted. Obeyed like agood girl. Not this time.
If he wanted Pippa in his life, he needed to do the work and prove he wouldn’t abandon her after the novelty of having a child wore off. I needed to protect my daughter’s heart, so she didn’t end up like me, guarded with daddy issues.
“Isla?” Falina’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. “Are you okay?”
“No.” I squared my shoulders and composed myself. “I’m not okay with moving to Canada if Ciro demands it. You saw me not long after we broke up. I was a mess because of him.”
“You were.”
“Well, he doesn’t get to drop in out of nowhere and call the shots. I’m a goddamn independent woman and mother!”
“Yes, you are!” She stood and clapped enthusiastically, which fueled my burst of confidence.
“Just because he’s powerful and disgustingly rich doesn’t mean squat. I’m Pippa’s mother and I decide what’s best for me and my daughter.”
“That’s right girlie. Don’t let him intimidate you and boss you around!”
“No one will ever control me again!” I paced in the small office and flexed my hands. “Ciro better get used to the brand new me. I might be a lot younger than him, but I’ve grown and matured over the past year. I don’t need him or his money. I can provide for my child just fine!”
“Brava! You’re a badass momma!” She clapped some more. “You got this!”
“Damn straight I do!” I went to the doorway. “Good talk.”
I left Falina’s office with mental clarity and felt a thousand times stronger.
I’m ready for you Ciro.
24
CIRO
Back at my hotel,hot water soothed my tense muscles. I absorbed the steam in the shower as if it could cleanse my soul. All I could think of was Isla and how to convince her to give me another chance.
And I did want another chance, more than anything.
Pippa wasn’t far from my thoughts either, but last week I had come for Isla. I needed her. Missed her. Loved her… But my sweet Pippa was the greatest surprise I’d ever received.
I turned off the water, grabbed the hotel bathrobe, and slipped it on, emotionally spent. Exhausted from the inside out.
My mind reeled with a million thoughts. I was a father and had been a father for months. Months.
Dragging my weary body over to the wall of windows, I stared at the Golden Gate Bridge. The view wasn’t nearly as impressive as it had been at Fabio’s, but it wasn’t anything to scoff at either. I might enjoy owning a billion-dollar view of the magnificent structure…
“She had been here all along with my daughter,” I growled, running my fingers through my wet hair.
Paolo didn’t give me his two cents because I’d made him stay at Alba’s to guard my baby. I was paranoid that Isla would take Pippa and go on the run with her, so I’d left my most trusted bodyguard to watch over my daughter.
I padded to the minibar, selected a bottle and twisted the cap off the bourbon. I shouldn’t think the worst of Isla, but how could I not? She had my baby and didn’t tell me.
Putting the small bottle to my lips, I guzzled it down in one shot.
My phone vibrated on the nightstand. Instant worry crashed over me like a massive wave. Could it be Isla or Pippa? My brother’s name flashed on the screen. Of course…
