"Because Lyndall's missing."
"Fuck. Stay there."
And he hangs up.
I pace for so long I'm almost shocked there isn't a groove worn in the floor. I keep trying Lyndall, but her phone is off.
I noted the panic in Enzo's voice.
He might be in a panic, but I'm not. At least, not anymore. I've calmed down, and this fits in with Lyndall's MO.
If anyone can make an escape, it is her. She just never had to run from Enzo. Until now. She has run from her father—from Mario. And that's the thing.
She might be related to me, but she also has them in her veins. Osmosis or whatever. What do they call it? Nature versus nurture.
She's been there, absorbing it, learning from a powerful family.
But I keep trying her while Enzo is out there, hopefully looking for her.
And then my phone buzzes.
Enzo
I know you hate me right now.
I look at my phone. "Nailed it."
Enzo
And I'm sorry.
Me
Don't apologize to me. You owe that to Lyndall.
Enzo
Please don't run.
I almost ask how.
Sure, I don't want to live a life in fear and always under lock and key.
I know he thinks I'm in danger. And maybe I am. But he's got me well protected, and I had the big attempt at running that didn't end well.
So, even if I could, I'm not going anywhere.
Yet.
If I do leave him, I'll work out a plan. But I need to be calm before I go there. Truly calm.
Besides, there is Squish.
I have to think of our baby.
This isn't just about me anymore.
And even though I'm so angry at him and hurt that it is hard to see straight when I allow those thoughts in, I still believe he loves this being growing in me.
