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And then escaping from Carlo. Being kidnapped by Sergio and having to let him use my body all over again. Just like he’d done all those years ago.
And then finally escaping from him and living in Italy. Surviving there, keeping us hidden and safe from Sergio.
And then Carlo finding us. Watching me give birth to our son and almost die in the process.
But I didn’t die.
I survived.
Just like I survived my anger, and heartache, and depression afterward.
I’d done it.
With help.
But I was still here.
And I’d be here tonight. And tomorrow. And the next day.
With this man. Because I loved him. And he loved me. And we were going to build a big, huge family. I’d see to that.
Stassia could throw whatever she wanted at me. The truth of it was—I’d faced much scarier foes in my life.
I hadn’t fought this hard to be here, only to have Stassia’s bullcrap take me down.
“No, I’m fine. I just feel gross. I need to shower and brush my teeth before he wakes up.”
His eyes scoured my face one more time before he seemed okay to let me go.
Because I was okay.
Or at least I would be. I knew that.
22
Giselle
A soft knock at the door caught my attention. Marcello was still drinking. Apparently not quite full yet.
“Come in,” I said, only making Marcello jump slightly. He frowned and settled back into me and continued his meal.
“Hi, can I, um, come in for a minute?” Eve asked shyly at the bedroom door.
I nodded. I’d figured she’d be up to talk to me eventually to explain. And apologize.
If the situations were reversed, I’d do the same thing.
She walked in slowly, heading around to Carlo’s side of the bed. She crawled on top and sat down beside us.
“Hungry boy,” she said, looking at Marcello. He heard his auntie’s voice and opened an eye for a second.
“Always,” I said with a small smile.
An awkward minute ticked by before she blurted out, “I’m sorry, Giselle. I didn’t want to keep that news from you. I felt so horrible. I always tell you everything.” Her hand touched my shoulder. “I’m a horrible friend. And I swear I’ll never keep something like that from you again.” Her eyes were brimming with tears. She meant every word. And I knew she did.
Eve was my best friend. And if Carlo—and probably Nick—hadn’t sworn her to secrecy, she would have told me this.
“It’s okay. I don’t blame you for this. None of it’s your fault. If I were to blame anyone, I should blame myself.”
