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She blows out a breath. “I can’t see that working…”
“I know how it sounds, but he's different. I mean… he’s all about law and order, so I know it can’t work, and yet…”
“Does he feel the same?”
“He says things that make me think so. It’s not like he doesn’t know who I am or my family.”
She studies me for a moment. “Could he be using you?”
I swallow. “I’ve thought so, but his job is at risk too if anyone finds out. After all, I’m a target of his investigation.”
She’s quiet, and I can’t read her.
“He’s looking into Lazaro’s disappearance.” I don’t know how to explain Henry so she sees him like I do.
"Elio knows, does he?"
"No one does. I was thinking it would burn out, you know? But the more I’m with him, the more I want him. I want what you and Elio have. But I don’t know how to tell Elio that.”
She thinks for a moment, and I’m heartened that she seems to be trying to work through a way I can have Henry.
"It's not like Elio doesn't have relationships with cops,” she finally says. “The ones who saved us” —she glances at Elysse— “work for him.”
“Yes, well, Henry’s not a cop to be bought. He's a man of principles."
Piper arches a brow. "But he wants to be with you too? Surely, he knows your family."
"Now you see the problem."
Piper reaches out and squeezes my hand. "You’re like Romeo and Juliette.”
“So you’re saying we have to die?”
She shakes her head. “No. My guess is that something will have to give. One or both of you will have to sacrifice more than most people.”
“You mean he’ll need to give up his integrity and belief in the law, or I’ll have to give up my family?” If that’s even possible. I don’t see Elio trying to kill me if I leave the family, but someone else might.
“You know, I wouldn’t count Elio out. He chose me instead of marrying Rinella’s daughter. He stood up for love.”
“My situation is different.”
“Maybe, but even you thought he was a little too starry-eyed about me. He knows love. Especially since you’ve been happier lately.”
“What?”
“We might not have been seeing much of each other, but I’ve watched you. Two nights, you haven’t come home.”
My cheeks heat.
“And you seem more upbeat.”
“It’s been a roller coaster ride of emotion,” I admit, “but he does make me feel alive.”
"I'm so glad. You deserve to be happy, Lana."
"Thank you, Piper. I don’t suppose we can keep this between us until I figure out what to do, can we?”
She nods. “It’s not my place to tell your story.”
