I let DiAngelo in, then make sure to lock the door behind him.
“Thanks for not breaking in,” I say. “Have you heard from him?” It’s only been maybe fifteen minutes since we spoke on the phone, but it feels like an eternity.
“No. I called Sante, but he hasn’t heard from him either.” He walks into the living room and sits on the sofa.
“What are you doing? Aren’t you going to look for him?”
“Where exactly should I start?” He directs a hand toward the skyline view of the city out the window. “You considered how fucking huge this city is?”
“I know, but we have to dosomething,” I whisper, sensing the onset of tears.
“I am doing something. I’m making sure you’re safe, though I didn’t realize he already had someone stationed here. He’d haunt my ass for all eternity if I let something happen to you.”
“Why—” Emotion constricts my throat, cutting off the words. “Why are you talking about him like he’s dead?”
“Jesus.” He heaves himself off the sofa with a sigh and pulls me into a giant bear hug. “He’s fine, Danika. That kid can take care of himself, right?”
I nod shakily and try to calm myself. When DiAngelo senses I’ve regained control, he pulls back to meet my eyes, his hands still firmly but gently holding my upper arms.
“If you’re gonna be a part of this world, you’re gonna have to get used to this shit.” He raises thick brows at me, and I nod, though I’m not sure I ever will.
He huffs irritably like he’s reading my thoughts and drops his hands just as Tommy walks in the front door.
“Tommy!” I cry.
He freezes, taking in the sight of me with DiAngelo. Ominous shadows darken his face. “What? I’m gone an hour, and you’ve already replaced me?”
His unexpected accusation is a slap that pulls a gasp from me.
“Watch your fucking tone, kid,” DiAngelo barks. “She called me because she was worried about you. Try checking your phone, for fuck’s sake.”
“Left it here. That’s why I came back. Didn’t realize I’d have a search party waiting for me after just a fucking hour.” Tommy’sglare winds me because I can’t imagine what I’ve done to deserve such ire. “You’re just like my brother, aren’t you? You think I’m totally incompetent. Guess that’s what I get for forcing you to marry me.”
DiAngelo surges forward like a dog on a squirrel. Tommy never flinches as the larger man gets in his face.
“It’s about time you pull your fucking head out of your ass. Someone worrying about your safety is a show of love, not distrust, and if you’re too insecure about your idiosyncrasies to think caring about you is an insult, then that’s on you, not her or anyone else. Danika and your brother—they both just want you to be safe because they don’t want to lose you. Grow the fuck up.” He checks Tommy’s shoulder on the way out, slamming the door behind him.
Tommy’s words cut me, but more than anything, I’m heartbroken for him. I’ve seen how he struggles to be what he thinks is normal. I didn’t realize that struggle extended to his family, as well. My challenges always felt manageable because my core support system was always there for me. If I felt I had to prove myself to Mom or Gran, I can only imagine how much harder life would have been.
That’s what the problem has been all along, and I didn’t realize it. He’s been worried I’ll decide he’s unworthy and reject him. He thinks I’ve been forced into this and am making the best of it but am bound to want out.
If we have any hope of making this work, he has to believe in my feelings for him, and that’s not going to happen unless he knows the truth. He’s already sacrificed so much for me. It’s my turn to give a piece of myself for him.
I walk over and take his large hand in mine. “Come here. I have something I need to show you.”
CHAPTER 34
TOMMY
Fucking DiAngelo.With a few simple words, he’s ripped off my skin and exposed every fleshy detail of my insides—all in front of Danika. And the look on her face. Jesus, the pity. I hate it. I want to be furious. I want to rage and deny every word he said, but I can’t because what he said struck a chord. I’m afraid he might be right, and I don’t want to risk fucking up any more than I already have.
Tail tucked between my legs, I follow Danika to the guest room. I have no idea what this is about. She’s set up her workspace, and it looks like she’s been painting while I was gone. When she opens the bathroom door, the acrid scent of rubbing alcohol wafts into the room.
“What on earth have you been doing back here?” I squint my eyes against the smell like that’s going to help.
Danika doesn’t answer me. She simply continues toward the enclosed shower where she has a canvas lying face down, soaking in what I assume is alcohol. She opens the door and picks up the canvas. It’s the painting of the lilies. Or, it was. The paint is clumping and peeling off in chunks, revealing a different image beneath.
“When I was fifteen, I decided to go in secret to meet my father for the first time.” Her softly spoken words unsettle me more than any yelling would. Whatever she’s about to share, I won’t like it.
