“You’ll never be safe, Gabriella. Not with Cane. Yakuza want you, too. They think you’re part of the business that I’ve handed over to them on a fucking plate.” His bitter words add yet further fear to that I’m already processing.
“You might be right. But it’s my life. Whatever happens, I’m done wanting to be a part of yours. Instead of stepping up to be a brother, you just ignored me, only ever calling on me when you needed something. You used me to your advantage. Have you ever thought about when I might have needed you? Didn’t you hear me screaming at you for help in that room? As they fucked me?” Every word I speak resonates through my body. This is how I’ve felt for years—years of seeking approval from someone who is selfish and cruel.
He shakes his head and turns away, sucking his bottom lip between his teeth. I turn around, too worked up to look at him right now. He’s never going to change. And he can’t take back what happened to me, or his choice. His betrayal cuts deeper than anything I’ve ever felt before. Family be damned.
“Are you going to stop what you do?” He swings his gaze back to me, and I see judgement clear in his eyes. “Stealing diamonds or anything else that takes your fancy? I know that’s what you do. Travel the world, taking your pick of what you want. You’re not so innocent, hermana, and if you think you can come in here and lecture me, you can leave.”
“What I do is none of your business. It has never been because you couldn’t give a shit about what I do unless it benefits you.” I stare into his eyes, knowing we’ll never find a route through this. We’re too different, too far apart. “All I ever wanted was your approval, Andreas. Your love.” I head off to make a dramatic exit. I’m done with this. Done with him. “Oh, and I’m damn well sure no one’s ever died from what I’ve done.”
I could slam the door, but my body is too drained. All I want is to hide away and cry. A family is all I’ve ever wanted. He’ll never see me as the little sister I am. How could he after what he let happen? No loyal brother watches that without trying to stop it. The disappointment I feel is heavier than I ever imagined possible.
But that’s it. I’m done.
There’s a sofa outside in the hall, and it catches my fall as I drop onto it. The sting of hot tears burns at the backs of my eyes, but I force them away. I’ve spent too much time crying, and I won’t give any more to Andreas.
His words echo in my head, though. Nate said it himself. This life will never end. I don’t think I fully comprehend what he means by that, but I’m pretty sure he’s not referring to spreadsheets and numbers. I love him, though, with all of my heart, and I can see he’s my chance at a family—not my blood, but the person my heart has chosen.
My mind circles the problem, surveying it and assessing all the weaknesses. I could have everything I ever wanted with Nate, but I’d have to live with the world in which he operates. And how would he feel about me going off to recon a job? Would he challenge me to stop like I've done to Andreas, to keep me safe?
A holiday fling now holds my heart in his hands, along with a life I’ve always wanted. But is the cost too high?
Quinn stands next to Nate, both of them caught up in conversation as I walk past. I approach slowly, giving them time to finish their talk. Lines of worry etch furrows over Quinn’s face, but he smoothes them out, turning his back to me and Nate as I come in closer.
Nate puts his hand out for me, and I gladly place mine in it.
“You’ve got plenty to occupy yourself. I’ll be in touch.” Quinn breezes past and disappears.
“Everything alright?”
He smiles and nods. “Yeah, it’s time for us to leave.”
“Leave? As in the hospital?”
“Yes.”
“But it’s only been…a few days since you were out of surgery.” He smiles and reaches for my face.
“I’m fine, Gabby. It’s time to go.”
“Where? Back to Chicago?” My mind spins at how fast things are moving all of a sudden.
“No. A hotel for now. A team is already on route to the Setai. We’ll be based there until we’re fit to fly.”
“Nate, please. Slow down.”
“Gabby, do you trust me?”
“Why did you shoot my brother?” It comes from nowhere, but if he’s going to ask me questions about trust, I need to know why.
He shakes his head and looks away. “He was going to be used as leverage, a negotiating point. That wouldn’t have worked, but I also needed to show he wasn’t valuable to me. I calculated the risk. It was a clean shot.” He says it mechanically, as if it was a simple decision. I can’t even process how that sort of mind works.
“For you to make? Or for Andreas to live?”
“Both. Why is this a problem now? Have you seen him?”
“Yes, but he said the same thing.”
“At least he’s honest to some degree then.” He huffs, obviously still annoyed with my brother. I know the feeling well. “What’s the problem, sweetheart?” His eyes quiz me as if he can’t see any problem here.
