I hesitate before stepping closer."I need to know more about when Sin took me from coming here. Why didn’t you comefor me?"The words are quiet, but they land between us like a gunshot.
His smirk fades."I did try."
“When you came to my work.” I say. “But you never said anything.”
Cameron takes a slow sip, then sets the glass down with a quiet clink."You were never supposed to go to a boarding house when you left the orphanage, Magnolia. We had a plan. You were coming home that day as you know.”
A chill runs through me recalling that particular betrayal."Yeah, and Sin made me believe just as the sisters did that I was destined for some kind of half way house."I shake my head.
His voice is low, urgent."The sisters were well paid for keeping you safe. They didn’t know the driver wasn’t us. We didn’t know anyone knew of your existence. Our intel informed us not long after you arrived at the Donati residence. I was ready for blood, but mom calmed me down, made me think more strategically. I needed an in, and I got it. I went to the coffee shop to make sure you were safe.”
The room tilts slightly, my breath shallow."I wish you would have just told me.”
Cameron’s jaw clenches."If you knew, you might have let it slip. And if the wrong person heard? You’d be dead, Magnolia. We couldn’t risk it." When I don’t respond, he continues. “Think of it this way, if I told you and you didn’t believe me you would have told him. If I took you, forced you to come home, you would have hated me.”
I turn away, pressing my hands to the cold marble fireplace, trying to ground myself."I spent my whole life thinking no one wanted me. That I was left behind."
Cameron’s voice softens."I wanted you. Mom wanted you. We just… we had to wait. And then he took you."
“I need to talk to you about something,” I say quietly. He glances over at me but doesn’t speak. “I need to be able to see Bria.” The words come out heavy, I've been carrying them for days. “I can't stay locked away in this house and pretend everything is fine when the only person who’s ever really understood me is out there and I can’t reach her.”
Cameron turns around slowly, his face hard as stone. “Magnolia, you don’t understand what you’re asking. Bria is Sin’s sister. The Donati’s and the Rusco’s… we’re enemies. You thinkI’mgoing to open the door to one of them? Even just for a visit? You know what that could do to this family?”
His words slice through me, but I’m determined now, the frustration building inside. “I’m not asking for a war, Cameron. I’m asking to seemy friend. To know she’s okay. We’re not at war because ofher. We’re at war because of the men in our families. But Bria, she’s my friend. Ineedher.” I walk toward him, desperate for him to understand. “What I’m asking is simple.”
He shakes his head, jaw tight. “You don’t understand what you’re asking. I can’t let one of them in here. Not after everything the Donati’s have done. It’s too dangerous for you, and forher.” He says that last word with venom.
“I’m well aware of the dynamics Cameron. I may not know everything, I didn’t even have to have this conversation with you, I could have taken it directly to our mother. I’m not asking for her to come here, I’m just asking the grace to be friends with her.”
His jaw tightens.
“I know Sin fucked me over, we don’t have to trust him… but Bria is innocent. Like I said, I could have went to mom but I came to you out of respect not only as the head of the Rusco family… but as my big brother.” A sentence I never thought I would say.
Cameron looks away, staring at the fire for a long, tense moment, his face grim. “And if Sin finds out? He’ll destroy everything. This is exactly what I’ve been trying to protect you from.”
“No.” I shake my head, “he won’t hurt me. The treaty is safe for me and her, we aren’t a part of it.”
“And how would you know that information?” He tilts his head. “Who came up with this exemption?”
I can’t mention to him my meeting with Sin. “As much as you may hate it, when I was there.” I point in the general direction to Sin’s side of the city, “I was safe.” I say, frustration breaking through my calm. “Bria is not a threat to me. She’s myfriendand she’s Sin’s little sister. Just like I’m yours.She doesn’t deserve to be treated like an enemy.”
“She is the enemy.” Cameron’s posture shifts slightly, his eyes narrowing.
He doesn’t say anything else, and for a moment, I’m unsure if he’s even listening to me anymore.
“I just need to see her,” I whisper again. “Just once. Please.”
Cameron breathes deeply, his eyes searching mine. He looks torn, as though he wants to say no, but something inside of him is pulling him towards reason. Finally, he lowers his head, exhaling sharply. “Fine but listen to me Magnolia. Do not trust her.” he mutters, his voice still rough.
I nod quickly, relief washing over me as I ignore his advice. “Thank you, Cam. Thank you for understanding.”
“I don’t understand it,” he says darkly, but there’s a hint of something softer in his gaze now. “But I understandyou. And if that means I have to make a deal with the devil to keep you happy, then so be it. I will contact the Caputo’s to ensure your safety in every inch of this fucking city.”
He turns away, staring out the window again, and I know that the weight of what he just agreed to won’t sit lightly on him. But he did it for me, because he cares.
“Magnolia, is there anything you want to tell me?”
I mull over the truth of me meeting Sin. Does he already know?
