Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 110824 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110824 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
In the week I’ve spent here with Victor, I discovered that harsh truth quite by accident. Sam and Victor were discussing how they were going to tell me. Victor felt I needed to know. Sam never wanted me to know. That way, they wouldn’t have to drudge it all back up and hurt me all over again.
I couldn’t quite believe it, but it explained why Sam went so crazy trying to protect me and why he also stayed away for so long. He said when he showed back up, he tried to make it off like he didn’t know, but really what I saw when he looked at me was just a mixture of fury and guilt because it was all his fault—not being mad at me because I hadn’t reached out. Seems I gave him a perfect excuse to hide behind and didn’t even know it. At first, I was mad, but Sam was dealing with a lot. I understand. He should have never blamed himself, but I can’t convince him of that. I doubt I ever will.
Victor, on the other hand, has been warned he better never keep things from me again and his reply rocked me. He said he would probably keep things from me that didn’t pertain to our life together. Sometimes he is going to protect me, and I’d just have to accept that he will do what he needs to do to make me happy. I’m not delicate. I haven’t been for a while. I don’t want to be treated like that any longer. Victor points out he was always going to tell me about Abram. He knows I could take it.
During this conversation, he said something that sunk into my heart in a way that I know I will always carry it. I close my eyes and smile because I immediately see his face and hear the words he spoke that day.
“Gia, there’s a difference between protecting someone because they are weak and protecting someone because they are precious. You are precious to me. You’re the one thing I can’t live without. After having you in my life, living without you is impossible. That’s why I am your protector. I will do whatever it takes—with whatever force necessary—just to keep you safe.”
I let it go after that, because really, what could you say to that? Other than I love you, I mean, because that’s how I responded.
My head jerks up as the door opens. Antonio comes in with a grin.
“You look beautiful, Angelina,” he says, my name rolling off his tongue.
“Yeah, right,” I laugh, feeling self-conscious.
“I’m serious,” he insists. He reaches out and touches the outline of my scar. “Scars are badges of honor for a survivor. It shows that nothing can stop us. We are strong enough to rise from the ashes and hold our heads proudly. We appreciate the value in life and in love, and we use that knowledge to create beauty. Which is exactly what you’ve done, Angelina.”
“Antonio—”
“Do you really think Vic cares about your scar? All he sees is your courage. That’s all he’s seen from the beginning, little one. If you doubt it, imagine if the roles were reversed. Would it matter to you if he came home with scars, or anything that alters the way he looks? Would it really matter?”
“Not in the least,” I answer honestly.
“I rest my case,” he says with a grin. “Don’t belittle the love that Vic has for you and the love you have for him by worrying about something that is a part of you. It is something that, no matter the dark place it came from, has helped to form you into the special and unique woman you are today. A woman who has the respect of some of the best men I know and the undying love of one of my best friends and trusted member of my family.”
I try to catch my tears before they ruin the light foundation I have on. “Don’t mess up my makeup, Antonio, or I’ll tell Melina on you.”
He laughs and bends down to kiss my forehead. “Be happy, Angelina. Be happy.”
“I will,” I promise.
I never thought I would have this feeling of family in my life. That’s another thing that Victor gave me. This crazy DeLuca family. Emmie might be my cousin, but until Victor barged into my life, I wasn’t truly close to her or uncle Max. I never let myself be open with them. That takes courage I didn’t have back then. How could they care about me when my own parents didn’t?
I’m done with that life. I didn’t even invite my mother. I will never go out of my way to speak to her again. Racine was never much of a mother to begin with. I’ll work hard every day to be much better with my children.