Page 52 of Temptation and Treachery
She, Rio, and Kari exploded with questions of how.
“I can’t tell him the truth, especially after what he’s become. He’d kill Sonia.”
“He knows about Celeste?” Rio demanded.
“Yes. The girls were born weeks apart.”
Rio exhaled sharply, pulling his phone from his pocket to read from the screen. “We’re out of time.”
“No.” Celeste reached for her father’s hand.
“It’s okay. Just know that I love you, and I’m sorry I won’t be there to see more of your life.” He turned to Rio, losing the tender expression. “You’ll look after my little girl.” It wasn’t a question.
“I will.”
While Rio gathered their gear, Celeste wrapped her arms around her father and tried to ignore the clank of chains as he gripped her tightly.
He bowed his head and kissed her cheek. “You are my daughter, my blood. I love you, mija. Be safe.” He paused and cleared his throat. “Do not let them see your tears.”
She blinked away the moisture. He shuffled past her, nodding at Kari before pausing in front of Rio. “I trust you to keep your word.”
Rio nodded. “I will.”
The door opened and without a backward glance, he was gone.
