Page 53 of Righteous Enforcer
This moment feels surreal, the three of us moving through these hallways like the family we could have been.
For a fleeting second, I let myself imagine this is our home, our life, our reality.
The fact that it isn’t pierces my heart.
Adriano lays her on the bed, and I step forward to remove her shoes, tucking the blanket around her.
When her breathing deepens into sleep, Adriano motions toward the door. "We need to talk."
"I should stay," I whisper. "If she wakes in a strange place?—"
“We can't put off this conversation."
I glance at Mirabella's peaceful face. "I don't want to leave her alone upstairs. The house is so big…"
Something in his expression softens. "There's a sitting room next door. She'll be within earshot if she calls."
I hesitate, torn between staying with my daughter and facing whatever confrontation awaits me.
Finally, I nod, brushing a kiss against Mirabella's forehead before following Adriano out.
The adjacent room is small but elegant, a private parlor with windows overlooking the gardens.
Adriano closes the door partway, leaving it cracked open to hear any sounds from Mirabella.
My heart pounds as he turns to face me.
I've spent years running from this man, from this family, from this life, and now I’m back where I started, feeling trapped.
"It was beautiful to see you with her today," I say, hoping to delay the inevitable. "The way you read to her. You're a natural father."
Adriano's face softens momentarily before hardening back into granite. "Thank you. Did you get everything you needed?"
"Yes. More than enough." I fidget then stop, not wanting him to see my nerves. "Sophia was very helpful."
"Eva. Why are the Russians after you?" His eyes bore into mine.
My mouth goes dry. "It's complicated," I manage.
"Uncomplicate it." His voice drops low. He’s not in the mood for my deflections. "My men are dying in a war against the Bratva. You show up being chased by the same people. I deserve to know why."
“You found me… I don’t owe you?—”
His eyes flash with a heat that forces me to take a step back. “I saved your life. Our daughter’s life. I deserve to know what the fuck is going on.”
I shake my head, looking down. "I can't?—"
"Can't or won't?" He takes a step toward me. "I've given you shelter. Protection. Access to my daughter?—"
My head snaps up at his choice of words. "Our daughter.” He might be dangerous, but when it comes to Mirabella, I’ll fight to the death.
"Our daughter," he corrects, "who you kept from me for three years while you ran from something. I want to know what."
I wrap my arms around myself. "You don't understand what you're asking."
"Then make me understand!" His control slips, voice rising before he catches himself, glancing toward the cracked door."You disappeared, Eva. Let me believe you were dead. Kept my child from me. And now you expect blind faith?"
"I don't expect anything from you.” I didn’t ask him to find me, even though he’s right. I’d be dead now if he hadn’t shown up. And who knows what would have happened to Mirabella.
