Page 83 of Iron Shield
Then she cleared her throat and turned back to the stove, brisk once again. “Clam sauce isn’t going to make itself.”
He brushed his thumb across the back of her hand. “There’s something I should’ve told you sooner.”
She looked up at him, her smile fading. “What is it?”
“Your parents are okay.”
She went completely still.
“They were contacted a few days ago. A man showed up asking questions about you. They did exactly what they should have done and called the police.”
Fear flashed across her face.
“They’re safe,” he said before the worry could take hold. “The call eventually made its way to us. Cannon had me speak with your dad.”
“You talked to my parents?”
He nodded once. “I wanted to tell you then, but there was already too much coming at you. Once I knew they were safe, I figured you didn’t need one more thing to carry.”
She swallowed hard. “What...what did my dad say?”
Rome’s chest tightened all over again. “He asked where you were.”
She closed her eyes.
“I couldn’t tell him.”
“I know.”
“I told him you were safe. That you were being protected.”
A shaky breath left her.
“He told me to tell you that he and your mom love you.”
Tears filled her eyes instantly.
“And he said to come home when you can.”
One escaped and slid down her cheek.
Rome reached up and brushed it away with his thumb.
“There was one more thing.”
She waited.
“Before we hung up...” His voice lowered. “He asked me to keep you alive.”
Her lips trembled. “He doesn’t even know you.”
“No.” Rome held her gaze. “But he knew someone was standing between you and the people trying to hurt you.”
She stepped into him without another word, wrapping both arms around his waist. “Thank you,” she whispered.
He rested his cheek against the top of her head.
“I made him a promise.”
