Page 88 of Power
“Should we decide to bring you back, when can you start?”
Excitement and determination powered through her. “As soon as Carrera accepts my resignation.”
“What questions do you have of me?” Providence asked.
“No questions, just one comment. I will do whatever it takes to find the person or persons responsible for these explosions and I will remove the threat in whatever fashion ALPHA deems best.”
If that didn’t put a button on their meeting, she had no idea what would.
Feeling empowered, she thanked Providence and left the building. As she drove onto the main road, she called Frederica to let her know the good news. She dialed, the phone rang, then reality crashed into her moment of bliss.
Ohgod, she’s gone. She’s never gonna answer her phone.
A wail shot out of her, tears welled, and her throat tightened with emotion.
Shuddering in a breath, she forced herself to stay composed. Rather than head back to Slash and Carrera’s, she drove toward home. She needed time, alone, to grieve.
Once inside, she walked into the kitchen, saw the box of mini cakes waiting on the counter.
And she lost it.
LUCIANO
Luciano needed to see Simone.She was hurting, he could offer his support and encouragement. Though he expected she’d be at Carrera’s, he tapped the app tracker, selected her, and zoomed in. To his surprise, she was at home.
Being alone in grief was the worst, yet he’d pushed everyone away too. Maybe he wouldn’t have turned into a cold-blooded killer if he’d allowed his family and friends to help him heal.
He rerouted his course, hit the gas.
Not long after, he pulled up to her Alexandria home. Her car was in the driveway. He cut the engine, hastened up the walkway to her front door.
He rang the doorbell. A couple of minutes passed.
Nothing.
He was about to call her when she cracked open the door. “Now’s not a good time, Luciano.”
“Let me in.”
She opened the door a little wider. Her eyes were bloodshot, her nose red, her cheeks wet with tears. He nudged it open, pulled her into his arms.
“I got you.”
She started sobbing. He moved her into the foyer, shut the door behind them, then he held her.
No words, just support.
Her sobs turned to wails, then she quieted. He didn’t feel the need to move her. He didn’t need to say anything. He was there for her and that was it. When her sobbing subsided, she pulled away.
“I ruined your suit.”
He offered an encouraging smile. “I’ve got more.”
The knot between her brows relaxed. She retreated into the bathroom, blew her nose. Rather than wait in the foyer, he stood in the bathroom doorway, caressed her back.
“I must look terrible,” she murmured.
“You look beautiful,” he replied.
