Page 207 of Saving Her

Nothing does.

I want them here. Yet, that will never happen.

They’ve only kept me around because of Sebastian. I have a plausible reason for being in Portland, while my sisters are loose threads to tie Cole to his father’s crimes.

But I could prepare them. Warn them.

My pulse increases at the thought of reaching out. Then my confidence waivers.

I’d destroy any sense of happiness they had with the news. I’d steal their optimism for the future all because of an instinct. A hunch.

I slide to the floor, my legs bent before me, my elbows resting on my knees.

Do I have the right to ruin their freedom without proof? Because what if Luca is right? What if my thoughts are paranoia? If I’m losing my mind, I’ll take Lilly and Nina down with me.

Padded footsteps from the living area break my focus. I glance to my side and see Layla approach.

“Hi,” she whispers.

“Hi.” Apprehension skitters along my arms. I know this lady least of all and yet she’s been the one looking after Tobias. “Am I breaking the rules by being here?”

“Not at all. Have they said anything interesting?” She moves closer to the office, cocking her head.

“I’m not really listening…” I lie. “I just didn’t want to stay in the bedroom and wasn’t sure where else to go.”

“That’s okay.” She smiles, kind and genuine. “If Cole was concerned about you snooping, I’d know about it. He also wouldn’t hold a meeting in a place where you could overhear. So don’t worry, because I’m not.” She holds out a hand for me to shake. “I’m Layla, by the way. Stella’s mom.”

I glance at the offering, unsure if I can take her hand. We both know she’s not just Stella’s mom.

“Yes, I’m also Cole’s sister and Luther’s eldest daughter.” Her arm falls to her side. “I’m sorry for everything you’ve been through.”

I cringe and rest my head back against the wall, still unsure how to take apologies when they come from the blood of my tormentor. “You’re also Benji’s wife—am I right?”

She nods. “And Luca’s sister-in-law. I wear many hats.”

I drag my attention to the office door, wishing Luc was here with me. I could do with some of his strengthening stability. “I haven’t met your husband yet. Is he anything like his brother?”

I’m fishing, hoping to catch a trail that leads to confirmation of my suspicions. One clue to wipe away my insanity would be enough.

“He’s a good man. And an even better father.” She leans against the plaster beside me, looming close. “I can’t count how many times he’s put his life on the line for me and my family.”

I wince. This isn’t the information I want.

“I miss him,” she continues. “Even more now that the stakes are rising. But he always has to be in the thick of everything, trying to save the world.”

“He sounds a lot like Luc.” I lower my head, hiding my remorse. She’s making me question myself even more.

“He is. But don’t get me wrong—he has his days.”

“What does that mean?” I shoot her a glance.

“He’s great, but in the end he’s still a man.” She shrugs. “Sometimes he leaves the toilet seat up or doesn’t listen to a word I say. Or he’ll tell Stella she can have ice cream when I’ve already told her she can’t. Nobody is perfect. What’s important is that we’re good together, which says a lot when we’re usually in each other’s pockets, at home and with the family business.”

“The family business… I haven’t been told what that involves exactly.”

She falls quiet, the seconds stretching until she releases a sigh. “It’s complicated. I want you to know it’s nothing like what my father was doing, though, if that’s what you’re asking.”

I feign indifference. “No, it wasn’t. I was only curious. Luca hasn’t said much about his brother. He hasn’t heard from him either. I think he’s worried.”

---