Page 3 of Ruined Vows
A confidence that rivaled my own until that night.
It was one night of chaos, and I can’t forgethim.
He’s a man with a strong chest, broad shoulders, and a silken voice that is not easily forgotten.
If I’m lucky, I’ll never see him again.
He’s a trained killer, and his family is into trafficking women. I have no tolerance for that, nor does my family.
I push memories of him away as I maneuver my McLaren into a tight parking spot. My brothers want me to travel with a guard, but I refuse to do so. We’ve already had a war, and it’s over.
What could possibly go wrong?
Besides, I can protect myself.
And I’m living life to the fullest while we enjoy peace between the families.
I park, waiting for my door to lift before I exit the car. I walk to the large building. I nod and smile at strangers in the halls. I’m sure they all think I’m a board member. And after checking in, I walk to Joanne’s office.
My girlfriend, Joanne, works at Cradle and Crown. It’s a home for abandoned infants and children.
I’m dressed as a woman of my stature—the only princess in the Borrelli family. I’m wearing bottom-heeled shoes, a two-piece outfit that would put JLo’s to shame, and no outfit is complete without a vintage bag. Today, it’s a Birkin hanging on my arm.
Yes, my brothers spoil me. I’m sure part of it is derived from the fact that Dad was a real bastard to me. But my brothers? We’re close. I can’t imagine my life without them.
Perhaps being the baby in the family is why I love kids. I never had a younger sibling to play with as a child. Pietro and I are the closest in age, and we’re tight. But he’s married now and has a baby on the way.
Children are innocent and deserve a home with loving parents. A child without a parent breaks my heart. And yes, Igrew up without my mother, and I’m sure on some level a part of me over-identifies with these kids.
I love my freedom. I love adventure. I’m sure it’s a self-correction for my childhood of living with our controlling father. He micromanaged me, spoke to me condescendingly, and generally despised me.
I shiver just thinking about him. I’m sure there are traumas I’ve locked away in a vault. But perhaps, from my tragic past, there is a sliver of light. Since we’re wealthy, I donate to many worthy causes close to my heart. And, from the ashes of my past, I hope to build a better future for children.
I hate the fact that so many kids are abused and abandoned. I know what it’s like to be unwanted and forgotten. There’s no one there to cheer you on when you have an accomplishment, like winning a shooting tournament or tossing an opponent on the mat.
But these children, they’re like me.
They were born to parents who mistreated them or couldn’t take care of them. I tell myself I come here because it’s therapy to heal my inner child, but it’s more than that.
I love kids. I love holding them and talking to them. I secretly will them to succeed in a world that can be unfair and cruel. I hope in some small way, I’ve made a difference in their lives. I don’t need accolades for my work.
I only want to make a difference. I want to be the person who cares, the person who speaks for them when they couldn’t speak.
And no matter how much I do for them, they give me more than I can ever return. They always bring me happiness. I get wrapped up in their smiles when they say cute things. They trust me and shower me with love. They make melaugh. I’ve discovered that being around them puts my life into perspective.
And with them, well, it’s the only place where I can let my guard down.
I peek inside the small office. Joanne is a tall brunette with soft eyes and a friendly smile. I met her at a children’s fundraiser last year. We just clicked, and we’ve been friends ever since.
I knock softly on the doorframe.
“There you are!” Joanne exclaims. She pulls herself to her feet and closes the distance between us. “How are you?”
“Great!” I lie. I can’t share all the details of darkness in my life, but it helps me when I share what I can with her. She doesn’t want to hear my hard-luck life filled with money and prestige while she toils away raising money for innocent children.
In my eyes, she’s the real hero.
I hug her. “Long time no see.”
