Page 129 of Ruthless Secrets
Andre looks down at the lifeless body of our cousin and grimaces.
“There’s nothing we can do for him right now, Marissa. Our priority is getting you somewhere safe. It’s what Alio would have wanted. We’ll come back for him, I promise.”
Tears continue to stream down Marissa’s cheeks, but she does as Andre asks. She takes Holly from Rosa, and the two of them carry the babies out into the living room.
Only Lila remains, completely frozen in place with herhands resting on her stomach as she stares at the floor in a daze.
“Lila?” I rest a hand on her arm, and she blinks. “It’s time to go, Lila.”
She slowly turns to look at me, her blue eyes red and swollen as she tries to fight back tears. “She saved us.”
I might be furious with Clara, but I can’t deny that I admire her courage.
Despite her own fears, she was willing to put herself in the line of fire in order to protect my family.
I didn’t think it was possible to love her even more than I already do and all I can hope for is that I get the chance to tell her that.
I squeeze her arm. “Clara did this for you. For the girls. So, you need to stay strong for her now. Can you do that?”
Her lips tremble, but she nods. “Get her back, Marco.”
“I intend to.” And god, do I intend to. So, I flash her a wink despite the sinking feeling in my gut.
Lila follows behind the others and once I’m sure she’s out of earshot, I turn to Andre, my mind is already made up about what our next move will be.
“You need to take them home.” My voice is sharp and unyielding.
Andre’s jaw tightens. “Marco?—”
“I don’t have time to argue.” My hands curl into fists at my sides, barely containing the storm that is brewing inside me.
I’m putting all of my faith in the fact that Tommaso plans on keeping Clara alive as bait to bring me to him. It’s not much to go on, considering the fact he’s a sadistic bastard, but it’s either that or give in to the reality that Clara might be gone for good.
“I’m going after Clara.”
Andre exhales heavily, rubbing a hand over his face.
It’s clear he doesn’t like my plan, not one fucking bit, but he knows better than to fight me on this.
If it was Lila in this situation, he wouldn’t ask for my permission.
After a second, he dips his chin, and I let out a breath.
“I’ll take them home. But then I’m joining you.”
It’s not a question, but I don’t push him. It’s likely I’ll need the backup, so I nod.
“Fine, but, Andre?”
“Yeah?”
“Whatever you do, make sure you keep my daughter safe.”
Chapter Thirty-One
CLARA
The car jerks to a stop,and my stomach lurches with it.
