Page 47 of Ruthless Secrets
Bile burns my throat as I think of what could have happened.
My mistake almost cost my daughter the lives of both of her parents. Tonight has been a terrifying wake-up call. I can’t afford to be as reckless as I used to be.
I almost feel guilty for teasing Andre for being so overprotective of Lila and Holly. But after what happened tonight, I understand completely where he is coming from. What I don’t understand is how the hell I’m going to navigate all of this going forward.
Despite what my brother might suggest, and against all my instincts and thrive, I can’t keep Clara and Zoe locked upinside this house for the rest of their lives as a way to keep them safe.
I’ll have to think of a more permanent solution later.
But first, I need to get Clara out of this car.
“Clara?”
She hasn't moved a muscle since I parked the car.
I have no doubt that she’s absolutely terrified by what just happened, but I need to get her inside where it’s safe. Andre’s estate might be littered with security, but Alfonzo Rossi isn’t afraid of a little hard work. It’s perhaps the only similarity we share, other than our desire for revenge.
“Shall we go inside?” I suggest as calmly as possible.
Clara still doesn’t move a muscle. It’s like she’s paralyzed—a level of fear I haven’t felt in a long time. Though I have a feeling that is about to change now that Zoe is in my life.
I’d be more than willing to carry Clara inside but somehow, I don’t think she would appreciate my help, so I decide to take a different approach.
“Zoe is waiting for you. Shall we go and see her?”
The mention of our daughter is enough to snap Clara back into her body.
She lifts her head and looks at me with wide eyes.
I nod and offer a small, hesitant smile. “You’re safe.”
She nods back, though her body still trembles violently. In one night, she’s had to deal with her daughter being kidnapped as well as being shot at.
I can’t deny that maybe she was right to keep Zoe a secret from me…
A heavy weight settles on my chest at the thought, but I don’t have time to focus on it right now.
I get out of the car and head around the back to open Clara’s door. I give her space as she climbs out but when her knees buckle, I instantly wrap an arm around her waist to keep her upright.
“Now do you understand why I had to leave her here?”
Clara glances back at the car and winces at all of the bullet indents in the metal work. The car is unsalvageable. But I’d rather lose the car than lose Clara.
I lead us both up the front steps of Andre’s house and punch in the code for the door.
We’re barely inside when Lila and my brother appear in the foyer, with Zoe perched on Lila’s hip.
When she spies Clara, Zoe immediately starts to cry.
“Baby girl,” Clara sobs.
She rushes over to Lila and scoops her baby into her arms.
Zoe instantly stops crying as Clara hugs her tightly and peppers kisses all over her face.
Seeing them reunite is an overwhelming relief that has a lump forming in my throat.
“My sweet girl.” Clara strokes her dark hair. “Mama loves you so much.”
