Page 128 of Flawed

"That's not an answer, and you know it," she accuses.

I can't handle it anymore. The years of protecting the truth are too much to bear alone. A tear slips down my cheek.

Pina slides her chair next to mine and puts her arm around my shoulder. She softly says, "You know I won't repeat anything to anyone. And you can't keep this to yourself forever."

"I can," I claim, but it feels heavier than ever.

"Why is he dangerous? Tell me that, and I'll drop it," she offers.

I glance at the ceiling, taking deep breaths.

"Chanel."

I lock eyes with her. "What if I told you I went to him and begged him to find you, and he didn't?"

The color drains from her cheeks. "Wh-what are you talking about?"

Shame fills me. I should never have slept with an Abruzzo. Yet I have my daughter, so I can't fully regret it. Still, admitting it to anyone, especially Pina, after what they put her through, is more painful than I imagined.

She glances around us. It's still just the two of us in the back corner. Confusion and fear fill her expression. She carefully demands, "What are you saying, Chanel?"

My eyes fill with more tears. My emotions overwhelm me.

She tightens her embrace around me, urging, "Tell me."

I cave. "He... he's one ofthem."

Shock fills her face. She swallows hard then finally questions, "An Abruzzo?"

I squeeze my eyes as hot tears stream down my cheeks.

"Oh my God," she mutters.

"I didn't know until after I was with him. You have to believe me!" I cry out.

"Of course I believe you. Does... does he know about Zara?"

"God no! And he can never find out!"

She nods. "Of course."

"So now you understand why neither of them can ever know?"

A knowledge that only occurs when someone has been through something so horrific that they fully understand the ramifications fills her eyes. "Yes."

I question, "Would you tell your daughter about him?"

She doesn't hesitate. "No."

I lift my chin and clear my tears. I lock eyes with her, firmly proclaiming, "She can never know, Pina."

Pina takes a deep breath. "Yes. I agree. You've done the right thing. Don't ever tell her."

23

Luca

I slidemy key through the alley door then take the stairs. It's a long haul. Brody lives on the penthouse floor, but I can't risk being seen in the elevator or elsewhere in this building.

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