Page 11 of Secret Revenge

“I’ll see what I can do, Liliana,” he assured me, reaching across the table to take my trembling hand in his strong, warm grasp.

As his words washed over me, I felt a flicker of hope ignite within my chest. Nicholas might not be able to promise an easy solution, but his understanding and determination gave me strength.

He glanced at the clock on the wall and sighed. “I must return to work today, Liliana,” he stated, his voice strained with an underlying tension. “There are matters that require my attention.”

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and a sudden unease settled in the pit of my stomach. The thought of being left alone, even in our heavily guarded home, filled me with dread.

“Must you?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper. My heart raced as I imagined the dangers that could be lurking outside these walls – and the vulnerability that came with Nicholas’s absence.

“Who will protect me while you’re gone?” I blurted, unable to contain my concerns any longer.

“Riccardo will be here,” Nicholas assured me, his voice filled with authority. “He is one of my most trusted men, and he will ensure your safety until I return.”

Despite the reassurance, I felt a pang of unease. As much as I liked Riccardo, I wanted Nicholas to stay home.

“Trust me, Liliana,” Nicholas whispered, his eyes filled with conviction. “You are my world, and I would do anything to protect you.”

As I looked into those fierce blue eyes, I knew that he spoke the truth. In a world where trust was a rare commodity, I had found it in the arms of the man who held my heart. And for now, that would have to be enough.

“Nicholas,” I began, my voice barely audible, “what about George? Where is he now?”

His eyes narrowed slightly, as if gauging the intentions behind my question. “George has been replaced by Riccardo,” he said.

“Replaced?” I echoed, my heart racing at the implications of his statement. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, the lingering pain from my injuries a stark reminder of the violence that seemed to follow us at every turn. “Is he... is he still alive?”

“Of course, Liliana,” Nicholas replied, his tone softening. “He was demoted to guard duty at the weapons warehouse. I wouldn’t have him killed, not even after what happened.” He paused, observing me with a mixture of curiosity and concern. “Did you really think I would go to such extremes?”

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his judgment bearing down on me. It was a testament to the violent world we lived in that the thought of George’s death would even cross my mind. And yet, I couldn’t deny the fear that had gripped me, the chilling realization of just how vulnerable we all were in this game of power and deception.

“I didn’t know what to think,” I admitted quietly, my gaze dropping to the plate before me.

“Listen to me, Liliana,” Nicholas said, his voice firm but gentle. “I know that our world can be cruel and unforgiving, but I will always do everything in my power to protect you and those who serve us loyally. George made a mistake, yes, but he is still one of us. His demotion was punishment enough.”

As I looked into his piercing blue eyes, I saw the truth in his words and felt a small measure of relief wash over me. In this dark, twisted world, trust was a rare and precious gift – one that I had found in the man who held my heart.

“Thank you, Nicholas,” I whispered, my voice barely audible above the distant sound of our guards’ footsteps outside the door.

“Never, Liliana,” Nicholas said, his tone resolute and unwavering. “I would never go to such extremes. His demotion was punishment enough, and it has established trust among my men. Besides, George will undoubtedly be an excellent guard at the weapons warehouse, especially now as he tries to prove himself again.”

As he spoke, the tension gradually began to dissipate, replaced by a fragile sense of relief. My heart still raced within my chest, but the cold claws of dread that had gripped me just moments before were slowly releasing their hold.

“I’m glad to hear that,” I murmured, my fingers unconsciously gripping the edge of the tablecloth. “It’s just... this world we live in, it’s so easy to lose sight of what’s right and wrong. Sometimes, I fear that we’re all just pawns in a game that none of us can truly win.”

Nicholas reached across the table, his strong hand covering mine as he offered me a reassuring squeeze. “I understand your concerns, Liliana. But trust me when I say that I will always do everything in my power to protect you and those who stand with us.

The unwavering conviction in his voice filled me with a warmth that seemed to chase away the shadows, if only for a moment. Despite the darkness that threatened to engulf us, there was still hope - a flickering candle in the midst of the storm.

“Thank you, Nicholas,” I whispered, my eyes meeting his as I clung to the fragile remnants of the life we were trying so desperately to build together. “I trust you.”

“Try to keep yourself busy today, Liliana,” he suggested softly. “It’ll help you not worry while I’m gone.” His piercing blue eyes met mine, searching for any lingering fear or doubt that may have taken root.

“I’ll try,” I murmured, the weight of my own concerns settling in my chest like a leaden anchor. How could I occupy myself when my thoughts were consumed by Jocelyn and Abby, their fates hanging precariously in the balance?

“Perhaps Gina could use some help in the kitchen,” Nicholas offered, attempting to alleviate my apprehension. “Or you might find solace in the library. There are countless books awaiting your perusal.”

I nodded, appreciative of his efforts to comfort me. And yet, the thought of him leaving - even for only a few hours - left me feeling exposed, vulnerable. I longed for his presence, his strength and unwavering resolve serving as a beacon of light in the darkness that threatened to consume us both. But I knew I couldn’t allow my fears to chain him here; he had his duties to attend to, his responsibilities as the head of the Romano family.

“I think I’ll have another call with Dr. Lansing.”

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