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“I’m too exhausted to eat.” I smile sheepishly. “But you’re welcome to eat if you’re hungry.”

“All I want right now is to hold you.” He climbs into the bed and pulls me into his side so I’m half draped over him.

If my heart swells any larger, I’m going to crack a rib.

Elio makes me so damn happy, and now that I remember our past, I’m especially determined to find a way for us to be together, but I have no idea how. He’s talked to DiAngelo—does that mean he’s willing to stay in the city? Would that even work? I have so many questions, but this isn’t the time.

He’s quiet beneath me. I start to wonder if he’s asleep when he finally speaks.

“We could always adopt, you know. If you want children.” It’s so unexpected; I lift to look into his eyes and try to get a read on where this is coming from.

“Do you want children?”

“What I want is for you to be happy.” His steadfast sincerity is humbling.

I lay back down and place a kiss on his chest. “That’s incredibly sweet, El. And while I appreciate it, I think I’ve made peace with not having kids. That’s a big reason that I do the work that I do. I guess it’s not so much work as making contributions.”

“I wanted to talk to you about that at some point. Those are some huge sums you’re giving out.”

It’s time to explain. I know I can trust him, now, and in all honesty, I want to share this with him. “I’m the primary benefactor for a private search-and-rescue operation that helps save people from trafficking. You inspired me, actually. I wanted to help others who were taken like you were. Who knows. Maybe somewhere down deep I knew you were still out there, and that was my way of looking for you.”

He huffs beneath me as though he’s laughing, which seems a strange response.

“That funny?”

“Ironic. What brought me back to the city was the hunt for the head of a trafficking ring. We found some kids on a boat. It wasn’t the first time, but this was the first time I was able to do something about it.”

I’m a little stunned. I’m not sure what I attributed his return to except for me, since he was so adamant that was his motive for taking me. It made sense that that was the reason for his return, as well. Only, that wasn’t what brought him back. I’m glad he wants to help people, though. I just thought…

He squeezes me, pressing his lips against my forehead. “You were the first thing I thought about when I considered following the lead.” His murmured words encircle my heart with warmth. He knew exactly where my mind had gone and comforted rather than judged.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t show up that day.”

“I’m sorry it took me so long to get back to you.”

“You’re here now. That’s all that matters.”

CHAPTER 53

ELIO

My thoughts hold me captive today. I should be over the moon thrilled after my night with Isa, and I am, but I’m also stuck in a whirlwind of disbelief. I vacillate between trying to wrap my head around the fact that Isa is mine and the shock that she got pregnant that night so many years ago.

Neither fact seems real, but they are—she knows that better than anyone. Isa had to shoulder those losses entirely alone. It’s no wonder her brain chose to wipe the slate clean rather than endure the suffering.

My soul screams in outrage over the injustice.

I had no control over the situation. I know that.

I hate it all the same.

I would give anything to keep her from ever suffering again, and that means I have a lot of things to figure out. I can’t ask her to choose between her family and me. I have to find a third option.

But first, I owe Michael an explanation.

“No morning workout?” he asks when I find him in the kitchen, having coffee at the small table.

“Decided to sleep in.” I pour myself a cup and add a splash of cream.