Page 225

They deserve to know. They deserve that peace.

“There’s something else I need to tell you.”

My throat bobs as I look down at my hands, my fingers twisting together.

“I found him,” I say quietly.

Instantly, an icy chill settles over the whole garage.

They know exactly who I mean.

“Bella—” My mother chokes on her breath, her hand flying to her mouth and her face crumpling. “Sweetheart…”

“His name is…was…” I draw in a shaky breath, trying to steady my voice. “Caleb Nyack. He’s been working for a man I’ve been trying to get to,” I croak out. “And he was there the other night, at that penthouse. I⁠—”

Instantly, they're both wrapping their arms around me and holding me tight.

I draw in a ragged breath, squeezing my eyes shut as I cling to my mom and dad, realizing that the shadow I’ve always felt lurking outside my peripheral vision just…isn’t there anymore.

And won’t be, ever again.

“We’re here, Bells,” Dad chokes, his arms wrapped tight around me as he kisses the top of my head. “We’re right fucking here.”

For a while we stay like that, the two of them hugging me as I cling to them like I’m a little kid again.

Mom is stroking my hair when Dad clears his throat. “You said his name was…”

I raise my eyes to his and nod.

Dad cocks a brow, as if asking “you?”

“Damiano,” I say quietly.

Mom starts to cry, holding me even tighter.

“Damiano killed him?” she whispers.

My mouth twists wryly.

“I mean…eventually.”

I allow myself thirty more seconds of clinging to them like a little kid before putting my big girl pants back on. I give them one more squeeze and then pull away.

"So," I say, attempting a smile. "Does this mean you like my husband now?"

Dad chuckles quietly to himself. "Yeah, I think it might.” He exhales and rubs a hand over his jaw. “A fuckin’ lot, actually.”

Mom takes both my hands in hers. "How do you feel about all this?"

I don’t have to even think about my answer.

"Free," I say quietly. "I feel free. And⁠—"

I can’t stop the grin that spreads over my face. The flush to my cheeks. The gleam in my eyes and the giddy sensation that flickers through me.

“Ooooh, okay. Well, well, well,” she beams.

I frown as I turn to Mom. “Huh?”