*Cat*
My lies weighed heavily on my shoulders as we drove away, leaving Elio in the parking lot of the cathedral where we would get married in only two months. I felt like Atlas carrying the world, crushed under its weight as I gently brushed the hair of our sleeping child, images of guns being put to her little head flashing through my mind.
I shut my eyes, trying to will them away, but the fear was visceral like acid being poured down my throat.
I’d seen firsthand what could happen to those who were used to sending a message, and as much as I wanted to rely on Elio’s promise of protection, the thought that Junior could take and harm our baby girl hurt more than anything.
Olivia’s house, the one they used when they were in LA, was as large and well-managed as always and as we pulled up to the driveway, I saw one of the gardeners working on the flowers in the front, with a sunhat and bags of potting soil just thrown around.
