Page 208 of Bishop

“I’ll help however I can,” Remy adds. “We all will. Salvo and Matthew, too. You’re not alone in this.”

Heat licks at my eyes, the burn increasing.

Tilly deserves so much better than me. Better than the sleazy ‘temptress of high society’ as her mother. Better than this family. Than the blood in her veins.

But the thought of letting her go tears at me, ripping at the walls of my heart and hollowing my chest.

Lorenzo glances toward the back of the car, his lips thinning. “Abri, the police are on the way to the fire. You have to make a decision.”

I can’t. I need time.

“Momma.” Tilly cries against my chest, her tears soaking my satin top.

“If we get arrested, even momentarily, she will be taken from you.” Lorenzo’s gaze returns to mine, now hardened with concern. “The investigation will be brutal and public. It could take time to find where she ends up.”

“I know.” Tears spill down my cheeks.

But I can’t let her go.

I can’t be her mother either.

“Abri, we’re running out of time.” Remy shifts in his seat, eyeing the rearview mirror.

The threat of an anxiety attack squeezes at my head, tighter and tighter, until it feels like my brain will explode.

“The Bernardis will love her,” Lorenzo vows. “I swear it to you.”

“Momma,” Tilly wails. Sniffles. “Pease, Momma.”

I can’t decide. Can’t figure out what’s best.

I cling to my daughter so tight I fear I might hurt her. But no matter how much I hug that little girl, it’s not enough. It will never be enough.

“Decide, mia cara nipote.” Lorenzo’s gaze hardens. “Do it now.”

My heart climbs to my throat, the frantic beats making it hard to breathe.

“What do you want to do, Abri?” Remy asks. “I’m here for you either way.”

I believe him. After everything we’ve been through. After all the secrets. Despite all the betrayal. There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll stand by me.

I just don’t know how to make this choice.

“Abri?” Remy repeats, his attention panicked as he stalks the rearview. “What’s it going to be?”

“I…” I swallow over the bile threatening to flood my mouth, tears trailing down my cheeks like rain. “I need to do what’s right.”

39

ABRI

I take the first step out of the jet, pausing at the top of the staircase leading to the tarmac, the chilly air hitting my face to steal my breath.

Tilly clings tighter to my chest, her monkey grip growing more intense as her darting gaze looks over the sprawling private airport.

“This is Washington D.C., sweetheart,” I murmur into her hair. “We’re going to stay here a little while.”

She doesn’t respond. She never does.

---