Page 56 of Remy

Dad squeezes tighter. “But you can understand that, can’t you? There’s a lot at stake, and having someone close by to answer your panicked questions is necessary until you wrap your head around the situation.”

“Then let me stay here,” I beg.

He winces. “I wish I could. But I already know you can handle this. Remy’s the one you need to convince.”

I blink through the static taking over my head.

He isn’t surprised Remy is going to tail me. Have they already discussed it?

Oh, God, I’m on my own.

“I’m so sorry.” He pulls back to meet my eyes. “It’s my fault this is messier than it needs to be.” He cups my cheeks, his expression distraught. “But I beg you to give this a chance.”

My stomach revolts. Twisting. Clenching.

“He’s a good man, fragolina.” Dad’s thumbs stroke my jaw, the gentle back and forth a contrast to my riotous emotions. “You may not see it yet. But I promise you will.”

“He’s a murderer.” My voice is barely audible.

“Because he needs to be. Please just have an open mind.”

13

REMY

Fractured murmurs of their conversation reach me at the door. A heartfelt apology. A whispered plea.

The part that hits me the hardest? He’s a good man.

Carlo is the only person who believes that. Not even my mother would agree, and she knew me before the Grim Reaper was born.

But despite the situation we’re in, the last six months have made me reciprocate that admiration.

Carlo is a good guy. Full of heart, yet oddly pragmatic.

He only wants what’s best for his daughter, and given the respect he’s stolen from me since this arrangement was made, I’m inclined to help him achieve his goals.

Ollie glances over her shoulder at me, her face pale.

Clearly she disagrees with her old man’s assessment of me. With reason. Too bad she’s going to have to get over it, and quick. My patience is wearing thin.

“Are you done?” I ask, harsher than necessary.

Anger flares in those pretty eyes.

“Yes.” Carlo nods with an appeasing smile. “Take care of my girl for me.”

“I’ll do my best.” I jerk my chin toward the door, wordlessly telling Ollie to get her ass moving.

Carlo doesn’t approve of me tailing her. He made that blatantly known when we texted earlier. But his daughter’s desire to run to the cops can’t be ignored. And someone exhausted and suffering from cancer isn’t the right person to sprint after her if she finally makes that move.

So I’m stuck in the ring for now.

Ollie starts for the door.

“Liv, wait.” Her dad stops her a few feet from me. “I’d like to keep my health issues between us. Please don’t tell Ivy or Allison.”

The request furrows her brow, her nose wrinkling.

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