Page 126 of Fearless Sinner

“But it was all a show.” She sighs in that lethargic tone again. “And there I am, cursing Harlan and giving you advice when I couldn’t even see what was right in front of me.”

“Don’t be too hard on yourself, Roxanne. He fooled all of us. Even Cillian. You can’t feel bad about that.”

“I can’t help it. Of anyone, I knew him the best. I was with him nearly every day. Sometimes every night.” She winces. “He used me.”

“I know you don’t want to hear this now, but it’s better that you know the truth now than later on down the line when it would be too late. And hurt more.”

“You’re right… You’re absolutely right.” She dabs at the corners of her eyes. “I’d like to think that part of me knew he was a fraud and that’s why I wasn’t in love with him. That doesn’t make me hurt less, though.”

“Of course not.”

“I guess I have to take each day as it comes. One day at a time, right?”

I rest a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “One day at a time.”

She pulls in a deep breath and faces me. “Don’t worry about me, Chloe. I don’t want you to.”

“That’s not something I can help. Of course, I’m going to worry about you.”

“I know, but you have your own life to live. Cillian came through for us again. For you. If he’s the silver lining we got out of this mess, I’ll take it. He makes you happy and keeps us safe.”

I smile back at her. “I think he is our silver lining.”

“Then it all worked out the way it was supposed to.”

“Girls.” Mom’s voice has us turning toward her. She’s just walked out the back door with a tray of cookies.

She was supposed to be resting. When Dr. Chase checked her over, her blood pressure was sky high. He suggested she stay overnight, but she didn’t want to be in the hospital for another day. I checked her this morning, and her pressure seemed to stabilize.

“Mom, you should be in bed,” I scold her when she reaches us.

“I’ve been in bed for way too long.” She chuckles.

Roxanne stands, takes the tray from her, and starts eating the cookies. “These are amazing.”

Mom smiles. “I thought you’d need a pick-me-up.” She pulls Roxanne in for a hug, then she looks back at me. “I’ve come to relieve you of your duties. Your husband is here, and I think it’s time you go home with him.”

Cillian’s back. I haven’t seen him since yesterday. I would have gone home last night, but we both felt it was appropriate that I stay with Mom and Roxanne.

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to go?” I stand.

“Of course. You must go. It’s time you two have some alone time.” Mom nods with enthusiasm.

She was happy to hear that Cillian and I are staying together. I didn’t get to savor that moment properly because we were in the height of danger.

“Okay. Call me if you need me. I'll check on you tomorrow.”

“That would be great, sweetie. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” I give Mom a hug, then Roxanne.

I leave them and head back into the house, where I find Cillian waiting for me in the living room.

I skip into his arms feeling more at ease now that everything is okay.

“Ready to go home?” He smiles and searches my eyes.

“Absolutely.”

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