Page 34 of The Last Shadow

More importantly, why did she ask him about any of this today?

It’s a question I need an answer to, and fast. The penthouse door opens and I’m there in an instant. “Francesca, thank God. I wasso worried about you.” I gather her in my arms and hold her close. “Where the hell have you been?”

She slowly pulls out of my hold and her gaze slams into mine. “I’ve been out, Damien. Or isn’t that allowed anymore, either?”

Whoa. “What the fuck is going on?”

“Nothing.” That one word is so heavy it literally weighs her down as she tosses herself onto the sofa. “It’s been a long, terrible fucking day Damien and I just want to relax if that’s all right with you.”

Shit, this is worse than I thought. Frankie being angry and defiant is one thing, but this defeated version is almost unbearable.

I need her to get away from the city. Away from any reminders of my alter ego and the secrets all around her. “I’m sorry you had a bad day,” I tell her and drop beside her, holding her until all the tension leaves her body.

“Yeah, thanks.” Slowly, her breathing returns to normal and she gives me more of her weight. “Why are you home so early?”

“A night of sleeping without you has turned me into a grouchy bastard, apparently.” It’s an easy half-lie that should make her forget some of her suspicions.

“I’m glad you’re here,” she whispers.

“Me too. Want to talk about what’s bothering you?”

“Not at all,” she replies quickly. “I don’t want to talk about anything right now.”

Good. My plan is taking shape, but I need to get her to relax enough to talk to me and spillhersecrets. “Let’s get away for a few days.”

She laughs and the sound is slightly crazed. “No offense Damien but I’m not really in the mood for a luxury getaway.” She groans. “I can’t even believe I just said that.”

“Good, because while this place is beautiful, it’s not exactly a luxury vacation. I promise.”

“I don’t know, Damien. I can’t keep running from my problems.”

“Why the hell not?” I stroke her hair, grinning as she burrows deeper into me. “Never underestimate the power of running away. I’ve done it a few times myself.”

She freezes and looks back at me over her shoulder. “You have?”

“Yeah. Right after I started my company when everything felt like it was spiraling out of control. And when I realized my sister might never get better.” It’s all true, and it’s the first time I’ve opened up about it.

“Did it help?”

“Yes, and no. It gave me clarity to figure things out, but actually doing it was still tough as hell.”

She laughs. “Are you running for office? That was a perfect non-answer.”

“No,” I chuckle. “Maybe I’m not explaining it well, but I think it helped. It’ll just be you and me, Francesca. No one else—just us and God’s green Earth.” I can almost hear the wheels turning in her mind, so I give her time to come to her own conclusion.

“Nature? Yeah, okay. Let’s go.” She pushes up and turns to face me. “Thank you, Damien. I’m not sure if it’ll help, but a few days away can’t hurt, right?”

That is what I’m hoping for. This time away will help me figure out what’s going on in Frankie’s head. She is getting closer to the truth than she realizes, and I need to solidify our bond. When or if the time comes, I need her to know where her loyalty lies. “I think it’s going to change everything.”

Her eyes light up with hope, but there’s a flicker of uncertainty that doesn’t escape my notice. If this trip doesn’t help, it could cause trouble for her. She’s struggling with trust in her partner, the man who’s always been like a father to her. She doesn’t know who she can rely on. Except me.

Everything is falling into place perfectly, and I’m grateful I had the help clean and stock the cabin earlier this week. I hadn’t planned on needing it so soon, but now that I do, it feels like a stroke of luck. We’ll have everything we need for a while, and if I have my way, maybe even longer.

While Francesca packs her bags, I text the property manager to let her know to send the small staff on vacation for at least a week. I’ll cover all expenses. No interruptions. Just the two of us.

Frankie packs a few bags, one filled with her laptop and work files, along with a couple more for clothes and essentials. I find her bouncing on her heels beside the front door. “I’m ready.”

I laugh. “An hour ago, I had to beg you to go, and now you are itching to leave.”

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