Page 115 of Broken

“They won’t do anything. His brother is one of them,” she sneers.

“Then we get you out. Move you somewhere else.”

“Who are you?” she demands again, more fire than before.

“Some of my friends call me theirange divine,” I say with a husky laugh, but my tone turns somber as I vow, “I can help.”

“Is this a scam?”

“I have nothing to gain apart from the relief of knowing that two of my sisters in Christ will no longer be hurt by a man who is supposed to protect them from the world.”

My words comfort her.

Sagging into the bench, she cups her cheek. “He got out of the hospital and did this. Even when he’s weak, he’s as strong as a bear.”

I don’t have the same contacts I do in the US, but that doesn’t mean I can’t make this right. “You never have to see him again if you don’t want to. Is he working?”

“Yes. He works twelve-hour shifts, three days a week.”

“Then we have time.”

“We do?”

“Yes. You need to pack your things, and I need to get you out of Rome.”

“I-Is this really happening?” she breathes. “Please, tell me this isn’t a joke?”

The tears pricking her eyes begin to fall, and it isn’t my place, but I grab her hand and hold it in mine. “This is no joke. But we must act. Fast.”

She swallows. “Y-You’ll come with me to pack?”

“Of course.”

“I-I don’t even know your name,” she breathes.

“I’m Andrea.”

“Junia. I-It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I can’t do much for Savio right now, butthisis a burden I can take away.

“No, Junia, the pleasure is all mine.”

CHAPTER 35

Andrea

EIGHT DAYS LATER

Hold Back The River - James Bay

It’s been twelve days since I last saw Savio. The distance between us is a physical pain. Like a persistent wound that won’t heal.

I know he can’t contact me without causing suspicion to fall on us. So, even though I understand the reason for his absence, I hate the necessity of it.

Yesterday, I was reckless and went into Santa Cecilia, hoping to see him. Not only was he not there, but someone in his flock told me he wouldn’t be returning.

Did that mean he quit?

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