Page 118 of Sin & Secrets

I’ve never seen a man stand so tall.

With one last glance out at the city skyline, Teo departs.

“It’s one hell of a view from the top.”

30

CASSANDRA

“Idon’t even know where to start.”

I sniff back another onslaught of tears as Teo closes the door behind him.

Rocco looks back at me, strong and courageous and the father of my unborn child. The man who fought the monster that was Giuliano Moretti, who was willing to sacrifice everything to keep us safe.

Not only had I misjudged him, but I accused him of a crime he didn’t commit.

But despite everything I’ve done, and almost betraying him for his own father, he opens his arms wide for me.

I reach for him in the space of a heartbeat, finding my home against his chest.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know, I was just trying to…”

“It’s okay, Cas. I know. You were only trying to protect the baby.”

I swallow hard. “He lied to me. He said he’d help me, that he’d keep me safe.”

“I know.”

“I should have listened to you.”

He pulls away slowly, a solemn expression on his face when I look up at him. “I understand why you didn’t. What I did to you, Cas, it’s unforgivable.”

“Rocco…”

“Please, let me finish,” he steps away. “I meant what I said before. I’ll give it all up for you. Teo can take my place. I just want to be a part of our child’s life. In whatever little way will you allow me to be.”

I shake my head in disbelief. “I won’t let you do that.”

“I will never be able to atone for what I did, but please let me try in this small way.”

“Rocco!” I cry. “You didn’t kill my father.”

Rocco looks away, his jaw clenching. “I may as well have.”

“My father was manipulated and used by that monster to the point where he felt his only way out was suicide.”

“You weren’t there that night, Cas.” He swallows back his own tears. “I cornered him, challenged him, pushed him to his limit.”

“Would you have killed him?”

His eyes shoot back to mine in confusion. “What?”

“If he had gone with you, would you have killed him, eventually?”

He lets out a bitter laugh. “You know, I was making plans? I knew there would be several who would find the power transition a struggle. I needed a way to move out long-standing members of the Guild if their loyalties refused to shift.”

“Setting a new precedent,” I nod with a little smile.

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