Page 100 of Dangerous Vows

“Glamorous as ever,” I mutter. “I am exploring the house today as I’m bored and going crazy. So, you know. Peak mental health.”

She laughs softly. “At least you haven’t lost your sense of humor.”

“Yet.”

There’s a pause, like she’s bracing for something. Then, “I got the all-clear. I’m going back to work Monday.”

I sit up. “Wait—what?”

“Matteo’s team. They said the threat level on me is low enough now. I guess I’m no longer high priority.”

My mouth opens, but no words come out for a second.

“That’s… great,” I manage. “Really great.”

“I know what you’re thinking,” Sarah says quickly. “And don’t do that. Don’t go all mopey and spiral-y on me.”

“I’m not,” I lie. “I mean, I’m happy for you. Really. You’ve beenstuck in hiding for weeks, too. You deserve to get your life back. I’m really sorry about all of this.”

“I knew there was a risk of some shit happening. Don’t beat yourself up. Luckily for us, we’re both still here to talk about it. And at a future date, we’ll laugh about it.”

I close my eyes, rubbing my temple. “I don’t know about that.”

Sarah is quiet momentarily before saying, “I’m just a witness to all this.You?You’re in it. You’re the daughter of the man who started the fire, and you’re carrying the baby of the man trying to put it out.”

“That’s poetic,” I say pensively. “But I did stupid things. I don’t know if Pietro will ever forgive me.”

“About the pregnancy?” she says gently.

“That and other things.” I pause.

“What else happened?”

“He found out I was a Moretti and didn’t say anything. I didn’t know our families hated each other. And on top of it, my father threatened to kill Pietro if I didn’t marry the Serb he promised me to.”

“So that’s why you ran away?” She asks, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Yes,” I reply. “But it all backfired. Now it’s a huge mess, and Pietro doesn’t trust me. I don’t blame him.”

“But you told him everything, right?”

“Yeah, but it’s too little, too late according to him,” I sigh.

“Well, let’s hope he figures it out. You’re incredible, and if he doesn’t see that, he doesn’t deserve you.”

I wish I believed her.

“My bulletproof chariot is waiting. Call me soon, okay?”

“I will.”

The line clicks off, and I’m left staring at the walls of a life on pause.

The sun was low and warm through the windows when Pietro came home. There was no knocking, no fanfare—just the sound of keys and the subtle shift in the house’s energy when he stepped inside.

“I wanted to thank you,” I say as he sets a paper bag on the kitchencounter. “For sending your family. Alena and Bianca made me feel like I belonged. And I spoke to Sarah.”

He glances at me and nods, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “You seem in better spirits.”

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