Page 146 of The Protégé

“A distraction?” I arched an eyebrow.

A proud smirk curved onto his lips. “Only a true thief would know that.”

“What can I say? I’m learning from the best. Distraction is an interesting art form.” I placed my hand on the box, trying to absorb all that was my father. “Do all thieves have a treasure box?”

He lifted a shoulder. “I suppose. It’s like a journal of our adventure. All the things we want to remember are in there.”

I remembered Mona saying my father’s spirit had shown her a treasure box. What did he want me to know?

“Have you seen what’s in the box?”

“No.”

Nodding, I lifted the lid, and my heart galloped at the first item in the box. I reached for the abstract wing, the twin to my brooch. “Look. This is a set.”

“It’s exquisite.” Orion examined the wing.

I glanced back in the box and took out the body of a beautiful hummingbird with its studded head.

Orion connected the wing to the bird and something clicked. He flicked a gaze at me. “It’s a lock. I think it needs the other wing to unlock.”

I unzipped my purse and pulled out a velvet box. “I’ve been carrying it around ever since I found out he’s my father. Just trying to connect to him.” I handed him my brooch.

Orion attached the second wing, and another sound clicked. The tail of the bird detached and a rolled-up piece of paper fell out. He unrolled it, revealing a bank’s name and a few account numbers. One line said it all:For my daughter, Elena.

Love filled my heart as I held the little paper in my hand. It grew warm as tears flowed down my cheek. Orion got me a box of tissues from the side table and offered me one.

“Thank you.”

“He had a savings account for you,” Orion said.

I leaned into the couch, letting the cushion support my back as I looked around the apartment. “Did he tell you what he wanted to do with the apartment?”

“No.” He shook his head. “It’s yours. His will is stored in one of those bank accounts. What do you want to do with it?”

“I don’t know yet. For now, we’ll leave it as is.” I got up and looked outside the window. “I can see the park where I used to hang out as a kid. You stole my brooch at that park.”

“Then you should keep this apartment. This building is like a telescope, showing us moments of our lives. If you want, I’ll buy this entire building.”

Feeling loved, I placed a hand on his arm. “Don’t do that. I only need this one apartment.” Then courage crawled up my spine. “I have something to say.”

“Okay.”

“Thank you for bringing me here today. And thank you for doing so much for me.” I inhaled a breath. “I know you love me, but I also know that you still love Kate.”

Orion opened his mouth to say something, but I held up a hand. “It’s okay. You have a past with her that’s rooted deep inside you. I think you need time to work it out. You may think that you love me, but maybe it’s something else.”

A crease formed between his eyebrows as he looked at me. “Elena, you’re confused. I love you.”

I didn’t know why that comment rubbed me the wrong way. How could he dismiss what I was telling him?

“Maybe you’re confused. I know it sounds petty, and I know I shouldn’t feel this way. Hypothetically, if Kate appeared before you right now, would you choose her or me? Don’t answer yet. Take your time.” I looked at him, wanting him to know I meant it sincerely. “So much has happened to both of us in the last few months. Maybe we just need time apart for things to settle so we know what we really want. Okay?”

“You’re breaking up with me?” he asked, looking stunned and sad.

“No.”I placed a hand on his heart. “I just want to make sure you know what you want. So we can both move forward with no doubts. I guess I just need some time and space.”

He sat in silence, staring at me.

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