Page 35 of Luca
“Get them from a doctor when you get there,” Aiden reasoned. “Unless you want to go back and just stay?”
Despite all his support, his tone was hopeful.
“I’ll get it there,” I said quickly. Staying wasn’t an option. Going through another engagement and another dead fiancé would destroy the remains of my reputation. “This is it, huh?”
Aiden pulled me into his embrace, squeezing me tightly.
“If you want to come back, I’ll come and get you,” he vowed. “Anytime. Anywhere.”
“Okay.” My voice was muffled against his chest.
“Promise me you’ll call if you’re in trouble or need me,” he demanded. When I didn’t comment, he pulled away and cupped my face. “Promise me, Sister.”
“I promise,” I choked out. “If I’m in trouble and I can’t handle it, I’ll call you.” He nodded, somewhat satisfied. But he still hadn’t let go of me. This was just as hard for him as it was for me. “It’s probably best if I go through security,” I continued softly, scared I’d break down and start sobbing.
I had never imagined life without my brothers. Without my family. The Callahan family was large and loud but it was mine. It felt like belonging. Until it didn’t.
All because I got pregnant.
And yet, I couldn’t find it in me to regret it.
That night in Las Vegas I went to that masquerade party with one single purpose. To lose my virginity. People thought me wild and promiscuous. I was both, but not to the extent they assumed. The old fashioned part of me wanted to share that first experience with someone I loved.
Well, that choice was taken from me.
“Thank you so much.” I wrapped my arms around him again. “I love you. All of you.” I pulled back, my eyes burning from tears that threatened to spill. I ran a hand over my eyes. “Goodbye, Aiden.”
With a last look, I turned around and rushed towards security. I had to leave. I couldn’t have another dead man on my hands. I could and should offer a better life to my daughter. Not the death and shadows that seemed to hunt me everywhere I turned.
Once I was through security, I risked another peek over my shoulder. Aiden still stood there, watching me with a sad expression. He knew this was the best choice for me and my daughter, even though he wasn’t happy about it.
I raised my hand and waved. I even managed a smile, although my heart felt heavy and my throat tight.
ChapterFifteen
MARGARET
The commercial flight to Italy was a disaster. I got the worst seat. The one by the bathroom, seated between two men who looked like they were part of a gang.
The irony would be laughable. Except that it wasn’t.
I only left my seat once and ensured to bring my bag along. I didn’t trust the two men not to go through my stuff. I barely got any sleep during the eight hour flight. Dozing off a handful of times, the rest was impossible. The constant shifting of men on either side of me had me waking up.
Once I was finally off the plane and passed through immigration, I slipped into the bathroom, all the while dreaming of finding a hotel. I couldn’t wait to get a full night’s sleep. It became my most important thing since I got pregnant. Sleep and food. Without it, I turned into a raging monster.
I slipped into the first restroom and locked myself in the handicap stall, not wanting to dig through my stash of money in the middle of the airport. I reached for the side pocket with the lock that Aiden installed for me and I froze.
It was empty.
No cash. No spare passport.
I opened the baby changing station and put my bag on there, then started digging through it.
“No, no, no.” Panic rose through me. This couldn’t be happening. I dug through the contents of my entire bag. “Oh my God,” I cried softly. “Please no.”
“Stai bene?”Someone asked. I had no fucking idea what it meant. I never bothered learning Italian. Nor any other language. I only spoke English and Irish. In my world, it seemed enough.
Ignoring the question, I kept digging through the bag, hoping against all odds that maybe the cash and spare passport were at the bottom of it.
