Page 56 of Innocent Union
Killian sits up straighter in his seat. “I understand. And I’ll face any punishment. But I had to save Mia.”
“What do you think my other men will think about me when they find out any of my friends can just kill them and not face consequences? Killian, you fucked up.”
“I know I did. Let me make it up to you.”
“How?” Antonio stands up from his chair in a rush of anger.
“Antonio,” Nina says in a calming voice.
“No,” he growls. “Killian needs to answer for what he’s done.” His eyes turn to me. “And you, Mia. It seems no matter where you go, a bad reputation follows you.”
I gasp. “But this …”
“Don’t blame Mia,” Killian says, standing up too. “You know this isn’t her fault.”
“Oh, I know. But that doesn’t change the fact this will only hurt Mia more. If word gets out her husband killed my men, then the rumors and speculation when it comes to my sister will be catastrophic. I can’t have that.”
“What are you going to do to Killian?” I ask.
“I haven’t decided yet. But for now, you two should remain here. I don’t want word of this spreading. I’ll handle it.” Antonio storms out of the room.
Nina gets up slowly. “Uh, thanks for lunch.” She hurries after Antonio.
Killian slumps in his seat. “That went about as well as I expected.”
I hold his hand. “We’ll get through this. Together.”
All he can do is smile tiredly back.
It only takesa couple of hours before my mom comes banging on our door for answers.
“What happened?” she asks as we let her in. “Antonio told me something went wrong but wouldn’t give me the details.”
“This can’t get out,” Killian says.
My mom huffs. “What? You think I can’t keep a secret? I’ve kept more secrets than you can possibly imagine.”
I step forward and tell her everything, from the men to the assault to Killian killing them.
Mom looks at me in stunned silence. “Are you ok?” she asks as she pulls me into a hug.
“I’ll be fine, Mom. But we don’t know what Antonio is going to do.”
“What we should do.” Mom turns to Killian. “You’ve put my daughter in danger. You’ll have ruined her reputation even more if these murders are linked to you.”
“I saved Mia,” Killian reminds her. “How am I the bad guy here? You’re so intent on hating me, Giulia, you’re not seeing what’s right in front of your face.”
“And what’s that?”
“That I care deeply for Mia.”
Mom’s eyes widen a fraction before her typical disapproving look settles on her face. “You still put her at risk. I can’t forgive that.”
“Mom,” I call out as she leaves the house.
“Mia, if you want to come back home with me, do so now,” she says, standing in the driveway.
I hesitate. I don’t want my mom to hate me, but I can’t leave Killian.
