Page 54 of Innocent Union
“I told him not to trip and fall and get hurt. I said if he didn’t do that, he’d be fine. He could give his presentation.”
“Oh, honey. This isn’t your fault.”
But how could it not be? How could I not be at fault for my brother getting hurt? I was supposed to protect him, and I didn’t.
My mom and I stayed by Finn’s beside until he died. It wasn’t peaceful. It was violent.
Finn started shaking and convulsing. The doctor ran in with a couple of nurses. Then I heard the sound that would haunt me for a long time after—the lone, low single sound of Finn’s heart monitor as it stopped beating.
The doctors tried reviving him, but it was too late.
My brother was dead.
All because I couldn’t protect him as an older brother should. Once the shock wore off that my brother was gone, once the funeral process was over, once my grief had eased somewhat, I made a vow.
I promised I’d do everything in my power to protect the ones I love.
It seems I’m still doing that. And I’m going to honor it.
I’m going to protect Mia from anything, no matter how big or how small. I’m going to keep my promise.
I’m going to keep her safe.
CHAPTER 14
Mia
“What are we going to do?” I ask Killian over the kitchen table the next day. The bodies of the men who attacked us have already been taken away. “Those were Antonio’s men.”
“I know,” Killian sighs, sighing deeply. “They must have been new. They aren’t in his inner circle. But still, Antonio won’t be happy I killed some of his men. That’s an act of war.”
“But you won’t go to war with him, right? He won’t go to war with you? You’re friends.”
“We are,” he agrees. “But Antonio still won’t be happy about this. This could jeopardize our alliance. It could put you at odds with your brother. With your family.” He grabs my hand. “And I won’t let you get hurt any more than you’ve already been.”
I let out a slow breath. “I know you’ll protect me, Killian. You killed those men for me. To save me. I just hope Antonio sees it like that.”
Yesterday, when those men attacked me, I thought that was it. That they’d rape me, then kill me.
But Killian saved me.
He showed me how much he cares for me in the little time we’ve known each other. Killian makes me believe there are good people in this world. He makes me believe I’m deserving of love.
“We need to have Antonio come over,” Killian explains. “That way, he’ll be alone and more likely to hear us out.”
“I can call him,” I offer. “He might find it less suspicious if I do.”
Killian nods.
With a deep breath, I dial Antonio’s number. He picks up after a couple of rings.
“Mia? What’s going on?”
My heart constricts. “Why would you think there’s something wrong? Can’t a sister see her older brother?”
Antonio pauses. “She can. You just don’t normally call me for anything.”
“Killian and I would like to invite you over today. For … lunch.” I shrug when I look at Killian. “Does that sound good?”
