Page 111 of Toxic

"Of course not!"

I hold her head so she can't avoid looking at me. "Then tell me you weren't there, Bridget."

She waits a moment then says, "I wasn't there. I went to dinner with Cara. End of story."

Something feels off about her admission. A mix of relief and dread fills me. To double-check, I question, "So you have no desire to go there?"

"Of course not!"

"It's not safe for you. I only went in tonight for a few minutes because I had to. I've not done anything in there since the night we got together."

She sighs and puts her hands on my chest. "I know."

My panic dwindles. "So I don't need to worry about you being in the club?"

She shakes her head. "No."

I release an anxious breath then tug her into my arms and hold her head to my heart. "Good. I don't want anything happening to you. That place is full of bad men who don't follow any rules."

She shudders. I tighten my hold around her as she claims, "I know. I have no desire to go there."

I push the rest of my fear aside then kiss her head. I raise her chin so she's staring at me. "Okay. Just promise me you won't ever go there again."

She takes a deep breath, nods, then says, "I promise."

22

Bridget

One Month Later

"Hey!Don't you have your session?" I ask Sean as he enters the living room. Dante made good on his word and somehow convinced Sean to forgive him. Not a day has passed without Dante training him. And while things aren't back to normal with Sean and me, it has gotten better.

Sean shrugs. "Dante texted that a work issue popped up. He might not be free for a few days."

The hairs on the back of my neck rise. Dante didn't text me anything was going on. No matter what he claims, I'll never not worry about his safety when he's handling business that keeps him away for days. Still, I force myself to smile big so Sean doesn't sense anything is wrong. "Do you want to go out for dinner tonight?"

"Nah. I already called Giselle. She's coming over and we're going to watch a movie," he states.

"In the theatre, not your room," I remind him. Lately, I've had to keep both him and Fiona in check. Too often, I've caught their significant others in their rooms. Since Dante's been training Sean, I haven't had any incidents with him, but I'm not going to turn a blind eye.

He rolls his eyes. "Yes, Mom." He leaves the room.

I follow him out, thinking I'll ask Fiona to go to dinner. She's still upset with me, too, but since Sean's attitude changed, hers has as well. I have to give Dante credit. He told me he would be strict with Sean about showing me respect, and whatever he's doing is working so far. I don't know if my children will ever fully forgive me, but at least I have hope again.

My phone buzzes. I pull it out of my pocket, expecting it to be Dante, but it's not. My heart races.

Brenna:Friday. Club. Nine. Don't involve anyone else yet.

I stare at the phone then snap out of it. I text back.

Me:Bathroom.

Brenna: 9:25

My mind races over whether I should tell Dante or even call Finn. I've wanted to disclose to both of them that I ran into Brenna at the club, but I promised her I wouldn't. I already failed her once. I don't want to do it again. And I know one wrong move could kill her and others I love.

He's already dealing with another work issue, I think, convincing myself to continue to keep this between Brenna and me for now.

---