Page 94 of Toxic

"Anytime."

"Bye." I hang up and go directly to my room then sit on the bed and cry some more. Several months ago, I felt like my world was semi-safe. There was always the threat of the Baileys or Rossis coming after the kids and me, but I felt like I had some control over it as long as I obeyed the rules.

Now that Dante is in the picture, all the feelings about Sean and his death I've tried to keep hidden inside me have surfaced. I'm not sure what to do with them. I don't know what all of them mean. And I have zero clue how to let Sean go and be happy.

I go into the bathroom and wash my face, staring at my swollen, red eyes. I wonder how happiness could even be a reality for me again. My children are under a constant threat, and I can't tell anyone. Dante loves me, yet I don't deserve it or even know how to embrace it. All the things he did to me when we were in high school seem to pale in comparison to the toxicity I bring to his life right now.

My phone rings, and I answer. "Dante, I'm sorry. I—"

"Take a breather, Bridge."

I sit on the couch and stare out the window into the darkness of the night.

"Everything is going to be fine," Dante declares with such confidence, I think that maybe he's right and it will be.

"Sean can box with you."

The line turns quiet.

"If-if you're sure you are still good with it?" I ask, suddenly worried he'll retract his offer.

"Of course I am. Are you sure about this?"

"Yes," I answer, nodding.

"That's good. I'll tell Sean."

"Please don't let him go to Chicago," I plead, as my insecurities pop up again.

"I'm not. Don't worry. I got this, dolcezza."

The phone beeps, and I hit the video chat button. Dante's concerned face appears.

"I'm sorry," I repeat.

He sighs. "Don't apologize again."

I blink hard, trying not to return to my tears.

"Listen to me, okay?" he demands.

I nod.

Dante's expression turns to the serious, confident, take-charge look he usually wears. "Everything is going to be fine. I'm keeping Sean here for the night, and I'll make sure he gets to school tomorrow. Then I'll pick him up. After our session, I'll drop him off at home, okay?"

The dam breaks, and my cheeks are once again soaked. "Okay. Thank you."

"Sure." Dante stares at me for a moment then says, "I wish I could come over there right now."

I nod but say, "Don't leave him, okay? Please don't."

"I won't."

I blow out a breath of relief then force a smile. "Thank you."

"You don't have to keep thanking me."

"Yes, I do."

---