Page 109 of The Sound in Silence

Self-care is one term I wouldn’t think to use in this situation. “But who was it?”

With a sigh indicating he doesn’t want to admit it, he replies, “The driver of the white van that caused your accident.”

My expression falters, my mind blanks.

Or does it.

Crash!

Metal scraping against metal.

Tires squealing.

That singular moment. Calling for Mom when I saw the van approaching—I knew there was a man in the driver’s seat, obviously, but when I woke in a hospital bed, Della crying by my side, with a larger headache and bruises than I ever believed a body could function through, the driver became the least of my worries.

But somehow, a man who’d come into my lifetwo years post-accidentdealt with it.

“H-how—”

“The Corsettis were very willing to share the information they had. Gage Roche and Stefano De Falco might not be here any longer, but leads don’t die, and Caladin isverygood at tracking. Within days, Caladin found him, and with Nico’s support, he was captured and handed over to us. He’s no longer breathing, Ariella. Foryou. For what you lost, for your mother, for your sister. For the ways your life changed because of a single hit. And believe me, I didn’t go gentle on him.”

Based on the state of his clothing, I’d say not.

Other women would run from the red flags. Me? I hop off the counter and right into his arms. His arm bands around my waist, gripping me as tightly as I hold his neck.

“Thank you.”

Thank you for taking away another person in the nightmare.

Thank you for being here with me.

Thank you for being more than I ever wanted.

Thank you for loving me.

Even if he hasn’t said the words, he doesn’t need to. I feel them. In his actions, in his words, in his kiss.

“Always,sirena.”

Andthat, I do believe.

Erico

Caladin

You guys still alive?

Me

Dumbass.

Caladin

Hey, don’t judge the person who’s been sitting in on all your meetings. This isn’t my job, so you’re welcome.

Me

Don’t test me. Anyone else would get a punch for the snarky comment. You’re lucky you’re you.

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