Chapter 4 - THE PRICE OF A NAME
The truth did not make everything easy.
Griffin didn't suddenly trust Salvatore.
She didn't move into his mansion.
She didn't call him Dad.
And when he offered to pay every bill in the apartment, she refused.
“I don't need you to buy my life.”
Salvatore looked at her.
“I wasn't trying to.”
“Then stop acting like money fixes everything.”
He was silent.
Griffin continued.
“My mother has spent twenty-two years taking care of me. I'm not going to let you walk in and make her feel like she failed.”
Salvatore's expression softened.
“She didn't fail.”
Griffin blinked.
He continued.
“She kept you safe.”
He looked toward Roman's bedroom.
“And she did it without me.”
Griffin swallowed.
Salvatore stepped closer.
“I don't want to replace the life you've had.”
His voice broke.
“I just want to be part of the life you have left.”
Griffin looked down.
For the first time, she saw something other than power in his face.
Regret.
Real regret.
And hope.
A small, frightened hope.
She nodded.
“Then start with dinner.”
Salvatore blinked.
“What?”
“Dinner. Here. Friday.”
He smiled.
“I'd like that.”
Griffin raised an eyebrow.
“And don't bring twenty bodyguards.”
May you like
He laughed.
“I'll try.”
