Chapter 10 - THE TRUTH HE COULDN'T HIDE
Vincent had been hiding something.
Not about Graham.
Not about the flash drive.
About himself.
He told me one evening while recovering at home.
We sat beside the fireplace.
His shoulder was still healing.
He looked exhausted.
“Elena, there's something you should know.”
My stomach tightened.
“What?”
He took a breath.
“Two years ago, I ordered an attack on a Doyle warehouse.”
I stared.
He continued.
“People were hurt.”
I looked down.
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because you deserve to know who I am.”
I swallowed.
“Did anyone die?”
He hesitated.
“Yes.”
The room went silent.
I stared at him.
For weeks, I'd been falling in love with a man who had saved me.
A man who'd treated me with gentleness.
A man who'd listened when nobody else would.
But now I was facing the truth.
Vincent Russo wasn't simply dangerous because of his reputation.
He had done terrible things.
I stood.
He didn't stop me.
“I need time.”
He nodded.
“I understand.”
I looked at him.
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
My voice broke.
“I can't love someone who thinks violence is the answer to everything.”
Vincent closed his eyes.
“I know.”
I walked toward the door.
Then stopped.
“Are you trying to change?”
He looked at me.
“Yes.”
“Then change because it's right.”
I swallowed.
“Not because you want me to stay.”
He nodded.
“I will.”
May you like
I left that night.
And for the first time, Vincent Russo let someone he loved walk away.
