Chapter 1 - THE BABY WHO CRIED ABOVE THE CLOUDS
“What happens if Richard is waiting when you land?”
Dante Salvatore's question settled between us like a weight.
I looked down at Leonardo.
The baby had finally fallen asleep against my chest, his tiny fingers curled around the edge of my sweater.
For the first time in nearly ninety minutes, he was peaceful.
I wished I could say the same for myself.
“I don't know,” I admitted.
Dante watched me carefully.
“Does your husband know where you're going?”
“No.”
“Does he know about your cousin?”
I hesitated.
“Maybe.”
Dante's jaw tightened.
His bodyguard, a broad-shouldered man named Marco, stood near the curtain pretending not to listen.
Dante leaned forward.
“Clare, look at me.”
I did.
“If he's waiting at the airport, you don't have to go with him.”
I laughed bitterly.
“You don't understand Richard.”
“Then explain.”
I looked toward the curtain.
Maya was still asleep.
My little girl.
My entire world.
“Richard doesn't believe I have the right to leave.”
Dante's expression darkened.
I continued.
“He controls the money. The house. The car. He told me if I ever tried to take Maya away, he'd make sure I never saw her again.”
Dante went very still.
“Has he hurt you?”
I looked down.
That was answer enough.
For several seconds, Dante said nothing.
Then he looked at his sleeping son.
“When Leo's mother died, I thought I could protect him by controlling everything around him.”
His voice was low.
“But I couldn't even make him stop crying tonight.”
I glanced at him.
He looked exhausted.
Human.
Nothing like the terrifying man I'd seen in newspapers.
Then he said, “I can have someone check whether Richard is at the airport.”
I swallowed.
“Why would you help me?”
Dante looked at Leonardo.
Then at me.
“Because you helped my son when everyone else was afraid to approach him.”
My eyes filled.
“I didn't do it for a reward.”
“I know.”
May you like
He paused.
“That's why I'm offering.”
