Chapter 12 - THE PRICE OF KEEPING HER ALIVE
Evan Varela was found three months later.
Alive.
Living under a different name in Vermont.
He had escaped Boston after the warehouse explosion.
A family friend helped him disappear.
He believed Dela had died.
When they reunited, Dela collapsed into his arms.
Evan was nineteen now.
Taller.
Older.
But still her little brother.
They cried for a long time.
Cormack stood nearby.
Watching.
For years, he'd believed power meant controlling everything.
Now he understood something different.
Sometimes the greatest thing a man could do was help someone reclaim what had been stolen.
And then step back.
Dela turned toward him.
Her eyes were wet.
“Thank you.”
Cormack shook his head.
“You don't owe me anything.”
She smiled.
“I know.”
Then she stepped closer.
And kissed him.
Softly.
May you like
Briefly.
But enough to change everything.
