Hurt.
Betrayal.
I release the hold on my gun and take a step back, not taking my eyes off the little girl.
Since making my way back to Boston, I vowed that this time, I wouldn’t get closer than is necessary to keep my cub safe. Felix informed me she got married, but that crackpot didn’t mention anything else. And it never occurred to me that she and her late husband had a child.
Nera dashes to her daughter and scoops her up. The girl drops her little chin on Nera’s shoulder and tilts her head, her innocent eyes twinkle as she watches me with interest.
“This is Lucia.” Cub’s voice penetrates the stupor that has overtaken me. “My daughter.”
I grab onto the edge of the breakfast counter, squeezing it with all my strength, and close my eyes. I have no right to feel this heartbreaking ach
