” I said gently. “You’re leaving with me tonight.”

Vanessa’s smile twitched.

“Adrian.”

I turned back to her.

“Not another word.”

For the first time since I had known her, Vanessa looked unsure.

Good.

She had only ever known the man in expensive suits.

She had never met the son who learned at twelve that survival required patience, memory, and proof.

Part 2

Vanessa continue reading …