A shower. I need a shower. Stripping off my bra and panties and trying not to think about last night, I step into the large, glass-walled stall and let water spray my face. Spray some sense into me. I need to figure out where my head is. I’m confused and upset. I’m glad that Bastian wasn’t hurt worse than he is, but the fact that Lucien could command that kind of manpower and pull off what is essentially kidnapping and torture scares the hell out of me. What else is he capable of? And the comment about Dad not being surprised at the news of the accident. Was he just trying to fuck with me because I’m not sure Bastian thinks so.

But I need to keep a clear head right now. Today, I’ll sign the necessary paperwork to transfer controlling shares of Russo Properties & Holdings to me. Well, to Amadeo, I guess. But I don’t care. It doesn’t matter. It can’t. Even though there’s a nudge of guilt over it. Over me handing over my father’s dream to a man who hates him. Who will erase him. But once it’s done, I can go back to Italy. Go to Emma. Maybe we’ll even stay there. Live Dad’s other dream.

Bruno said he had contacts who would push my application for guardianship of Emma through. That same contact would then handle Lucien’s application. But that doesn’t matter to me. He’s not getting near Emma. I won’t allow it. She’s out of the country, and I’ll keep her hidden as long as I have to in order to keep her safe from him.

I try to focus on the fact that by the end of the day, I’ll be on my way back to Emma and this whole big mess will be mostly behind me. I should be happy. Well, as happy as someone in my situation can be, given all that’s happened. But the thought of walking away, leaving Amadeo and Bastian, upsets me, and I don’t know why. It makes no sense, but it does.

Once I’m finished showering, I grab a towel and wrap it around myself. I pick up my panties and bra from the floor and go back into the bedroom. My suitcase is in the room just two doors down, and I have my hand on the doorknob when I remember something. I turn back to Bastian’s side of the bed and walk over to the nightstand. Those pills are still there, but the glass of water is empty.