“Is that what you wanted? Normality?”
His eyes returned to mine, sharp and assessing.
“What I want is irrelevant. This is the life I’ve chosen, or perhaps the life that chose me.”
“What about Marco? Did he choose this life?”
“No,” Dante admitted, his voice softening. “Which is why your presence is so important. You give him a connection to that other world. The normal one.”
I nodded, understanding my role more clearly now.
I was a bridge between worlds for Marco.
And perhaps, in some small way, for Dante too.
“I should go,” he said abruptly, setting down his half-empty mug. “I have calls to make before Marco returns.”
“Of course.”
He moved toward the door but paused before opening it.
“There’s a charity gala next weekend for the children’s hospital. I’m expected to attend and make a donation.”
I waited, unsure where this was going.
“I’d like you to accompany me. With Marco. He’ll be more comfortable with you there, and it would be beneficial for you to be seen as part of the family in public.”
Part of the family.
The phrase sent an unexpected warmth through me.
“I’d be happy to come. For Marco’s sake.”
He nodded once, decisive.
“Good. Nicholas will arrange appropriate attire for you both.”
Before I could protest that I could dress myself, he was gone. The door closed softly behind him.
Part 3
The gala was held at the Ritz-Carlton, and the ballroom had been transformed into a winter wonderland theme despite it being barely autumn. Marco looked adorable in his first tuxedo, proudly showing off his cast, now decorated with dinosaur stickers, to anyone who would look.
I felt self-conscious in the midnight-blue gown Nicholas had sent over. It was a designer piece that fit as if it had been made for me, which it probably had been.
