find is just one of them. Tristan and Dominic are alike in those ways.”
“Dominic?” I guess that must be Tristan’s brother, but that’s the first time I’ve heard his name.
Candace’s cheeks flush. “Yeah. Tristan’s brother.” She realizes I haven’t heard his name spoken before either, but she doesn’t look worried like it was supposed to be a secret.
She reaches for the herbs and other seasonings and starts adding it to the minced beef.
“I can make the béchamel sauce,” I offer. I used to watch my mother making hers. she added herbs to her mixture.
“Cool. Sounds like we have a plan.”
I make the sauce and help her with the salad. We start talking about cooking and it’s nice to be able to talk to another woman. We’re so lost in conversation that neither of us see Dominic approach until he’s practically next to us. Next to me, and he’s holding out a phone for me to take.
“Hi, Tristan wanted you to speak to Sacha when he felt better,” he says to me and my heart leaps at the thought of speaking to Sacha. “He’s better.”
“Oh, my goodness, thank you,” I breathe taking the phone.
“You can go out there and speak to him in private if you like.” He points out to the back garden.
“Thank you,” I say and head outside.
I press the phone to my ear and emotion takes me. I can’t believe the last time I saw Sacha I promised him I wouldn’t do anything foolish. Look what happened after.
“Sacha,” I say into the phone. I hear him draw in a breath.
“My dear Isabella,” he replies in a weak voice.
It’s so good to hear his voice. I didn’t realize just how much I missed him until I feared I’d never see him again. This is the longest I’ve ever been without him and the furthest I’ve ever been.
“I’m so sorry Sacha. I’m sorry. This is all my fault. What’s happened is all my fault.”
“No,” he says. “Never blame yourself. It’s your father’s fault. I can’t even sugar coat it for you like I used to. We’re in a situation where everyone feels like the bad guy. But … there’s just one devil and that’s him. He’s the reason why this is happening.”
I’ve never heard him speak like that against my father.
“What do we do now?” I know the answer to that is not in his hands. It’s not for him to decide.
“My dear I don’t know. We just go along with what they’re saying and hope for the best. I’m still with them, but I suspect it’s not out of captivity. More for protection. If your father sees me again, I’m dead.”
My breath catches. This is just one big mess, but I’m slowly seeing glimpses of the real man under the harsh exterior Tristan D’Agostino shows the world.
He said he’d make sure Sacha wasn’t harmed. This is what he did. He’s keeping him safe. For me.
“I’m sorry Sacha,” I say holding the phone closer.
“No more apologies, moya lyubov'. I pray I see you again soon. You told me I was like a father to you. I never got the chance to tell you you’ve always felt like a daughter to me. I’m sorry for the grief and the pain. I wish I could have done different things for you. I wish I could have given you a nicer life. A life where you could be happy.”
“Oh Sacha, I’m so grateful for you. Thank you for wishing that for me.” I don’t have anyone else who would love me like that.
“I feel we’ll have to go through much before we next see each other. I know your father. I know what he’s like. The guards think you escaped, but I think he knows you were taken too. Just like me. I knew you wouldn’t escape and put me at risk. He knows that.”
A chill races down my spine. He’s right. My father is no fool.
“You think he knows then?”
“I think he has a strong suspicion, but he’s waiting. It does look more like you escaped which if I’m honest, is good for everyone on all fronts.”
“What do you mean?” It’s a foolish question. It’s clear he wants my father stopped.
“I mean it wouldn’t be a bad thing if these people got to your father. It wouldn’t. I have been bound to your father through my own. It wasn’t my choice and I count myself lucky my duty was to protect you. But the amount of evil I’ve had to stand by