Page 67 of Hiding Forever
“I think it’s time I told you why I’m hiding so you can understand if I have to…” My throat closes around the rest of the sentence, and a deep ache builds in my chest.
Nova hugs herself but lifts her chin and nods in silent understanding.
“I was under federal protection not that long ago.”
She nods again, clearly having figured out that much based on my handler comment earlier. In typical Nova fashion, she doesn’t push for me to divulge more, just waits for me to continue.
“It’s a long story, but to sum it up, I knew a guy in college whose family is in the Mafia. He was a good guy, a good friend. Sebastian was his name. I don’t know if you’re familiar with the Gianni family.”
Her eyes widen. “I’ve heard about them—well, read some stuff that was all over the news about a year ago, I think. I don’t remember the details but the head—godfather or whatever—was in trouble or something.”
I inhale a calming breath to keep my emotions in check. “Salvatore Gianni was Sebastian’s father. He’s a violent, uncaring man. I always thought he’d be the death of his son, but it was the girl who Sebastian’s father had betrothed him to who ended up causing his death.”
“Betrothed?” she asks.
“Her name is Marina. She’s a psycho and the daughter of the Morello crime family.”
She shakes her head, as if never hearing of them.
“They’re not as famous as the Gianni family,” I explain. “Anyway, Marina found out that Sebastian had fallen for a girl from our college. Ainsley. She kidnapped her and me in an attempt to break them apart. Sebastian never loved Marina. He’d been with her out of duty to his family. He never expected to fall in love with Ainsley, but it happened, and it changed him. He wanted to be free from his Mafia obligations to be with her. Our other good friend Nathan—we all lived in his house during college—got in touch with a federal agent who’d been trying to connect with him about Sebastian. They made a plan for him to leave but then Marina kidnapped me and Ainsley.”
“Kidnapped?” Confusion shows in her eyes.
“Marina had guys do her dirty work. They tasered us, knocking us out, and brought us to a warehouse on the east coast of Florida. She threatened to kill Ainsley if Sebastian didn’t come. And she… she tried to force us to sleep together so Sebastian would hate us both, particularly Ainsley. She was—is—completely unhinged. In her warped mind, she thought it would taint Ainsley and make her a traitor in Sebastian’s eyes, ending his infatuation with her. She didn’t understand he loved Ainsley. She couldn’t, never having experienced love herself.”
Nova’s bottom lip falls. “I’m sorry that happened to you.”
It’s only a whisper.
“Thank you.” I can’t help but smile. Nova is unlike any girl I’ve ever known. Every guy she’s ever dated was a fool to let her go. An absolute insane fool.
She takes my hand and threads our fingers together. The sweet gesture deepens the ache in my chest at the thought of possibly having to leave her.
“Marina’s plan failed. Nathan saw the kidnapping on the house security cameras; I knew he would—I just didn’t know if it’d be in time. He sent the agent he’d been in contact with to get us. Marina fled when she got word they were coming. The worst part is during that time, in Sebastian’s race to get to Ainsley, he crashed with a semi and died.”
“Oh my gosh.” Her features pinch with sincerity, and her fingers squeeze mine. “That is so sad. I’m sorry you lost your friend, too. That must have been so hard.”
She says all the right things. I nod. “It was incredibly difficult. My life changed dramatically in one night. I was sent to witness protection. I couldn’t talk to anyone, not even Nathan. Until the Feds knew the fallout over Sebastian’s death, Ainsley and I needed to remain hidden. I never got to talk to or see her again, either. She was a sweet girl, didn’t deserve this at all.”
“Neither did you.”
She squeezes my hands again, the tenderness in her voice and eyes making me fall for her more.
I didn’t want to admit it before, but I’m falling for this beautiful, caring woman who can never be mine. She’s too famous. Her popularity and tabloid exposure would never fit with the low-key, secluded life I want for myself. Even if I’m free to go out on my own after this, even if it’s safe for me to live without fear or in hiding, I don’t want to be surrounded by a media circus. I grew up with cameras on me and hated it. I had a break in college, which is why I chose to attend Ryland—small and private and away from media attention. I loved it. After all this, I want even more seclusion. I’ve been working on attaining it, building a nest egg from my stock investments in preparation for the next phase in my life. It’s nothing Nova would ever want.
“Did tonight put you in danger again?” Tears sparkle in her eyes with the question.
I stroke her cheek. “I don’t know. I left witness protection awhile ago but have been in touch with Agent Keller. He’s going to look into this. He thought I should try easing into the public world again before tonight’s possible exposure. I’m not sure if this will change my situation. He wanted me to test things by going out and seeing if I sparked attention from the Morello family. The death of Sebastian meant the families couldn’t unite through the marriage of their two heirs like they’d intended. The families weakened as a result—the Morellos more than the Giannis—and it caused a rift between them. Marina blamed Sebastian’s death on Ainsley, and me because I wouldn’t sleep with Ainsley, though I doubt that’s what she told her father. That’s the only reason why they’d still be interested in me—revenge for the colossal failure of the union. I was hopeful they’d forgotten about me and moved on. They may have and this might not change anything, but either way, I don’t want to be in the spotlight ever again. I’ve worked hard to stay off the grid.”
Nova shakes her head and tears stream down her cheeks. “I had no idea. I never would have suggested we go out. You should have told me no. If your life is destroyed further because of this exposure, I’ll never forgive myself.” She sniffles.
Without thought, I cup her cheek and bend to her lips, kissing them gently. “It’s not your fault. None of this is.”
“You were fine before I got here. Now I’ve ruined this place for you, too. I hate being known.” She sniffles again. “I don’t want you to go, but I don’t want you around me, either.”
She leans away, as if about to stand.
The pain in her eyes is too much. I take her hand and pull her to me. Her head falls to my chest, and I hold her tight in my arms as she nestles against me. I don’t want her to go. Not yet, even though I should. Getting any closer to her will only make my leaving harder. It’s not like we have a future. She’s famous, whether she wants to be or not.