"I do." Luca said.
"Then please," Vee said, her voice softening, "help me understand."
"I believe she blames me for every bad thing that has happened, Vee," Luca said.
"Surely, she cannot truly believe that," Vee said.
Luca's eyes stayed on the skyline.
"You…" She stepped closer, searching for the right words and hating that she had to defend him against her own sister, even in theory. "You saved us. Yes, in your own brutal, weird way. You came into our lives like a violent hurricane, yes. But our lives are better." Her voice softened. "She is married to a good man. I have you. We have everything we want. We do not have to work our nails to the bone anymore. We are safe—"
Luca looked at her sadly and the word died in her throat.
Safe.
What a fragile, ridiculous little word.
"Protected…" she corrected herself.
