Fireworks For Others

Xavier held me, murmuring reassurances until his patience began to fray. Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and his expression shifted to one of panic.

“Sorry, Sophia, some family business came up. I have to go handle it. I’ll have someone send you home.”

I didn’t need to guess who was calling.

But I still wanted to gamble on that one-in-a-million chance.

“Xavier, will you come back tonight? To be with me?”

He ruffled my hair. “I will.”

He said he would. So I waited. And waited. Until the clock struck midnight.

In the dark, silent living room, the lock on the front door clicked.

He was back.

I shot up from the sofa and ran toward the door.

It swung open, and the cold night air hit my face, sobering me instantly.

It wasn’t Xavier. It was the Soldato who was always trying to push him toward Serena, his face a mask of impatience and disdain.

His circle had always looked down on me. To them, I was just the daughter of an Associate who'd gotten lucky with an Underboss, a gold digger after his money and power.

“Hey, blind girl. I don’t know what spell you’ve cast on the boss. He’s with Miss Serena—taking her damn dog to the vet, getting a late-night snack—and he still remembers to have me check if you’re asleep.”

The Soldato sneered. “Can you stop playing the victim? That whole weak, damsel-in-distress act is getting old. Take a good look at yourself. Do you really think you’re worthy of the boss?”

“Now hurry up and get to bed. And don’t forget to call him, or I’ll get an earful for not doing my job.”

I lowered my head in silence. After he slammed the door shut, I collapsed to the floor, hot tears falling silently onto the cold wood.

When the Kane family’s business was in trouble, it was Serena who broke up with him first. It was Serena who ignored his calls and fled to Europe. It was Serena who let him race through the streets in a desperate attempt to catch her, nearly getting himself killed by rivals.

I was the one who stayed. I was the one who helped him rebuild. I was the one who lost my sight saving his life.

My phone screen lit up with three words: Xavier Kane.

The moment I answered, a bucket of ice water crashed over me.

It was Serena’s voice on the other end, dripping with triumph.