Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Seeing you lifeless tonight, Zola, it took me to a place I never want to go again. So please, even when you’re reading this because I’m no longer here, don’t hurt yourself like you almost did tonight. Don’t hurt me, because I’ll feel it. Wherever I am, even if I’m no longer with you.
I love you with all my heart, and I also want to say if you are indeed reading this letter then I’m glad because it means I left before you.
I know you’ll feel very sad and alone, but I haven’t always been the most present father either. I’m going to try my best to change, but always know there is nothing or no one I think about as much as you.
It was my biggest blessing to be your father. You are amazing, wonderful, kind, and adorable and I’m so sorry I’m no longer with you.
But I know you. I know you’ll pick yourself up and keep going. You’ll be stronger than ever before, I guarantee it. Hopefully, I’ll join your mama and we’ll watch over you, so please try your best not to be sad for too long. And know that even if we’re not physically with you anymore, we will always and forever be in your heart.
You can talk to me anytime and I’ll listen so never hesitate.
I love you, baby.
Okay, that’s it, enough of the mushy stuff.
Now onto the boring stuff. I’m going to leave all the information about every material asset I own for you and my recommendation for what you should do with it. I will update this regularly through the years, but I don’t think I’ll touch this letter again.
Anyway, be strong, stay safe and I’m sorry for using Dante’s name as the password. It’s just that I currently can’t think of any other shared info between us that won’t be easily revealed like birthdays or anniversaries.
Dante though will be hard for anyone to guess.
I hope you two become friends someday and I hope you don’t forget him. He’s a bit cold but he’s been through quite a lot. Anyway, if we’re still on good terms with him when you’re reading this letter, then please give him a chance to be in your life. He has a good heart and I’m sure you’ll always be able to turn to him for help. However, if I am not on good terms with him when you read this then do not go anywhere close to him. He is as dangerous as he can be loyal. But I really do care about him. And now I am forever indebted to him for saving your life.
This letter has now gone on for too long. I’m sorry for my ramblings.
I love you, sweetheart.
Papa
I set up my laptop and turned to look at the man seated across from me. He was gazing out of the window and seemed to be deep in thought. I hesitated to interrupt him. There were quite a number of things I wanted to say to him, but one kept circling, so I didn’t hold back.
“I don’t think I ever thanked you back then …” I murmured. “For saving me.”
He turned to look at me. His eyes were guarded. I guess, I had never been anything but bitchy towards him.
“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “Officially.”
“No problem,” he said quietly.
“And I’m really sorry for being so rude and ungrateful. I was just out of my mind with grief and I needed someone to blame. You were perfect.”
“No apologies needed. Don’t give it another thought.” He turned back towards the window.
“Papa left me a letter.”
Dante turned and met my gaze curiously.
“He said if he was still on good terms with you by the time I read his letter that was my permission to not be wary of you. But if he wasn’t then I should beware because you could be extremely dangerous.”
“He was right,” he said shortly.
I watched him. “Haven’t you always been somewhat dangerous though? I’ve always wondered why my father wasn’t guarded around you?”
“I don’t know,” he said. “But I have lived a violent life and should be considered dangerous.”
Chapter 21
Dante
“Good. Because I need you to be dangerous. Nothing matters to me anymore except for getting the bastards that killed my father,” she declared bitterly. “That’s all I care about now.”
I felt the exact same way but it wasn’t a sentiment we needed to share.
She spoke again. “About the informant from that night? The news said he was killed. I assume you’re aware of this. Can you tell me all that you know about it?”
I was pleased. It was the first time she willingly requested any information from me. Being stuck together thousands of feet above the ground in the clouds was not a bad idea after all. I softened my expression and tone, let down my guard as much as I could, and relaxed my posture. Then I held her gaze and spoke.