BTFA

Cassy arched a brow, “Scared of what?”

“That you would leave me, Cass. You are the brightest and kindest woman I have ever met. I couldn’t imagine telling you the truth. It would hurt you so much and you would hate me for it. And perhaps, it wasn’t the best thing to do but I assure you that all I thought about was you before I made that decision.”

Cassy swallowed, hard. “And if I had given birth, you would have taken him from me without telling me?”

To that, Lino said nothing, and Cassy had her answer. She didn’t know what to feel. Anger or sadness. Maybe both. But it wasn’t directed at Lino. It was directed at the one who placed him in such a situation. Having to give his own child away without even naming him. Having to choose between his life and that of his child’s. And because of his sense of duty and oath to place the back first, he would always choose himself.

She began to turn away from him, but he held her arm, stopping her. “I am sorry, Cass. I really am. If ther