As she exited the ship, her feet felt as though they were weighted down. Each step she took away from the ship—away from Roberto—was like another piece of her heart being torn away. What was she doing? Why was she walking away from him?
She’d been telling herself that Roberto didn’t love her, but would a man who didn’t care about her put a family heirloom on her finger? She had to admit that was pretty extreme even for a fake fiancée.
And then there was the way he’d spoiled her on her birthday, making her feel like a princess. And the way he’d talked with her about her future. And then there was their lovemaking. It had been so gentle and giving. That most definitely hadn’t just been sex. It had been the closest she’d ever been to a person—heart, body and soul.
She glanced over her shoulder as though Roberto would be standing there. He wasn’t. Was it possible she was remembering what she wanted to?
“Stasia?”
She turned her head forward, finding her brother standing there. “Xander, what are you doing here?”
“Looks like I’m just in time.” He came to a stop in front of her. “Why are you crying?”
She touched her cheek, finding it damp. She hadn’t even realized the tears had slipped down her cheeks. She rubbed at her face. “It doesn’t matter.”
“It’s a guy, isn’t it?”
She couldn’t deny it.
“Stasia, what’s going on?” Xander looked at her with concern reflected in his eyes. “Who upset you?”
Maybe if she’d been more willing to be honest with herself, with Roberto and with her brother about her feelings, she wouldn’t feel so terrible now. This was supposed to be her chance to turn over a new leaf in her life. She would start with the truth.
She leveled her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Xander, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Okay. I’m listening.”
“I’ve made a decision. I’m not going into business with you.” Disappointment reflected in his eyes but she didn’t let that stop her. “I’m sorry. I know you’ve tried to include me and I really appreciate all you’ve done. But I have to follow my heart.”
He arched a brow. “Follow your heart, doing what?”
“I’m going to start a foundation to help support the families of cancer patients. There are so many programs for the ill, but there’s not a lot for the caregivers. I want to do something to support them so they can give their all to their ill loved ones.” She paused. Her breath caught in her throat as she waited to hear what her brother thought of her plans.
“I think that’s a great idea. When you’re ready, let me know and I’ll donate or do whatever you need.”
A smile pulled at her lips. “Thank you.”
“But that still doesn’t explain what had you so upset when I first saw you.” His gaze searched hers. “If some guy has hurt you, tell me. I’ll take care of him.”
She glanced away, finding Roberto standing on the deck of the ship speaking to his grandfather. She’d love to know what was being said. She hoped there would be peace between the two men.
She turned her attention back to her brother. She was on a roll. She might as well keep going. “Xander, thank you for being there after Lukos passed. I really needed you, but I need you to understand that I have to figure things out on my own. I need to be able to make my own decisions without you watching over my shoulder and without worrying you’ll be disappointed with my actions.”
“You never disappoint me.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I just worry about you. I don’t want you to be hurt again.”
“But I will be and you have to be okay with that. I don’t want to live in a glass house where no one can reach me and where I don’t feel anything. I want to takes chances and live life to its fullest.”
Her thoughts circled back to Roberto. If she were going to take chances, it should be with him. If she were going to live life to the fullest, it should be with him. So why exactly was she walking away from the man she loved without asking if he felt the same way about her?