Riled (The Invincibles 4) - Page 43
“Celestina?” she whispered.
I continued to hold her hand, needing the connection as I told her about the day my heart broke.
“I was on a mission in Iraq in advance of the Battle of Mosul, as part of a team made up of allied militias and international forces along with the Iraqi Government.” I took a deep breath. It had been a long time since I told anyone this story. In fact, when I last had, I vowed I never would again.
Kensington weaved her fingers with mine.
“We were in the final planning stages of the attack intended to recapture the city from the Islamic State.”
She waited patiently while I gathered my thoughts. I looked into her eyes and saw everything I needed to go on.
“I knew the instant it happened. My chest felt as though a grenade had exploded from inside me. A call came in a few minutes later, confirming what I already knew. My beloved wife died…”
Kensington rested her other hand on top of where ours were entwined. “It’s okay, Cortez, please don’t feel as though you have to say anything more. I am so very sorry for your loss.”
“It was an automobile accident here in the village. A car sped out from one of the side streets, ignoring the stop sign, and hit hers. They told me later she died on impact. I already knew.”
When I looked back at Kensington’s beautiful face, her cheeks were stained with tears. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered.
“She was your age when she died. We’d been married two years. We were ready to start a family.”
Her grip on my hand tightened as tears streamed down her face.
“Forgive me for ruining—”
She shook her head. “Please don’t apologize for anything, Cortez. I beg you.”
“Kensington, I…” I shook my head, unable to continue. She had to know, had to understand, that a part of me died that day. I would never be able to be what I was to Celestina to another woman. No woman could replace her.
My eyes remained on the woman who sat across from me as I felt the warmth of a hand on my shoulder.
“Love her, Cortez. You can love her the way you loved me. Let her in.”
I shook my head. “We should return to the house.”
“Okay,” she said, wiping her tears. “Excuse me?”
“Of course,” I said, standing to help with her chair. I watched her walk to the ladies’ room, her shoulders heaving.
I thanked our host and his son for the wonderful evening they’d allowed us, and rang Angel to let her know we were ready to leave.
When Kensington came out, I put my hand on the small of her back and guided her outside.
Neither of us spoke on the ride to the house. When we walked inside, she turned and faced me.
“Blessed Christmas, Cortez.” She kissed my cheek. “I will never forget all that you have given me.”
I watched as she got on the lift, but I didn’t join her. I poured a glass of brandy and looked out at the moonlight reflected on the sea.
I cannot, my beloved.
“You must, my love. It’s time.”
13
Kensington
I pressed the button for the fourth floor, and it illuminated. Yet when the lift stopped and the doors opened, I was on the fifth. I walked to where I’d slept beside Cortez last night as though I was in a trance.
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