Two Can Play (Celeste and Dominic) novel Chapter 570

A small, sad smile crossed my lips. "She put me in martial arts classes right away. I spent years training in karate, learning how to fight. I studied hard online and got my degree early. And I learned everything I could about computers and hacking. Every single skill I picked up had one purpose: finding Tasha, no matter where she was."

I looked up at the stars above the ocean. "Lynette knew Tasha's father was a monster, and when we finally found him and discovered that he had sold the baby off to human traffickers, the shock nearly killed her. She was terrified that if I found Tasha inside an armed gang, it would be too dangerous for me. She made me promise that I would never rush into danger until I was fully trained and capable of saving her. She gave me all her love and support until her very last day. She was kind, loving, and strong. She was my whole world."

I paused for a moment to steady my breath. "And then I lost her. Even on her deathbed, as she took her final breaths, she kept whispering Tasha's name. I held her hand and gave her a sacred promise. I promised her that no matter what it took, I would find Tasha, protect her, and make sure she lived a good, happy life."

Sparrow did not interrupt.

"Losing Lynette broke my heart, but I refused to sit around and cry. I turned all my pain into fuel for the search. Eventually, my computer scans found a trail leading right into Big Bryan's trafficking group, and I found a way to go undercover inside his camp."

A shiver went through me just remembering that day. "The first time I saw Tasha there, the breath left my chest. I froze in place. She was sitting quietly in the corner with such an innocent look on her face, completely unaware of how much danger she was in. She looked so much like Lynette that for a second, I thought my sister had come back to life."

I met his stare without flinching. "Do you want the truth?"

He nodded, his face dead serious. "Yes. Give me the truth."

"Then the answer is yes," I told him calmly, looking straight into his eyes. "If it means saving Tasha, I will plunge a knife right into your heart without hesitation, Sparrow."