Page 82 of Lord of Punishment

Sabatino was pacing the sidewalk, glancing in my direction but was obviously embroiled in a conversation. There was no doubt he was angry even though I couldn’t hear what was being said.

Andres guided us across the street, keeping one hand on my elbow.

“Did you have fun, Ms. Ingalls?” Andres asked as we neared the SUV.

“Very much so and you can call me Georgia.” He looked at me strangely, which was more unnerving than I wanted to admit.

Andres loaded the bags into the back, but not before I snagged the smaller teddy bear, cradling the stuffed animal in my arms as I thought about the horror Sabatino had been through. When I’d picked up the lamb, I’d seen his face. No wonder he was cold so much of the time.

A few seconds later, Andres helped me ease Dillon into a new car seat. After fastening my boy in, I glanced at the soldier in appreciation. “I see you did some shopping at the same time.” The car seat hadn’t been inside the SUV on our trip here.

He smiled. “The boss wanted to make certain Dillon was safe.”

“Thank you. That was very sweet of you.” I hesitated before climbing inside, glancing at Sabatino again as he paced back and forth. “How long have you worked for Sabatino?”

“For a long time. Since I was barely twenty.”

“So you knew Emily.”

He seemed surprised Sabatino would tell me. “Yes. It was a dark time in the family.”

I studied him for a few seconds and nodded. “I can imagine.”

“If you’re going to be alright, I’m going to see what’s antagonizing Mr. DiMaggio. I have a couple things I need to tell him as well.”

“I’ll be fine, Andres. Thank you.”

“You should close the door,” he told me and I had to laugh. All his soldiers were very protective of Dillon. I appreciated that more than they knew.

“I will.”

Dillon was jabbering something to his new toy and I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off Sabatino. But I closed the door, leaning against the vehicle. As horrible as it sounded even to me, he’d given me a true gift by telling me what he’d been through. I sensed his trust in me. I felt the same way. Was it possible we could forge a bond as strong as the one he obviously had before? Maybe I was overthinking what we’d shared, but it provided some level of comfort.

As soon as Sabatino was off the phone, Andres approached.

I glanced away, the warm sun unable to keep me from shivering. As I rubbed my arms, I thought about everything that transpired, fighting the strange sense of foreboding and the heavy pit in my stomach. I’d never felt so out of sorts because of a story someone else had told me. It was strange, yet almost comforting to know we were in the same position.

Connor rolled down his window, allowing me to hear the music he’d selected. It was a kid’s station. It would seem my little boy had an effect on everyone. The soldier was even tapping his fingers on the side of the SUV, whistling to the cheesy tune.

Maybe Sabatino needed to release the pressure, the demons holding him in the past. I’d seen so many emotions inside the man that I was still torn, but dear God, I did love him. Too soon? Absolutely. Too much? Maybe.

But even though danger lurked in the shadows, there was a growing sense of peace allowing for some of my armor to fall.

I thought about the bubble I was terrified would burst and sighed.

Maybe two star-crossed lovers could find happiness.

Maybe.

CHAPTER 25

Sabatino

“What is going on, boss?” Andres asked.

Goddamn it. What the hell was I missing?

“There’s a fire at another one of our facilities. And I’m not buying it happened by accident.” I shoved the phone into my pocket. The muffled call from one of my soldiers had provided little details. I’d contacted Miguel, who hadn’t answered his phone. I was more on edge than before.

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