Page 93 of Lord of Punishment

Maybe I could get some work done while I was here as well. God knew I had some decent material to add to the book. I almost laughed at the thought. It had taken almost being killed to have another strong urge to kill people in between the pages. I placed my purse on the floor by the couch, thinking about my beautiful boy. He was so peaceful when he slept, not a care in the world.

I wanted so much for him. And myself. Could I find happiness in this world? I was no longer certain of anything.

“Hey. Everything is really going to be okay you know,” Alicia told me.

“I just have a bad feeling.”

“Leave that to the men. They’re very good at providing protection.”

While I nodded several times, I couldn’t shake the chill coursing through my veins.

“How about that wine?”

“Exactly what I need. Maybe that will make me feel better.”

“Me too. They’ll be fine here.” She turned out the main light before we walked out, headed toward the kitchen. I noticed Andres had found a perfect location, already typing on his laptop. At least we were protected.

The kitchen was exactly as I’d expected, homey and gorgeous. The fact there were crayon drawings on the side of the refrigerator allowed me to smile. From the colorful granite countertops to the darker steel appliances, the artistic room was a chef’s dream, yet the vivid towels and stunning lighting added warmth.

“Red wine. Nirvana for the gods,” she teased after pulling a bottle from a very nice wine refrigerator.

“Agreed.”

“A little mood music wouldn’t hurt either. I know it’s crazy, but I was insistent on keeping my old CD player. Let me find something perfect.”

For some reason, I expected jazz or classical. When eighties music started to play, I shook my head. “Interesting choice.”

“My mother refused to listen to anything else,” Alicia said.

“I think I would adore your mom. Mine was the same way. It used to drive my father crazy.”

“Two birds of a feather.”

“I guess we are.”

I leaned against the island as she grabbed a corkscrew from one of the drawers, pulling down two balloon wine glasses before opening the bottle.

“So, what do you think about Sabatino?” Her question was laced with mischief.

“He’s an arrogant, opinionated, pigheaded bastard.”

She tipped her head over her shoulder before popping the cork. “You certainly pegged him.”

At least we could both laugh. “But he also has a heart of gold, even though he will refuse to admit it.”

“Especially around his men. But when he’s with Brando, I can tell he’s longing to have a family.” Her eyes opened wide, and she turned her head away quickly.

“I know about Emily and the baby. He told me.”

She seemed physically relieved. “The fact he told you means you truly are someone special in his life.” As she walked closer, handing me the wine, I could sense such strength in the woman.

“Well, I don’t know what to think.”

“Once you can get through those layers, what you’ll find is a decent man. He and Miguel are very much alike. But family means everything to them. When Emily died, I think a part of all of us died with her. It was a terrible time. I honestly wasn’t certain he’d ever smile again. But around you, he lights up.”

“Well, I told myself I’d never care about another man.” The wine was incredible, robust with a hint of raspberries. Maybe it was exactly what I needed to calm my nerves.

She grabbed a bowl from the cabinet, heading toward the sink. “Because of Rico.”

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