Page 10 of Fractured Devotion

“It might already be too late for any of that.” Ryker’s response came with a scoff of disbelief or perhaps resignation, coloring his tone. At his words, his wife’s grip on his arm tightened, a vice of fear and desperation. “If what you’re saying holds any truth… Lipovsky’s set his sights on taking my life during the event.” Addison’s reaction was a soft, painful sound, one that visibly affected Ryker, causing him to tense up under the weight of the moment. “I have to know that you’ll look after Addison. He’s threatened to sell her off if I don’t comply, which is the only reason I agreed to this fight. I’m certain he could carry out his threats, and the thought of her suffering because of me… I couldn’t bear it. Please, promise me that no matter what happens, you’ll keep her safe.”

“Ryker,” Addison’s voice was barely above a whisper, laden with fear and desperation as she pressed closer to him. “I can’t bear the thought of losing you—please don’t go through with this fight. There has to be another way.”

Massimo, observing the exchange with a sharp eye, intervened with a sense of urgency. He tapped on the table to draw their attention.

“She’s right,” he agreed, nodding toward Addison. “And that’s precisely why we’re here. We have a plan.”

six

CARMELA

Shadowing my brothers, I felt like a specter trailing them, invisible yet constantly vigilant. Their actions hinted at a deeper scheme, a secret I was resolved to unearth. Since our first unexpected encounter, I’d maintained my distance, fearful of revealing myself too soon, if ever. The truth was, I had changed. The sister they remembered was gone, vanished for nearly nine months—a period during which their lives progressed while mine remained at a standstill. Despite my resolve not to let them sway my mission, learning about my sister’s labor instantly drew me to the hospital.

Standing outside the nursery, separated from the newborn twins swathed in blue by only a pane of glass, a wave of regret washed over me. My disguise—a red wig and a lowered hat—felt suddenly insufficient as I heard footsteps approaching. When my brother’s voice reached me, I turned away, hoping my disguise would keep my identity safe.

“They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” He remarked, unaware of who I was. His casual question about which baby I was there to see caught me off guard.

“Excuse me?” I practically whispered, praying he wouldn’t recognize my voice.

“Baby… I assume one of those little ones is family.” He nodded toward the infants beyond the glass barrier.

“Oh… yeah.” Trying to keep my voice neutral, I answered vaguely, only to be stopped by his hand on my arm.

“Wait.” His grip caused me to stiffen.

“Yes?” I responded, my voice tinged with apprehension.

“Carmela?” His inquiry was spoken with a tenderness that made me face away, fearing my emotions would give me away.

“Excuse me?” I feigned ignorance, hoping to maintain my facade.

“I’m sorry…” His voice broke, laden with an emotion I couldn’t bear to confront. He peered into my eyes, searching for recognition. “You remind me of someone.”

“I’m sorry, but you must be mistaken,” I countered, pulling my arm free. “I really must be going.”

He leaned in, his eyes appraising me as if he could see beneath the facade. “If it wasn’t for the red hair and brown eyes, I’d think you were her.”

I swallowed, “Her?”

“My sister.” His fingers dug into my arm painfully, but not in a frightening way—it was more like he was afraid to let go because then I’d be gone again.

“You’re wrong. You’re confusing me with someone you wish I was. I can’t be her for you. I’m sorry.” With that, I fled, my steps quickening as I descended the stairwell, trying to escape the reality of our encounter.

Reaching the lobby, I allowed myself a moment to catch my breath, the weight of his recognition heavier than I expected. Would my family ever forgive the deception, the pain I’d caused? It didn’t matter. My mission against Lipovsky and his ilk overshadowed personal reconciliation. My family’s safety from the terror that Lipovsky could unleash was paramount.

Mounting my motorcycle, the familiar feel of leather and the engine’s roar under me sharpened my resolve. My crusade against the darkness that had ensnared my family and threatened the innocent was all that mattered. If it meant sacrificing my life to dismantle Lipovsky’s empire and secure my family’s safety, so be it. In the end, achieving this would mean reuniting with my lost love, ensuring his sacrifice was not in vain.

Heading in the hotel’s direction where Ryker was scheduled to box, I let the memories of my former life wash over me. I ached for Alex in a way I never knew I would ache for a man—but he’d stolen my heart. Wherever he’d been buried, my heart was clutched in his grasp beneath the cold earth that held him. I didn’t want it back if I couldn’t have him. Shaking the dark thoughts from my mind, I navigated my motorcycle down the narrow alley between the hotels and pulled into the parking garage. After slipping it into a parking space, I dismounted and hurried to the elevator. I had some research to do and men to hunt. I couldn’t let the wishful feeling of the family sidetrack me from my mission.

Tugging the wig off my head, I shoved it into the backpack I slung over my shoulder. Plucking the green contacts from my eyes, I crumbled the thin film between my fingers and flicked them away. No sooner had I removed the awful cover than the doors opened, and Addison Nash stepped inside.

“Oh. Hello again.” She forced a smile and slammed her finger into the panel of buttons.

Quirking my eyebrow at her clear anger, I glanced at her face. She was pissed. “You okay?”

“What?” She glanced back at me. “Yeah. Fine… ugh.” Addison shook her head. “Sorry… I just have a lot on my mind.”

I ruffled out my bleach-blonde locks and took a breath. “Want to talk about it?”

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