Page 53 of Sweet Poison

It was as though he was trying to solidify this moment between us in my memory. As though he was trying to ensure that no matter what, I never forgot it. But how was it even possible that I would?

About a minute later, he pulled away, and there was absolutely nothing to say between us. In fact, it was almost dangerous at the moment to speak, as I had no idea what nonsense would spout. Perhaps I would get on my knees and ask him to marry me because right then, it was all I could think about.

Thankfully, I was able to compose myself albeit on shaky feet as I pushed the door open and got out of the car. I headed back into the house and, to my surprise, found the little girl on the porch. Her bowl of ice cream and brownie was finished, and she had fallen asleep on the cushions of the swing. Cuddled in her little arms was Tolstoy, which was very surprising because Tolstoy hated strangers. He hissed and avoided them as much as possible.

Anya looked so sweet and angelic against all that white fur that I couldn’t help but wonder once again about her mother. Where was she? Who was she? I had been merely curious before, but now I really wanted to know in a way that was overwhelming.

But I had to wait for her father to tell me. Gently, I lifted her into my arms and took her back out to meet her father.

Chapter 33

Cole

Matthew called just as I drove out of the ranch gates. He had good news. I wasn’t surprised though. For the price I was asking, it was a steal.

“I told you it would go fast,” Matthew said.

“Yes, you did. Well done,” I congratulated softly, as I plugged in my headphones, my gaze moving quickly to the strapped-in sleeping baby beside me.

“The sale price minus costs is already in your bitcoin wallet. I transferred it myself.”

“Thanks, Matthew. Really appreciate it.”

“No problem. Always a pleasure doing business with you, Luca.”

I had so completely integrated myself into my role as Cole, that hearing someone call me Luca felt strange. “Take care.”

I ended the call and looked over at my daughter. She was sleeping peacefully. Even she had completely morphed into Anya. Not once during the dinner had her mask slipped. Many times Noah had tried to draw her out with questions and every single time she had stayed within her script. She had played her ‘pretend game’ perfectly. I felt both sad that she was enveloped in so many lies and proud that she had carried her part so naturally.

My thoughts returned to Montana, the woman who had just minutes earlier turned this old banger of a car into a pleasure seat. A smile curved my lips. My mother’s life had taught me silver linings were a myth, but what was happening to me now was incredibly interesting. I moved away from danger, and by a stroke of incredible luck and magic ran again into what had to be the most beautiful woman in the world.

Montana was everything a man could want in a woman. She is the dream find. I literally couldn’t ask for better. She was everything! Sassy, loyal, funny, and extremely sexy. Who would believe that after living for years in the city with its millions of inhabitants I would find someone like her in a tiny town like Bison Ridge?

My telephone rang. It was Leila, I’d hired her to be the go-between, the extra layer of separation between me and my private investigator, Tom. This way even if Tom got careless and was in some way compromised, there were no trails for Paganini to follow back to me.

“Any news?” I asked.

“You sure kicked that hornet’s nest. It’s been going crazy here. They even paid a visit to your mother’s previous care home. Paganini is incandescent with rage. The guy was so livid he threw a tantrum at the restaurant when he first heard the news. Smashed up the table and scared all the other customers. Tom says heads have rolled since.”

“What about Arianna? Any news on her?”

“Tom got someone to befriend the Chef and he says her meals are brought up to her. It’s clear she is now locked away in one of the rooms upstairs. Don’t worry though, nothing’s going to happen to her. She’s the one card he’s got left to play.”

I couldn’t feel too bad for Arianna. Her freedom was gone, but she was safe for the moment. What did she expect from a Mafia Kingpin? Sunshine, flowers, and unicorn farts forever.

“What about my father? Any change in his condition?”

“No. Your father is valuable to Paganini. He’s paid for him to stay alive in luxury all this time and soon he’ll be wanting his pound of flesh back. Your dad will be working for him till the day he dies.”

I exhaled softly. “Good work, Leila. Contact me again if there’s anything I should know.”

“I know that this is a delicate time for you and your daughter,” Leila said, “but I want to assure you that Tom has eyes on everyone that needs to be monitored and everything is under control.”

“Right. Thanks.”

“By the way, your car was sold yesterday at 2:54 p.m. to the son of a Mexican multi-millionaire, drug money. His girlfriend is Russian, but they’re both harmless. Young. No connection to Paganini. Just saw it and couldn’t resist the quick purchase. We’ll keep our eyes on the house sale as well and ensure nothing leads back to you.”

“Fantastic,” I replied and ended the call.

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