Page 18 of SINS & Temptation

“When?”

Silence.

I smack him harder. “Where?” I shout.

No answer.

My mind goes into a tailspin, and I’m not even fully aware of pounding the man’s lifeless body over and over again until Dante and the guards forcibly pry me off him.

“How many women? Dozens? Hundreds? Are there children, too?”

“He’s gone,” Dante insists.

I know he’s right. Still, I deliver one last ruthless blow to his head.

Our sister, Trinity, was raped, brutally beaten, and left for dead by a sadistic monster, but she’s not alone. For every Trinity, there are countless predators eager to unleash their worst.

My uncle’s empire rises on the broken backs of these victims. Well, tearing it down, bit by bit, will become my favorite pastime.

My pulse quickens as anger shifts to a desperate need to set things right. But how?

I quickly scour his belongings for his phone. Dante shakes his head. “Facial recognition probably won’t do the trick.”

I deadpan. I press the dead man’s broken finger against the phone. Instantly, it unlocks.

I hold up the unlocked phone. “Not my first rodeo,” I quip.

Chapter Ten

KENNEDY

“Why can’t you stay?” Riley asks, her chocolate and Nutella gelato slowly dripping down the cone.

I take a leisurely lick of my amarena gelato, savoring the burst of cherries and creamy sweetness, as we enjoy an after-dinner stroll through the quaint Italian streets.

Last night, I cut my evening with Riley short to rush back for dinner with Enzo. A sumptuous spread of bruschetta, handmade pasta with a decadent cream sauce, and grilled sea bass drizzled with lemon and caper sauce I savored alone, since Enzo never showed.

So, to hell with him. I’m spending all the time in the world with Riley. Not that he would notice. Did I mention it’s been over a day since I’ve seen his arrogant ass?

I shake it off as Truffles tugs me forward, his curiosity leading the way as we amble along. It’s easy to forget I have only a few days left. Unless I can find a way out that guarantees both Riley and me stay safe.

I take a breath and ponder Riley’s question as I admire the building ahead. The town wears its history like a cherished heirloom, each building adorned with trailing vines and vibrant bougainvillea.

The air hums with the melody of an accordion drifting from a nearby café, mingling with the tantalizing scents of freshly baked bread and rich espresso.

My steps slow, echoing on the cobblestones as I think up an answer.

Why can’t I stay?

Hmm, let’s see . . .

I’m trapped into repaying Jimmy Luciano’s debt while Enzo and Andre tear me apart in a vicious tug-of-war for who can fuck me over the most.

With a resigned sigh, I decide to give her the only excuse that makes sense. Reaching into my bag, I pull out my phone and show Riley the screen.

My phone is filled with images of the girls from dance class. Their cute tutus and goofy poses make me smile as they all attempt adorable arabesques, cramming into the tiny screen. Like a band of wobbly toddler flamingos, they melt my heart every single time.

“Look at these,” I say, scrolling through the gallery. “They’ve been bombarding me with these images several times a day.” I shrug, telling her plainly, “Who could deny those faces?”

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