Page 82 of SINS & Temptation

“Moron,” Dillon chimes in.

“Totally brainless,” Mateo adds, shaking his head.

I blink, confused, then turn to Dante. “What the fuck is going on?”

Dante grins. “We’re telling you we’ve got your back, dumbass. Just tell us what you need done.”

After a few tedious conversations and wandering aimlessly for several blocks, I’m finally in front of the dance studio.

The building buzzes with activity, bricklayers and construction workers weaving in and out of the guards. Safety precautions for the dance studio are nearly complete, and the former money laundering operation is gone.

I can appreciate washing money as much as the next guy, but a kids’ dance studio? Not on my fucking watch.

I step inside and spot my Bella down the hall. It’s been weeks since I’ve seen her—beyond the surveillance cameras, that is. The ache to touch her, to hold her, to absolutely consume her, hasn’t let up one bit. And my dirty little girl hasn’t helped.

I’ve sent her texts. Nothing overly sentimental. Just enough to let her know I’m thinking of her without actually saying as much because when she’s riled up, she turns to Titan. And it’s the most binge-worthy thing I’ve seen in my life.

Watching her is one thing.

But knowing that I own her—that no other man touches her without his hand feeding a meat grinder—is everything. It’s kick-started my lump of a heart, and there is no going back.

Kennedy will be protected.

And I have to show her these fucked-up photos of her and find out what she knows. There’s a piece I’m missing. Something that’s staring me right in the face that I just can’t see.

I’d rather toss back battery acid than do this, but I have no choice.

Pain is the only way I’m dragging her from an inferno, and no matter how much it burns, it’s her only way out.

“Who did?” Kennedy’s voice snaps me back to reality, cutting through my thoughts.

I move closer, catching Riley’s answer. “Enzo.”

“Yes.” They both pivot toward me, and I catch Riley’s face.

I didn’t mind Riley staying here after the wedding. It’s easier to keep a close eye on her this way. But her being under Knox’s watchful eye—I’m not sure what I make about that.

If that asshole hurt her, which seems likely judging by her tear-streaked eyes and trembling form, then the bastard will pay. And making him pay will be my pleasure.

The moment Riley spots me, she bolts. I blow out a breath. Teenagers.

Kennedy moves to chase after her when I grab her arm. “Let her go,” I say firmly. “My men will catch up to her.”

Holding her like this, feeling her tremble in my arms, is more intimate than we’ve been in weeks. I can’t bear to let her go—not now, not when she’s about to be swept away like a leaf in the wind.

I hate that I’m about to shatter Kennedy’s world, but I will build her back up. Shape her into the queen she was always destined to be.

“You and I need to talk, Bella.”

For a lingering moment, I study her face, contemplating what it will take to mend her after I devastate her with these photos. How much time it will take? How many men will I destroy?

Then, I kiss her.

A slow, tender kiss that reassures her of the depth of my commitment.

I am hers.

Judge, jury, and executioner. “I’ll get your coat and have someone take your class. I’ll take you anywhere you want to go, but we need to talk.”

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