Page 76 of Beautiful Vows

I nod numbly, my fingers moving automatically to adjust the footage. But my eyes keep darting back to Amara's still form on the road. At my normally unstoppable sister, lying broken on the cold street.

"I'm going to find who did this," I say, my voice low and dangerous. "And when I do..."

I let the threat hang in the air, unfinished. Because right now, watching my sister lying helpless and alone, I'm not sure what I'm capable of. And that scares me almost as much as what I've just witnessed.

"Can you get a clearer image of the driver?" I ask, my fingers trembling slightly as I try to zoom in on the vehicle.

Cade takes control of the mouse, his movements precise as he manipulates the footage. "I'll try, but the quality isn't great at this distance and in low light."

A chill runs down my spine. Whoever was in that car, they were waiting for her.

"We need to find out who that is," I say, a hardness in my voice. This wasn't a random encounter. It was a calculated move. "Her being knocked over wasn't an accident."

When Cade stops the footage, I study the screen for a moment.

"Let me take a copy of the car. I'm going to send a copy to Jove. If anyone can tell me the identity. He can."

Chapter 26

Rafe

The view ahead is spectacular from here in the rolling hills as Dante’s fortress looms all around us. He chose this location wisely. It’s perched high on a hill, meaning the house commands a breathtaking view that seems to stretch to infinity.

It’s a testament to both his wealth and his paranoia.

But that’s the same for every mafia man.

Dante’s modern fortress is different to other mafia men, not only because it’s a marvel of modern architecture and security technology, all sleek lines and reinforced materials. But also because it doesn’t feel hemmed in by the high walls. Because despite the imposing high walls that encircle the property, there’s no sense of claustrophobia here.

And I get the reason Dante wanted this now. Despite doing his own thing for many years, he always knew one day he’d need the security that came with being a mafia head.

That’s something we cannot forget because, yes, there is natural beauty around, and the distant ocean that entices us ahead, but there’s always the reminder that no matter how high these walls, no matter how spectacular the view, we can’t escape the harsh realities of the world below, and the life we were born into.

Cade stands to my right, Lia to my left as I wrap my arm around Lia’s waist, and pull her toward me for a kiss. “Thank you for coming back and for making all of this possible.”

She turns and presses a kiss to my lips. “I’m glad I’m here.”

“Let’s see inside,” Dante says, taking Lia’s hand.

I tear my eyes away from the view. The beauty can wait. Right now, it’s time to show Lia her new home and show her how safe she and our babies are going to be.

Our babies.

Since Dante brought her back, I’ve tried not to mention the babies. I don’t want her thinking that’s all she is. When I know now, that’s not the case. I had thought these babies were key to my future with Cade, but my future can only be with everyone standing here.

And these babies, they feel like ours too.

I pause for a moment.

I wanted Cade and me to have babies with her, but I’ll no longer pressure her into that.

I’ve felt differently since she rescued me. Since she killed Ricardo for me. I know how much she loves me. All of us. And if these babies she is carrying are all she wants to have, I’ll love them like they are my own.

And I’m going to stand by my brother’s side when he takes the head position for the de Luca family, and I’ll protect her and be her bodyguard if she needs me when she rules.

I hold back a chuckle.

When I saw her picture, I never thought she had it in her to be the brave woman she is. Yet Lia is the bravest person I know.

---