Page 105 of Strictly Forbidden

They wouldn’t leave me alone because half of them were owned.

I took a deep breath, trying to enjoy the cup of coffee as I peered out the window at the sun beginning to lift higher in the sky. My baby was taking a shower, the night we’d spent together even better than before. We’d both managed to get some sleep, including with Max nestled near us on the bed.

Bringing her here was the least I could do, although I had a feeling the rest of the day was about ready to turn to shit.

When my phone rang, I closed my eyes briefly. I hated it when I was right.

I pulled it from the pocket of my jeans, noticing it was Dan calling, which did little more than raise additional flags.

“Dan. There’s something wrong.”

“Maybe not. Have you paid any attention to the morning news?”

“No,” I said, chuckling under my breath. “I’ve been a little busy.”

“Turn it on.”

I took a deep breath, turning around to see where the remote was located. I took long strides, grabbing it quickly and trying to find a news show.

When one came on, I had no clue why he’d bothered calling me. “What am I looking for?”

“Both Gio Rinaldi and Domingo Rodriguez were found shot to death inside his home by Gio’s girlfriend early this morning.”

My ears perked up. “What?”

“Yep. It was all over the news earlier.”

“Any idea what happened?”

“Well, all I can tell you is that I asked one of the guys to follow Saldono yesterday after you left in a rush. The mafia Don went to his office but later left by himself, heading to his son’s house. I have a feeling what you said to the man resonated deeply.”

I wanted to say I was thrilled with the outcome, but I was just as tired of dead bodies as I was certain Noel was. Although I still almost wished I’d slaughtered Joel when I’d had the chance.

“Interesting. Have any arrests been made?”

“Not yet and if you ask me, I’ll venture a guess that’s not going to happen.”

Exhaling, as Noel appeared in the same robe I’d stripped off her earlier, her long hair wrapped in a towel, my hunger swelled all over again. The woman had somehow managed to wrap me around her little finger.

Max was right beside her, his tail wagging.

“I need to go but if you hear anything, let me know.”

“I will,” Dan said. “Just so you know. From what Eddy told me when he called, no one is even mentioning your name any longer. Maybe you don’t have to worry.”

“Maybe. But I don’t trust Saldono.”

“Neither do I. I’ll call you.”

As the call ended, she narrowed her eyes. “Trouble?”

“Not yet, darlin’. Saldono’s other son was killed last night.”

She looked at me apprehensively as she walked closer. “You didn’t…”

“No, I didn’t have any time, not that I would have minded. However, I did meet with Saldono prior to getting the call from the detective. By the way. Why didn’t you tell me you’d been threatened?”

“I guess I didn’t want to worry you.”

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