Page 95 of Malevolent Secrets

I feel Renee's eyes on me. I feel Vincent's eyes on me too. But I focus on Renee because I know there are unspoken words between us.

I know that she still blames herself and normally I would try to reassure her that I don't blame her. But this is not the time. I cannot cater to anybody's feelings right now.

But Daniella's—oh, I can still see it so clearly. The black handprint on her face, clutching her stomach, the pain in her eyes that I could not be there with her in the hospital.

I know why they want her dead. She’s carrying my heir. But I have to find a way to stop it. I have to find a way to keep her safe. And she's never going to be safe while Massimo is still alive. I know what I have to do.

I turn to Vincent, my voice steady and firm. "Get the men ready. We move tonight."

Vincent nods, his expression resolute. "Understood."

Renee steps closer, her eyes filled with worry and determination. "Just...be careful, all right?"

I give her a reassuring nod. "Don't worry. It's time to show Massimo what happens when he crosses the line."

As I prepare for the confrontation ahead, my mind is laser-focused. This isn't just about revenge—it's about protection, justice and reclaiming control. Massimo has made his move and now it's my turn.

Chapter Thirty

Daniella

So this is what it is like to be rich.

I didn’t want to stay at the hospital, so I was brought back home. There has been a doctor with me twenty-four hours a day. I mean, it hasn’t been a day yet since the whole thing happened, but the doctor hasn’t left my side. It’s almost suffocating.

I’m on my second bag of what I’m guessing is an IV drip and I’m feeling my strength crawl back into me slowly. The pain in my head has receded and the doctor has assured me that both my baby and I are fine.

A little part of me wishes that Lorenzo was here with me right now, but I know that he has more important things to do. I know that he’s facing demands that he cannot battle and win if he is here worrying about me.

But then again, I have to get used to Lorenzo not being around. It’s not like I plan to stick around after all of this. I don’t know what I want to do, but I know that it is not this.

I don’t know if I can endure the weight of my feelings for Lorenzo or if I’m going to let it consume me. Either way, I have to figure out a plan.

“You’re doing okay. The baby’s vital signs are strong,” the doctor tells me, and I smile. The worry dissipates from me—not completely, but just enough to allow me to close my eyes.

The next time I open my eyes, it is bright outside. Morning has come. Not just morning, apparently, but midday.

I didn’t even know I could sleep for such a long time in one stretch. More than twelve hours. That just shows how exhausted I have been. I stretch my arms above my head and then I hear the voice.

“Morning.”

I gasp and turn to see him sitting in a chair beside my bed. Lorenzo. God, he’s a beautiful man.

His dark hair is tousled. His eyes look haunted, hooded, exhausted, but beautiful and trained on me. He’s still in yesterday’s clothes—boots, socks, everything. I gulp.

“Hey.”

I wring my hands together, unsure of how to act, unsure of what to do, unsure of what to say. This is uncharted territory for both of us.

We’re used to anger preceding our actions. We’re used to letting desire take control and take over. But now, those two things are missing. There is no anger and no desire. There is just us.

He sighs. “You look well-rested.”

I nod. “Yes. Twelve plus hours of sleep will do that to you.” I laugh under my breath, trying to ease the tension.

He sighs again and moves to get up. “I’m going to leave you alone now. I know you don’t want to see me.”

He stands, but I’m faster. I crawl across the bed and stop him with my hand on his thigh. “Wait,” I say.

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