Page 132 of Sinful Lies

My body sags with relief as Dante disappears.

Mikhail places a comforting hand on my shoulder as I try to contain my emotions.

It’s over.

“Walk with me.” Massimo tilts his head to the door, getting to his feet.

I barely register my movements as we’re led out of the study. All I can think about is Zara.

I just want to hold her in my arms, to feel the warmth of her skin beneath my fingertips, to know that she’s alive and safe.

But although this is dealt with, I also know that Zara won’t feel safe until Giovanni is gone for good…

He’s been kept alive for too long, and I need to take care of him once and for all.

“Once Zara is home, and I know she is well, Mikhail and I have some unfinished business to take care of,” I say under my breath to Alexei as we walk down the steps to thewaiting hummer. “I want Danil to stay with Zara while we’re gone.”

I feel Massimo’s eyes on me, so I linger back, watching as Danil climbs out of the car.

Massimo narrows his eyes at me. “Does this have anything to do with Giovanni Saccone?”

“That fucker has been a waste of air for too long.”

“He’s a snake. Useful, yes, but he has no loyalty to anyone except himself. He’s served his purpose to me, but I have no further need for him.”

“Good, because in a few hours he’s going to be dead.”

Massimo huffs a laugh. “I’m curious to know your history with him. He was more than willing to throw you to the wolves without a second thought.”

I take a deep breath and turn to face Massimo.

“He raped my wife.” The words feel like poison on my tongue.

Massimo curses.

“I made a promise to protect my wife, and while he’s still breathing, she won’t ever feel safe. I think it’s about time he pays for his crime.”

I blink as Massimo steps toward me and places a large hand on my shoulder.

“We do what we have to in order to protect our family,” Massimo states, a knowing look in his eyes. “That we have in common, Koslov.”

I nod.

From behind me, Alexei call out, “Dimitri!”

The crunching of tires on gravel fills the air, and I whip around as a blacked-out Range Rover approaches.

The moment it comes to a stop, the door opens, and Zara staggers out.

“Sladkaya,” I choke, sprinting over to her and wrapping her up in my arms. “Zhizn’ moya.”

“I’m okay.” She wraps her arms around me.

“I was so fucking worried.” I cup her face and press a kiss to her lips.

She whimpers against my lips, her small hands clutching my shirt as I kiss her again. “You’re okay,? Please tell me you’re okay.”

I pull back to take a proper look at her.

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