Page 82 of Taboo Flames

“You’re okay,” Gio says sternly, dropping his hand down on my thigh and squeezing comfortingly.

“I almost died,” I whisper.

“But you didn’t,” he insists.

“I would have. If?—”

“Life is too short to waste time with what ifs,” he tells me. “You didn’t die, and I’m not going to let you die, princess. Not at the hand of these bastards.”

I close my eyes and sink deeper into the cool leather seat of the car. I don’t know where he’s taking me, but at this point, I don’t care.

I’ve missed Gio. I’ve missed seeing him and touching him and the sense of safety I only ever find with him. Despite knowing that Gio has a dark side, he’s still my safe space.

Waiting for my phone to flash with his call was the worst torture I ever had to endure. My first reaction to seeing him today wasn’t anger over what he had said to me. Instead, I actually felt extreme relief.

There is so much to unpack there, but that’s for another time.

I finally become aware of my surroundings when we drive through a familiar heavy steel gate.

“This is Giordano’s house,” I murmur.

“It’s the closest and safest place for us right now. I’m having my men sweep my house and your studio for bugs and planted devices. I’m confident nobody could have gotten bugs into your house, though, so these are the most plausible places for now.”

I still remember what happened the last time I was here—the situation that led me here and how I’d balked at his order and gone ahead into Giordano’s house, only to get lost and somehow end up finding that photo.

In summary, it hadn’t ended well. Especially the part where Gio had driven off without me.

“Are you going to dump me here again?” I question.

“I’m never letting you out of my sight again unless it’s absolutely necessary. Not until I get to the bottom of this.”

I watch his hard jaw and clenched hands and feel danger seeping out of him. I’ve never felt more protected…and loved. I know I’m being stupid again, throwing my hat in with a manwho’s not capable of reciprocating, but everybody’s permitted to be stupid once in a while.

We climb out of the car and make our way inside to The Godfather’s office.

He’s seated behind his desk, wearing a flat cap and a knitted sweater. I still find it hard to believe that this man is a notorious mafia ringleader. He looks like someone’s kindly grandpa.

“So many visits in such a short amount of time,” Giordano chuckles. “I know it’s not good news, but I’ll take any excuse to see my son.”

“Hello, Giordano,” Giovanni says in greeting.

Giordano chuckles.

“They rigged her car up to explode,” Gio says angrily.

The amused look slides off Giordano’s face and is replaced by a sharp focus that makes me begin to understand the dangerous side of him.

“That’s a step too far,” Giordano says in a hard voice.

Gio nods sharply. “This is the safest place I can think of for her. I hope it’s not a problem.”

“This is your home too, Giovanni,” Giordano responds. “You’re always welcome here.”

Gio takes me by my hand and begins to lead me out of the office wordlessly. I go without complaint, too shaken up to be my usual mouthy self.

Right at the office door, one of Giordano’s men pushes the door open and holds it for us. I’m almost fully past the man when my eyes land on his hand.

I bite back my terrified gasp at the sight before me. A sight I’d have never expected to see here, of all places, and one that has haunted me for weeks.

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