Page 9 of Deadly Don's Savage Vows

“Still think you don’t need to change your appearances?” He asks, handing me a cup of coffee. I take it from him and stare at the dark creamy liquid still spinning in the mug after being stirred.

“I guess - I guess I’m going blonde.” I whisper.

I shake my head. “I hate him.” I mutter. “I hate how he makes it look like he’s so caring and loving and like all he wants is to have me back - he doesn’t care about me at all.”

Tears burn at the back of my eyes and blink hard to push them away.

Nico steps close to me. “Hey, you never have to see him again. I’m going to get you far away from here. It’s going to be ok.” His voice is so gentle it makes me scared. Scared because it tugs at my heart, pulling me towards him. I need to be strong right now - not leaning on some guy I hardly know. I wish I was strong.

“How?” I ask, not trusting that it’s possible to escape a man like Marcus.

“There is a new identity being made for you as we speak. It will be ready later today. With your new look, your new identity and being far away from this city — you’ll be ok.”

“What about my money? Everything is tied up in my trust.”

“I had your trust emptied. All of it was moved to an off shore account. I’ll show you how to access it. You’ve got money, and a new life waiting for you. All you need to do is have the courage to grab it.”

I lift my head up and push my shoulders back. Forcing myself to take a deep breath.

“I have the courage.” I say - sounding more confident than I feel.

“Good.” He smiles, touching his fingertips under my chin and looking right into my eyes. My heart skips a beat. I don’t know how I will ever thank him for what he’s done for me.

He is still staring at me.

The look in his eyes - it’s intimate.

I blink that idea away.

No. Nico doesn’t care about me. He doesn’t even know me. He helped me because his sister asked him to - that’s all. Lina has always made comments about what a player her brother is - how he has new women every week. I can’t let him rankle me. I’m another one of his flings. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Chapter 4

Nico

Late in the afternoon I am standing in the living room, waiting for Bella to come downstairs. I’m not happy. I shouldn’t feel anything at all - so, I don’t understand why this is happening.

My chest is tight, my heart aches like it’s a bit of a wreck.

This has been such a weird experience for me - spending time with Bella.

I thought I was helping a girl I didn’t really know because my sister asked me to - but that isn’t how this turned out. Something about Bella makes me feel like I’ve known her all my life. Intimately. Like our souls recognize each other.

Last night, when she kissed me, a thousand things lit up inside me. Things I didn’t know where there. Things I’ve never felt before.

There is such an intense connection between us. I wouldn’t believe her if she told me she didn’t feel it too.

And now I have to say good bye to her. I have to send her off into the world - on a very dangerous path that she has to walk alone - and all I really want to do is tell her to stay with me. To be with me. To make a life with me.

But, fuck, we all know that isn’t possible. It would be a death wish for both of us.

I swallow hard and run my fingers through my hair.

Bella walks down the stairs, her face is turned down.

Blonde hair falls forward over her shoulders. The warm, light tone suits her skin. She looks up at me and her smile is vibrant.

“I can’t believe how different I look.” She grins.

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