Page 13 of Deadly Don's Savage Vows

I know I can’t. The risk is too great. I have to do this alone to keep my baby and myself safe. I can’t do anything to lead Marcus to me - not after all the effort Nico put into making sure I was safe. Marcus would kill me and the baby - knowing it isn’t his.

I know that.

I take a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment.

I can do this.

My entire life is changing so dramatically but it’s still one hundred times better than it ever would’ve been with Marcus.

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A year later I catch a break.

I kept working those odd jobs during my pregnancy and for the first few months of Dante’s life. They were convenient jobs because I wanted to work flexible hours so that I could be there for my newborn - but now I have to push harder. I had to find something more stable, with higher income and better routine.

And my efforts to do better for my baby and myself have paid off.

I have an incredible job working at a new art gallery in town.

Darko Dakota Gallery.

It’s completely unique, featuring unnamed artists in the most beautiful bright space - I got really lucky to find this job.

As the curator of the gallery I am being challenged, pushed and fulfilled.

I love it.

“Bella, what did you think of that Jones guy’s work? Do you want it on display at the grand opening of the gallery?” My assistant asks, looking up from the clipboard he is holding and flicking his hair out of his eyes.

Killian is as elegant as ever. He has an ability to make any clothes appear to be high fashion and he loves art as much as I do.

“His work was fantastic. It’s definitely something new. I want him at the opening. I’ll email you the three pieces I liked most. I also really liked Pico. His work is great.”

“Really? Well, each to their own I guess.” Killian shrugs. “You’re the boss after all.” He grins at me.

“We will only meet therealboss on the night of the opening. He’s flying in for it.”

“Yes, I heard, it’s all very hushed though isn’t it.” He narrows his eyes, ready to discuss some conspiracy theory or other. He’s so dramatic.

There is a loud knock at the massive glass doors. Another delivery. Killian rushes over to open up for them.

I bite my lip. Trying to focus on what needs to be done still.

I am in charge of absolutely everything for the grand opening. I have to find new artists, the owner wants fresh, undiscovered pieces, and I have to plan the event - everything. It’s a massive task to take on. It’s daunting and exciting at the same time.

The challenge of it all is not the only thing I love about this place though - when they interviewed me and found out I was a single mom I worried it would be the thing that caused them to turn me down, but they’ve been nothing but supportive. They are so accommodating of my needs - they let me bring my baby into thegallery sometimes, they understand that occasionally I have to shift my time slots around, they are patient and helpful.

And the pay is ridiculously good.

This job is heaven sent.

When I first started it seemed too good to be true. I kept wondering what the catch was because there had to be something. Nothing is this good. But I haven’t found a catch yet.

It’s my first proper job - so maybe this is how it’s meant to be. Everyone I ever heard talking about work would bitch about how horrible it is, but I love my job.

Killian guides the delivery team over to the back area of the gallery and has them prop the additional art work, wrapped in layers and layers of protective material, up against the walls.

I need to decide where each piece will go. That reminds me I wanted to get the lighting specialist in this afternoon. And I need to confirm the selections I’ve made with the caterer and confirm that the DJ is committed. That’s not even half of it.

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