Page 29 of Deadly Don's Savage Vows

He’s here.

He’s in New York.

Nausea bubbles inside me, threatening to take over.

Panic surges and a dizzy wave of anxiety slams into me.

“Miss?”

I turn in a daze towards her.

“Miss, your coffee - are you ok?”

Leaving the coffee where it is I grab the handle of Dante’s stroller and practically run out of the coffee shop. I hear her shouting behind “Your coffee?” But I can’t. I can’t do or think about anything other than that I need to get my son to safety without Marcus seeing me.

Luckily my apartment is in the other direction to where I spotted him. I keep my head low, moving fast, but not fast enough to draw attention.

Blood is pumping through my body at such a speed that I’m faint.

As soon as I walk into my apartment, I double lock the door, leaning against it for a moment and listening for footsteps following me. But I hear nothing.

Rushing to the window I look up and down the street outside my building. No one was chasing me. No one was following me that I can see.

The monster I have such intense fear for - he might not even be here for me. He’s probably here on business and I spotted him.

My hand is pressed right over my heart, trying to ease the heavy beat. I take slow breaths in. Out. In. Out.

When the dizziness has faded, I lift Dante from his pram and settle him into his crib. He needs to sleep, and I need a moment alone.

But I can’t relax.

In the living room I can’t sit, and I can’t stand. I have no idea what to do with myself. An hour goes by and nothing happens but I’m still terrified.

When there is a knock on my door my legs collapse beneath me. I don’t get visitors here. I keep my address very private.

There is no reason for someone to be here today.

The lump in my throat is tight and painful as I walk towards the door as though I’m dreaming.

I move, too afraid to let them know I’m home. Hoping that if I ignore it - they will leave.

“Bella?”

Nico’s voice drifts through the door. Confusion and relief floods me.

It’s not Marcus. It’s not one of his goons.

But that doesn’t mean I was ready to face Nico either.

I stand with my hand resting on the handle, but not replying. Maybe he will go away.

“Bella, come on. I know you’re in there. Open the door. I’m not leaving.”

Fuck.

I guess I have no choice.

Especially with Marcus in New York - Nico needs to know he’s here - and I have to tell him the truth before anything happens.

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