Page 41 of Ruined in Vows

Allegra smiles, her blue orbs glassy with tears just as Nico steps up to the couch. I turn to look at him.

“I need to tell you about the conversation I overheard so we can figure this shit out.”

Chapter 27

Allegra

“Ineed to tell you about the conversation I overheard so we can figure this shit out.”

My body stiffens at Dante’s words, heart pounding at the ominous feel blanketing the room. And despite being ecstatic that he has finally had a flashback, no matter how small, I can’t help the apprehension I feel. Things have just gotten real. And now it’s time to get to the bottom of why this has happened and who is behind it.

The tension in the room is thick. A thoughtful look flickers in Dante’s eyes as he looks between my brother and I. And though I want nothing more than to ask him what he saw, I get the feeling it’s not something Dante wants to say in front of Nico. So, I let it go. For now.

“Go on,” I prompt gently.

Sighing, he runs a hand through his hair, pulling at the dark strands.

“I want to preface this by saying, it could mean nothing. But then again it could mean everything.” He throws my brother a serious look then exhales a weary breath as if preparing himself. Dante clears his throat. “When I got home yesterday, I overheard…” he trails off, his guilt filled eyes connecting withmine. My pulse kicks up, throat tightening. I have a feeling I know who he overheard. I still hate that word. I should be the only woman that word refers to when it comes to this man. But I need to suck it up. Be strong, if we are ever going to get through what has happened and what I am sure is still to come. Throwing him a pointed look, I nod, silently telling him to continue. Dante straightens, blowing out a relieved breath. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I heard her voice coming from the bedroom. I was suspicious so I found myself climbing the stairs and standing outside the room. Caterina was talking to Benito, Vincenzo’s right hand. I know that much because she said his name. Obviously, I could only hear her side of the conversation but what I did hear was cryptic at most and enlightening at best. From what I can gather, she is in love with Benito, but her brother wants her pregnant.” I suck in the breath at the last part of his statement, my whole body turning to stone.

Pregnant?

No.

Does this mean he has been sleeping with her, hiswife?

I inwardly scream, heat prickling my veins, and I want to crawl out of my skin. I was so caught up in my happiness of Dante being alive, I have once again been blissfully naïve. Though I should have known. I swallow.

Because of course he has. He is a man. A masculine, sexually virile man with needs. Oh God. I think I’m going to be sick. Did Dante unknowingly cheat on me?

Too caught up in my current mental breakdown at the thought of his betrayal, I don’t feel the warmth of his hands cupping my cheeks.

But then his voice breaks through my panic. Soft. Comforting.

“Allegra,” he calls my name with vehemence. Whatever he sees in my eyes, tells me he knows exactly where my thoughtshave gone. He shakes his head. “No. I haven’t slept with her and not for her lack of trying. Because fuck, she is relentless, even going as far as to take advantage of me when I’m sleeping,” he adds, making my stomach sink.

Forcing a smile, I summon all the strength I have. If I can survive thinking Dante was dead, I can deal with this. “I’m sorry. It’s such a small problem in the grand scheme of things and yet, I can’t bear the thought of you with another woman.”

His lips tip up into a half smile. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” He leans in, pressing a kiss to my lips as if it’s instinct. Electricity surges through my body, lighting up every nerve ending. But then he freezes, leaving me confused. Dante pulls back, wide eyed, just as a throat clears. My brother. “Shit. I didn’t mean to do that.”

“Jesus man. I don’t want to see you all over my sister,” Nico groans.

Laughing, I keep my gaze on the man I love. “It’s fine. I liked it,” I tell him honestly. “It’s been so long since,” my eyes flick to Nico before coming back to Dante. “Since your lips have been on mine,” I tell him shyly.

He runs a thumb across my bottom lip reverently, his gaze focused on the flesh, studying it. He looks mesmerized. His tongue darts out, flicking across his own bottom lip. Desire shoots through me, my stomach tightening. Though we never had sex, there were plenty of times he used that wicked tongue and mouth on me.

“Dante,” I say softly, breaking the spell, aware that my brother is witnessing our interaction.

He clears his throat, dropping his hands from my face. I feel bereft at the loss but understand why. We were having an intimate moment, and that’s something my brother has never seen.

Dante turns to Nico, determination flashing in his eyes. “I don’t know why all this has happened and to be honest, I’m still a little unsure about everything. But I believe you.” He looks at me. “Both of you.” Relief has my body relaxing. “A lot of my memories are gone, and I don’t know if I will ever get them back. But I’m willing to do anything to try. But before that happens, I want to find out why and how the Conti’s are involved in this and who is pulling the strings. We need to brainstorm together and hopefully we will come up with the answers. There is a reason someone wanted me gone. What those reasons are, I don’t know. But we will find out.” He finishes with pure grit lacing his voice.

Pure happiness surges inside me.

Though I was hopeful, I never dreamt in a million years after only two meetings, Dante would believe us. I thought it would take more time. I can only be grateful for the conversation he overheard. Unbeknownst to Caterina, it has definitely helped our cause.

“Where do yo-your w-wife and brother-in-law think you are?” I stutter out, my throat thick with jealousy.

Dante exhales, scrubbing a palm across his stubble. “I told Vincenzo, I was seeing a new specialist doctor for my head injuries. His reaction to that news was odd. From the moment I woke up, I have only seen one doctor – the one on Vincenzo’s payroll – and either at home or in his office. I never asked questions because I didn’t think I needed to. Until I met Allegra, and she called me by someone else's name.”

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