Page 112 of Forbidden Deception

“Come on, come on.”

Just two more.

One more.

“I told you, I have a—”

Ding.

I run out of the elevator, past Remo’s receptionist, who jumps up from her seat, and fly to the door.

I slam it open, heaving chest and everything.

Both men turn around and find me near tears in the doorway.

46

The sight of Venezia with tears in her eyes in jeans and a sunflower-coloured button-up shirt pulls at my heartstrings.

Her lower lip wobbles like she is about to cry, and I reach out to her. Her phone drops from her hand, and she rushes towards us.

No, not us. Me.

She launches herself into my arms, her arms wrapping around my shoulders as sobs wrack her body. My own arms wrap around her waist, and I lift her, my head dipping into the crook of her neck. Her familiar scent makes me feel alive for the first time since she left.

I felt like a madman, walking lifelessly around with no purpose.

Now that she is in my arms, everything feels better, like it’s worth living and breathing again. Colour springs back into my life, and my heart beats once more.

“I’m sorry, Rafael. I’m so, so sorry,” she sobs into my arms, her body shaking.

“It’s okay, baby.” I run my hand through her hair and tighten my hold on her.

“No, it’s not okay. You trusted me, and I walked away like you didn’t matter. I promise you do. I promise I love you for real. Nothing…nothing was fake. Never.” She leans back and shakes her head, her face set in a soft pout I want to kiss.

Tears drip down her face, and I run my thumb over them to collect them.

“You…I’m sorry,” she cries once more, returning to my arms.

My eyes shut on their own.

Fuck, I guess Khyros deserves an award for this. I’ll help him with his baby mama for sure. I knew he was doing this for something. Motherfucker managed to get involved with Yakuza.

“This is weird for me to witness,” Remo softly murmurs.

“Shut up. It’s all your fault,” Venezia grumbles, leaning back to glare at her brother.

I settle her back down, but she quickly grasps my hand as if afraid to let go.

“Yes, of course. If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t have met him or fallen in love or whatever.” He rolls his eyes, then starts to walk past us but stops when he reaches me.

He looks at me, and his eyes ice over like something truly dark has taken over. “I’m leaving her in your care. I am trusting you, and if anything happens to her, you will be six feet under before you can even take your next breath,” he grits out.

His threat isn’t empty. He will do what he just told me and ten times worse.

Venezia is, after all, the sister of the worst monster Britain has seen.

“Sure, brother-in-law.” I smirk.

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