Page 99 of Enforcer

Even though I hate that I’d somehow gotten used to being around Dante in such a short period, I’m thankful I’m working through my shit to keep us on track. There will never be another like him, and I know he’s worth the work I’ll need to put in to overcome my fears.

I wake up,looking around the bright room as I spy Dante’s bare ass beside me. He’s on his stomach, arms under his pillow as he snores like a colossal bear into the pillow.

I vaguely remember him feeding me a sandwich and making me drink water as he tucked me into bed last night. I don’t remember anything after that. I hadn’t even realized he was in bed all night.

I get up to use the bathroom and realize how sore my body is. Getting dressed is a feat all its own, as my legs feel shaky, and I’m unsteady.

I check my phone and see a missed call from my mom and Brynne.

Antonio texted me to call him, so he’s the first one I call.

“What’s going on?” I ask, my heart racing with anxiety in my chest.

“Well, nothing too alarming. We’re monitoring a situation in Brooklyn, though, and I wanted you to be aware.”

“What kind of situation?” I slide onto a barstool before the island, sipping my coffee slowly.

“Some missing girls. All snatched off the streets. It was only one, but two more have gone missing in the last two weeks. They all look different, and the police haven’t linked the disappearances yet, but my gut says they are something we need to keep an eye on.”

“Alright. Well, I’m about to call Brynne back. Do you want me to tell her about it?” I asked him.

He’s silent for a moment. “No. Her honeymoon is almost over. Let her have her last few moments. There’s not much we can do at this time anyhow.”

“Alright. Anything else I should be aware of?”

I’m supposed to be in charge, but so much has been going on that Antonio and Mauro have stepped up and helped me a ton lately.

“No, ma’am. That’s it. I’ll make sure to keep you informed.”

“Thanks, Antonio.”

I end the call and click on Brynne’s missed call notification to return her call.

“Hey, girl,” I say as she answers.

“Hey, yourself. It’s nearly noon. Why didn’t you answer?”

“Well, I… I was…”

“Spit it out!” she orders, and I laugh.

“Dante broke into the house last night, tied me up, fucked me senseless, and I’m a bit sex-hungover at the moment. Take it easy on me.”

Brynne squeals on the other end. “Oh, my God! My besties love one another!”

“Let’s not get carried away, alright? I still have all my shit to work through.”

I rub my temple as a pulse moves through it.

“You still have to pull your head out of your ass, got it. Anyhow, I called to tell you the news.”

I perk up in my chair, my heart doing that dancing thing again in my chest. “What news?”

I don’t know how much news I can handle in the morning.

“I’m pregnant!”

I get off the stool—I don’t know why—and jump up and down, screaming as she does the same thing on the other end.

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