Page 98 of Lethal Infatuation

I removed the gun from his mouth and hit him across the forehead, just like he did to Gabriella. He grunted and I wiped the weapon on his shirt before placing it back in my holster.

Grabbing his hair again, I dragged him back to the bench and practically threw him onto it. "Sit tight." The man laid down on the bench, groaning in pain.

"One last thing," I said, turning to him. "Your wife will be receiving every single cent you've ever made." His eyes widened and he sat up quickly, trying to run after us. The guard slammed thegate shut and locked it. "Any plans you had of your son taking over should be forgotten, because he won't be getting a fucking dime and he'll be arrested, too. We know he's been your right hand man in all of this, and that cousin of yours."

"Nicolas!" he screamed, pulling on the bars, which was some of the dumbest shit I've ever witnessed. "Don't do this. My son is innocent. Nicolas!" I didn't pay him any mind and walked away from the screaming fucking lunatic. "Damn you. You fucking bastard!" he screamed.

Ares didn't look at me, but spoke. "That was reckless," he grumbled.

"If I were being reckless, I would've shot him the second I saw him." And it would’ve been more than just one shot. I would’ve emptied my fucking magazine.

"You're lucky the guard is agreeing to stay quiet about this…incident."

"I don't give a single fuck, Valiente," I scowled. "Whoever laid their hands on her will experience the same thing he just did, but they won't live to tell the tale."

"Fuck’s sake." He sighed heavily. "When?"

I turned to look at him. "What?"

"When do you plan on taking action? I'm coming with you," he said grumpily. "The things you make me do is fucking insane, but you're my brother, so you're not doing anything alone."

The only person I truly expressed my emotions to was Gabriella. "I appreciate you." I released a soft breath. "For everything."

"Well, well." He joked. "You're not dead inside, after all. That's refreshing."

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. "I'm serious," I said sternly. "You know I'm not good at openly expressing my feelings, but I really do appreciate you and yes, you are in fact my brother."

He smiled, nodding. "Come on, let's get you back to your girl, lover boy."

FORTY ONE

"Where are we going?" Gabriella asked. I held her hand tightly in mine, glancing at her from my peripheral vision.

"You're too inquisitive sometimes." Those deep dimples came into play as she smiled brightly. “Too curious.”

"Forgive me for wanting to know something so simple like the location we're heading to." Gabriella took some time off from work to recover mentally and physically after the incident.

"Are you feeling okay?" I frowned, wondering if perhaps her curiosity could’ve just been a form of anxiety.

"Yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask?" I pulled her closer to me, draping my arm over her shoulder. "You're still thinking about it, aren't you?"

"Everyday." I clenched my jaw.

"It was traumatising, and I'm still not comfortablegoing outside alone just yet, but we're working through it together, remember?" Her sweet angelic voice was like an ice cold glass of water on a hot summer's day or a thick fuzzy ass blanket in the midst of winter.

Either way, it relieved me of any forms of worry or stress. I could listen to her talk for hours and I'd be content. Who was I kidding? I've been doing that. I haven't left her side since that night.

The dynamic of our intimacy during this past two weeks changed drastically. She wasn't ready for any sexual activity yet and I wasn't the kind of man who'd push. We focused solely on spending time together, cuddling, and light touching.

We got lost in each other's company and presence. Just being next to her was enough for me. I'd give up everything to ensure I had her by my side every second of every day.

I needed her more than I needed air. If I had to choose between the two, I'd choose Gabriella. She gave me life. She was the air in my lungs. The blood flowing through my veins. "You and I." I smiled.

"You and I," she repeated.

"You're not feeling overwhelmed, are you?" We walked through the busy street of New York. It was her request, so who was I to deny her? She needed a change of scenery.

"No, I promise I'll let you know if I'm feeling uncomfortable." I nodded, placing a soft kiss on the side of her head.

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