Page 17 of Passion and Revenge

“Salvadore can protect you,” he continues. “I’ve protected you all your life, and now that I can’t anymore, I’ll be assured he’s keeping you safe.”

Yeah, Dad, I think bitterly.You protected me all my life, except the times you were so consumed with work that you couldn’t see my innocence being stripped off me by that monster.

I slam the lid on that dark thought shut and paste a smile on my face.

“I’m offended that you don’t think I’m doing a terrific job taking care of myself,” I retort.

“I didn’t say that.”

I whirl around at him. “I’m choosing to believe this is coming from a place of your own work stress and not because you actually think that after years of you teaching me how to be self-sufficient and independent, you still don’t believe in me to know I’m fine.”

His mouth presses into a thin line, and we eye each other. Then, after a while, his shoulders slump, and he backs down.

“I trust you, Si.” Dragging a hand through his hair, he offers me a smile. “You’re right. I’m just stressed about work. I trust you, and I love you.”

“How big?”

“Bigger than all the planets stacked up together.” He holds his arms open, and I willingly fall into them, breathing in his comforting and familiar scent.

“So now that we are back to being a loving father and daughter, let me help relieve some of your stress. What’s going on with the Hendrix case?” I pull away, noticing the lines bracketing his mouth and the dark circles around his eyes for the first time. “You look terrible.”

Dad chuckles. “You’re doing wonders for my self-confidence.”

“You know you still got it, old man,” I tease. “So, about the case?”

“It’s confidential.” He walks out of the room toward the kitchen, and I hurry after him.

“When has that ever stopped you?” I urge.

He glares at me and begins to go through my pantry and fridge. “You have no food in your house.”

“I’ve been meaning to go grocery shopping, and you’re stalling.”

He drags a hand over his face. “Fine. It’s the same thing we’ve seen a million times. Corrupt businessman trying to slip away through the cracks in the system. Hendrix may be the worst of them all, though. He’s ruined millions of lives and is unapologetic about it.”

“I hope you put him where he belongs. Behind bars for life.”

“You bet.” He glances down at his watch. “I’ve got to go, darling. I’ll have someone send you groceries.”

I glare. “I can get groceries on my own.”

“Sure, honey, but I’ve already texted Carlotta with a list, and she’ll probably be here soon.”

“Oh, Dad.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know, I’m the best. I love you too.” His mouth presses against the top of my head, and then he’s gone.

The apartment immediately feels empty without him, and I drop into the kitchen chair with a sigh.

It doesn’t take long for my mind to slip back to thoughts of Vincent and our “date.” My mouth curls into a smile. Leaping to my feet, I rush into my room to find the perfect outfit, far too excited to do anything else.

CHAPTER 6

Alessandro

“Open your mouth wider, baby,” I growl as my hips pump faster and faster.

Dayna moans, raising her head to allow me to fuck her throat.

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