Page 94 of The Devil's Den

“It’s okay, baby bro,” Dom says, the way he once did. “I’ve got you. You’re home now.”

And I do something I haven’t done since I was a child.

I cry.

CHAPTERTHIRTY

AIDA

Seeing him with his brothers,reunited after all these years, it brought so much happiness to me. I’m not ashamed of how heavy the tears ran down my face as each one of his brothers hugged him.

On the drive to Enzo’s home, Dom told us what they had been through since they lost their father and Matteo. I can’t imagine being on my own so young, living on the street and then homeless shelters. He also explained how he knew Chiara, that he loved her, that Dante and Raquel were together too, as well as Robby’s mom and Enzo. It’s nice to know both of my cousins have found men who care for them.

Dom parks his SUV in the driveway of a sprawling mansion. Here I thought Agnelo’s home was big. This is like three of them.

Nerves etch away in my stomach, and I shiver at the thought of seeing my cousins, telling them what I’ve been through and why I wasn’t allowed to see them.

It all makes sense now, why he kept me hidden. He was worried the truth of my real identity would be revealed. But even with all the worry at seeing them, I can’t wait to hold Robby in my arms, to know he’s really there.

“You ready?” Matteo whispers into my ear, the cadence of his voice soothing away my fears.

“No. But I’ll have to be. And having you with me”—I angle my body toward him—“it makes everything possible.”

“I love you, Aida.” His eyes deepen as he plants a kiss to my forehead. “I’ve loved you then. I love you now. And I’ll love you in every space in between.” My heart practically jumps in my throat, my hand grasping his. It’s still going to take me time to finally realize that we’re free. Agnelo won’t break us anymore. Our bond, it’s forever.

We exit the car and walk hand in hand behind his brothers. I shudder with a breath, leaning into his side, his arm rounded around me, tugging me closer as we enter the home.

“Aida!” Robby shouts as soon as he sees me, and I burst into tears, kneeling, gasping with a sob as he runs into my outstretched arms. “You’re okay!” He coughs, wheezing a bit, and I remember he was sick the last time I saw him.

“I’m okay,” I pant, tears streaking down my face. “How are you feeling?”

“I feel better.” He pushes back to look at me. “I got medicine at the hospital.”

The hospital? Oh God.

I try not to react, forcing a smile. “Oh, buddy. I’m glad they took care of you there.”

“I’m so happy you’re here!” He grins, hugging me again. “I missed you, Aida.”

“I missed you so much.” My eyelids press into a tight close for a few seconds as I hold him. I happen a glance behind him, finding both of my cousins, their expressions soft, the tears warping their gazes too. Beside them is a tall, blonde woman. The kindness in her smile, those eyes—that’s Robby’s mother. My heart lurches from fear that she’ll hate me for taking her son.

With Robby holding my hand, I stand up, making my way to them. “I’m sorry,” I immediately tell her, biting into my lower lip.

“Sorry?” Her brows knit. “For what?”

“For having him, for…I—I don’t know.”

“Oh, no.” She shakes her head, her gaze gleaming. “If it weren’t for you, my son would never have known what it meant to be loved, and you loved him when I wasn’t there to do it. For that, I’ll always be thankful.” She swipes a finger under her eyes. “And Ms. Greco, is she here too? I’d like to properly thank her.”

My eyes drop to my feet.

“Oh,” she whispers. “I’m sorry.” Her hand seeks mine, gently clasping it.

Kissing the back of Robby’s hand, I let it go, and he runs to his mother’s side, clasping his arms around her thigh. That’s where he should be. I’ve had him long enough.

Chiara and Raquel both come to me now. “You don’t know how happy we are to see you.” Raquel throws herself at me, hugging me tight.

“We’ve been so worried with everything going on,” Chiara adds. “Once Dom told me Matteo was looking for you, fuck, I wanted to go after you myself.”

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