Page 29 of The Devil's Demise

At the mention of my parents, my chest tightens. I still talk to them, all the time. I want to believe they’re looking out for all of us. “Maybe Raquel is right. I do need a damn drink.”

“Now we’re talking.” He clasps my shoulder. “I got some in the trunk.”

“Of course you do.” I chuckle as we start toward everyone.

“I had a feeling you were gonna need it.” He nudges my ribs with his elbow.

He’s definitely right.

* * *

RAQUEL

There was a time when my world seemed impossibly small. When the light faded. When the possibilities only led to my death, the life dwindling, crumbling with every breath.

Until he came.

Until he saved me.

Even when his every intention was to hurt my family, by using me for a marriage he didn’t want, he still took care of me.

And while we were both hurting, love found us when it was the last thing either of us thought we’d find.

But in each other, we found something else—a love that created a family. And with every passing year, I find more reason to smile.

With him huddled against me on the hospital bed, we stare into the face of our son, Tristen, our hearts carrying so much devotion and awe, they’re ready to split.

Once he left with Enzo, I was ready to bring our boy into the world twenty minutes later. Then, in another ten, he made it out safely. The most beautiful little boy I’ve ever seen with thick black hair and large brown eyes. He’s a perfect blend of the two of us.

“I can’t wait for Carnelia to meet him,” I whisper as Tristen coos in my arms, sucking on a bottle.

“You know that kid is going to think she’s the mother, right?”

“Oh, I know.” My soft laughter splits free, and I’m unable to peel my gaze from my son. “She already told me she’ll babysit while I sleep.”

Dante chuckles. “You in any pain, baby?” He tips my chin up with his hard knuckles, staring deep into my eyes, and the sentiment slams right into my heart. He always worries about me and it’s the sweetest thing on earth.

“I’m just fine.” I flash him a wide smile. “Thank you, Dante. For all of this. If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know where I’d be.”

“You saved me, too, sweetheart.” He brushes a thumb across my lips, glancing down at them for a quick moment. “I have you to thank for the man I am today.”

I release a weighty sigh, a smile radiating my face. “I guess we have each other to thank.”

“And I will. Every damn day. Because you, Raquel”—he kisses the top of my head—“you’re my everything.”

“And you’re mine.”

“Damn right I am.” Together, with the new life beating in my arms, we hold each other, cherishing every moment.

CHAPTER5

RAQUEL

FIFTEEN YEARS LATER - AGE 47

The years have blownby and it’s a wonder to sometimes look back on the life we’ve built and stare at it in amazement.

Dante and his brothers continue to thrive, opening additional hotels and clubs, growing their empires, making their parents and Tomás proud. I wish I could meet that man and thank him for everything he’s done for Dante.

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