Page 88 of Victorious Vice

Without further argument, I make my way to the guestroom. I peel the dress from my body, hang it in the closet, and head to the bathroom to take a shower. I wash the product out ofmy short hair, scrub my face free from the makeup and false eyelashes, and then just stand under the shower, letting it pelt me. We’re into the next day already. It’s after two a.m.

And as much as I want to know what’s going on, what I want more than anything at this moment is a soft pillow under my head.

30

VINNIE

Bellamy walks toward me but I hold up a hand. “You don’t have to say anything. I’m not going near her tonight.”

“That’s not what I was going to say. I just want you to know that I mean it when I say that I love my daughter.” He runs his hand through his hair, sighing. “I love all of my children.”

“Did I say otherwise?”

“No, but I see it in your eyes. You wonder how I could let them be in danger like this. All I can tell you is that there are things at work that you don’t know about.”

I swear to God, this guy needs to learn a new tune. If I hear one more time that there are “things at work” with no further context, I may collapse in on myself.

“I know everything my grandfather knows.”

“You don’t, Vinnie.” He places a hand on my shoulder. “But you will.”

“Because you’re going to tell me?”

“Because I won’t have to.”

“What the hell doesthatmean?”

But Bellamy says nothing more. He simply leaves, shows Jared where to bunk down, and then he returns.

Without continuing our conversation, he shows me to Raven’s old bedroom.

I peel off my tux, lay the garments on a chair, strip myself of the rest of my clothing, and head into the en suite bathroom for a shower.

Once I’m clean and dry, I put my boxer briefs back on and slide between the sheets.

Will I sleep?

Doubtful.

But at least I know Raven is safe several doors down the hallway with both her father and Jared looking out for her.

It should be me, but it can’t be me.

I have a wife. Sure, she’s my wife in name only, but she is someone else I am responsible for. She’s been great through all of this. She left the gala pretty early to go home and take care of Serena. I brought in a discrete staff when we got home, but Daniela has taken the role of caretaker seriously, and Serena seems to adore her.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow I go to my grandfather.

I bring him to the house. And I give him Serena. His lost love.

In exchange for all his power—and the control I need to do what must be done.

I have no doubt that he will meet my demands.

And I?—

The door cracks open, interrupting my thoughts.

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