Page 53 of Lily

Diane shifted her attention to the frightened woman gripping his fingers. “You must be Roselia. We’re so glad to see you.”

Roselia sniffled. She couldn’t stop crying, and he couldn’t blame her. She’d been through hell, and he was making things worse.

A tall man with black hair and blue eyes stepped forward next, extending a hand. “Jagger Whitley. So nice to finally meet you.” He gave him a firm shake and a slight smile before he turned to Roselia. “The other women are anxious to reunite with you. They’ve been so worried.”

Another man behind Jagger held out a hand next. “I’m Damon Albertini. My girlfriend, Gemma Romano, Marigold, was the first woman rescued. I’ve been an FBI informant for ten years. Long story, but I believe everything I investigated is linked to everything in this case, too.”

Stefano knew who Damon was. He’d done his homework.

Another agent held out a hand. “Boyd Lampros. I’ve been working closely on this case, too.”

Diane motioned toward the hallway. “Let’s go into the conference room.”

Stefano’s heart sank when she turned toward Roselia. “I have another room set up for you to reunite with the other women. They’re waiting for you.”

Roselia stiffened. “I’d rather stay with Stefano,” she said in a stronger voice than he would have expected possible.

Diane smiled. “I know, but we need to talk to Stefano for a while first.”

Roselia held his hand so tightly she had to be hurting herself. When they reached the conference room, he stopped and turned her to face him. “Go see the other women.”

“I don’t want to.” She wrapped her arms around him.

He rubbed her back and kissed the top of her head. He didn’t give a fuck what anyone thought. She needed him, and luckily, no one interrupted to rush him.

He lifted his gaze to search for Jagger. “I told her no matter what happens you would make sure she was safe and gets the help she needs.”

Jagger gave a nod. “Absolutely. You have my word.”

Stefano felt like he was prying her off him. It broke his heart. They didn’t have any other choice. “I love you.”

She let out another sob. “I love you, too.” And then she bravely released him. One of the female agents smiled at her. “I’m Lauren Rawlings. If you’ll follow me, ma’am.”

Stefano watched her walk away, feeling like his life left him. When she reached the corner, she turned back one more time before disappearing.

Stefano fortified himself, drawing in a deep breath, and followed the others into the conference room.

“Coffee?” Jagger offered as he approached a drink cart.

“Thank you. Black.” Stefano sat in the seat Diane indicated at the head of the table. It seemed odd, but he supposed it would allow everyone to see him. He set the envelope in front of him.

As soon as they were all settled around the table, coffees and waters in hand, he took a few sips and drew a deep breath.

“I don’t even know where to start,” Diane stated. “I’m not usually tongue-tied, but this is the most unusual case I’ve ever dealt with. I nearly fainted when I saw your name this morning.”

Stefano nodded. “I knew that would be the case.”

“Let’s begin with introductions from everyone around the table. I assume, though you might not know them by their faces, you will recognize many of the names.”

“Thank you.”

Jagger gave a short wave. “Like I said, I’m Jagger Whitley. As you’re well aware, I was the agent on the scene who picked up the second woman located, Oleander, whose name is Kalinda Spiers. It was unconventional and against just about every policy in the book, but I brought her to my home that night and rarely let her out of my sight since. She is my life.”

Jagger glanced to the next man who had introduced himself as Damon. Damon cleared his throat. “Damon Albertini. You probably know my name. You seem to know a lot of things.”

Stefano nodded. “I do. Gemma Romano is your girlfriend. Her entire family was murdered when she was taken. You bought her freedom.”

Diane leaned forward, her hands wrapped around her mug of coffee. “I assume it’s not a coincidence that you were undercover, working as a bodyguard for Gemma’s mother, Francesca, eighteen years ago?”

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