Page 122 of Raging Inferno

I love you.

“I love you too,” he responded.

“My life is ruined.” Jessie sobbed.

“I won’t tell you again. Get out.”

Jessie looked up at him with swollen red eyes. “Dominic, you’re my friend.”

“I was. Not anymore.”

“Look, I’m sorry for what I did.”

“Then why did you want me to lie?”

Jessie jumped to her feet with a gasp. “Presley. You’re awake?”

“I have been the entire time.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Jessie wailed.

“I have nothing to say to you.”

A knock sounded on the door. “I’m looking for Jessie King.”

Her eyes widened in panic. “Who is it?” she mouthed.

Instead of answering, Dominic said, “She’s in here.”

Two men in starched blue suits entered. Dom would’ve pegged them for feds even if he didn’t know they were in town.

One of the men took her arm and pulled it behind her back to slap on handcuffs. “Jessie King, you have the right to remain silent . . .”

“Please, Dominic, help me.”

Dom wanted to harden his heart, but he felt a measure of sympathy for her. She had been young, but it didn’t explain her actions as an adult. “I’ll notify your husband.” Instead of calling, he texted Sam to let him know Jessie had been arrested.

When they were gone, he walked over to the bed. With a finger, he brushed a lock of hair from Presley’s face. “How do you feel?”

“Better. I’m ready to leave here.”

“The doctor wants to keep you overnight since you were drugged. You’ll be able to go home tomorrow. He said you won’t be able to fly for a while.”

“That stinks.”

He cupped a hand around her face. “Did you mean it?”

“That I love you? Yes.”

Relief washed over him. He leaned down to kiss her, lingering because he missed her taste. Dropping beside her, he took her hand. “I love you too, Presley. So much it scares me. I don’t have only myself to think about. Every decision I make includes Gia.”

“I love her too.”

That brought a lump of emotion to his throat. His voice was husky when he said, “She loves you. I don’t want to be presumptuous, but you and Gia are my life now. I don’t want to live without you.”

She smiled. “I don’t want to live without either of you.”

“Gia hates it here. I’ve planned on looking for a new job for a while.”

---