Page 40 of They Call Him Reaper

“Thank you,” he finally says and steps aside.

Dante grunts and guides me beyond Andrea, farther into his home. I grew up rich, so I’m not wowed by the size of his home, but I’m impressed by the decor. It’s very well done to show his wealth without being over the top. I’m still not sure why we’re here, since Dante isn’t the kind of man who has friends. I turn to watch Dante and Andrea interact, as ifthey’re trying to communicate with body language only. More heavy footsteps pull my attention into the opposite direction as another attractive man strolls our way, wearing black slacks and a button up. His eyes are a darker blue than Andrea’s and his beard is fuller. Visually, they’re not related, but the ease in his movements and his comfort displays an unspoken closeness. His eyebrows arch in a way that makes him look like he has a permanent scowl, but something in his eyes tells me he is friendlier than both Andrea and Dante. Once he’s within touching distance, I look at him from head to toe because it’s amazing how good he looks.

Dante, Andera, and now this new man makes me wonder if there is an attractive killer factory. It did not pass my notice that both are sporting wedding rings. Lucky women. I push out my hand before he can speak.

“Hi, I’m Inaya.”

He gives me a full smile and takes my hand, then drops his other one over it. “I am so happy to meet you. I’m Theodore.”

The sincerity in his voice is laced with a little relief and I immediately know why. “Because I’m alive?”

His chuckle is thick and rich, which somehow brings comfort. “Yes,” he admits. “I’m happy you made it.”

I don’t get to respond because Dante steps between us and removes my hand from Theodore’s.

“Since you like living,Gatita, you should stop flirting with them.”

Theodore and Andrea trade amused glances, but I’m surprised by his statement.

“What?” He gives me a stern look that’s not exactly like the kind he used to give when he kidnapped me. A small bubble of amusement surfaces as my brain catches up. “Wait, is this jealousy?”

Dante’s eyes narrow, but a baby cries before he can answer. I whip my head to the right to find a beautiful black woman holding an adorable baby.

“Aww,” I coo, melting at the sight. I walk in her direction with a smile.

To my surprise, she puts the baby on her hip and pulls me into a hug. It triggers some of the emotions I’ve been suppressing since I didn’t realize how much I needed a hug. I have a few tears in my eyes when she lets me go. The woman gives me a sympathetic look and passes me her son.

His soft little body comforts me as I inhale his sweet, innocent smell. “Come,” she says as she guides me in the opposite direction. “My name is River, by the way,” she tells me.

We enter a huge bedroom and settle in the seating area. The baby coos and smiles up at me with dimples, and I immediately know who they are.

“Are you Theodore’s wife?”

She giggles like she’s very much in love. “The boy gave it away, didn’t he?”

“Yes,” I admit as I pull him into another hug. “Thank you.”

She waves me off with a smile. “Looks like you’ll need the practice anyway.” Snapping her fingers, she jumps up and disappears into another room. She soon comes back with a small box.

River puts the box on the sofa and looks through it. She pulls out a mint green dress and holds it up.

“This looks like it’ll fit you. It’s a maternity dress.” She gathers the baby and points toward the ensuite bathroom.

I move inside and strip off the almost too tight clothes, pulling on the dress she gave me. I’m surprised to find it’s a little too big since the label was the size I remember being before I was kidnapped. I guess being on the run would mess with the amount of food I eat. I release a sigh of relief as I spin in themirror to look at the pretty mint green sundress. It’s sleeveless and stops just above the knee. River is okay with me.

River gives two snaps when I return like I’m working the runway and she’s a damn good distraction. She picks up her phone when it chimes and responds to a text.

“Delaney is on her way.” She giggles when I give her a blank look. “Andrea’s wife.”

Soon a tall, dark-skinned black woman walks in looking almost regal. Her loose maxi dress flows around her like she has her own wind machine. Her black hair is done in loose waves that fall mid back. She turns and waits for another woman who looks just like her. Twins.

“Hello. I’m Delaney. It’s very nice to meet you,” the first woman speaks. “This is my sister, Kennedy.”

Kennedy smiles. Dimples. That's a very easy way for me to remember who’s who. Kennedy comes to me and extends her hand. I shake it but she doesn’t let go. Instead, she tilts her head in the opposite direction, giving me the indication that she wants me to follow her.

“Very nice to meet you. I’m also here to examine you. Follow me.”

“Ah, so you’re a doctor,” I fill in the blanks.

---