Page 83 of Savage Vows
Bella is quiet for a moment, thinking it over. “We might be reading into it.”
“I don’t know,” I whisper. “It just makes me wonder what else he isn’t saying. I want to trust him, Bella. I need to. But sometimes it feels like every answer I get just leads to more questions.”
Bella reaches over, covering my hand with hers. “You’re not crazy, Adriana. If something doesn’t add up, trust your gut. Don’t let anyone make you feel small for asking.”
I squeeze her fingers, grateful for the comfort, but the knot of unease in my stomach only grows.
Her voice drops to a whisper. “But if Anya’s gone…do you think Samie—” Worry clouds her eyes. “Do you think there might be other girls? Other names we don’t even know about?”
I swallow hard, unable to look away. “I don’t know. But I can’t shake the feeling that Anya and Samie aren’t the only ones. Bella, what if this is bigger than everyone thought? What if the girls people forget about just…disappear, and no one ever finds out?”
Bella’s hand trembles slightly against her mug. “God, Adriana. If that’s true, how do we even start to help?”
I take a deep breath, steadying my hands around my mug. “Alex told me there were cuts on Anya’s body. Someone took their time with her, Bella. Whoever killed her…he’s a sicko.”
Her face goes pale, eyes filling with horror. “God,” she whispers.
“But there’s something else,” I say quickly, wanting to give her some hope. “She died recently. The police think she was only gone a few days before they found her. That means Samie might still be alive.”
Bella nods, gripping the edge of the table. “If there’s even a chance…”
“And I found out about Samie’s boyfriend,” I say, clearing my throat. “He might know something about her disappearance.”
Bella’s eyes widen. “What are you going to do?”
“I need your help,” I say. “I need an alibi. I want to sneak out and meet him. I was thinking we could go out for a movie—something Dante can check, something that makes sense. He won’t let me out alone.”
Bella hesitates, biting her lip. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? That guy could be dangerous. Besides, you’re Dante’s wife now. You know he has enemies in the city. If he finds out you’re lying…”
I look at her, determination in my chest even if my stomach is tight with nerves. “I can’t just do nothing, Bella. Samie could still be alive, and I can’t turn my back on her.”
Bella studies me for a long moment. Finally, she nods, her voice barely above a whisper. “Alright. If you’re sure, I’ll help. But you have to promise me you’ll be careful. And if anything feels wrong, you walk away. Understand?”
I squeeze her hand, gratitude and fear tangled in my chest. “I promise.”
“And Dante, he doesn’t suspect anything?” she asks.
I shake my head. “I keep to myself mostly.”
Bella sets her mug down, curling her legs beneath her on the couch. She studies me for a moment, her voice gentle. “So, what’s really going on between you and Dante? I mean, you two are married, but you barely seem to be in the same room together.”
I stare at the swirling coffee in my cup, trying to find the right words. “It’s…complicated,” I admit, forcing a small smile. “Most days, we’re more like roommates than anything else.”
Bella raises her brows. “Roommates? Really?”
I nod, feeling the flush creep up my neck. “We sleep in the same bed, but that’s about it.”
It’s only half true. The words are barely out of my mouth when flashes of heat pulse through my memory—the way his mouth claimed mine in the dark, the rough way he pressed me against the shower wall, the low sound of his voice when he lost control. I swallow, fighting not to let it show on my face.
I see his hands, large and certain, sliding under my clothes, the slick slide of skin on skin, the way my body answered his before my mind could catch up.
I clear my throat. “It’s better this way. I’m not a part of his world.”
I text Dante about going out for a movie with Bella, making my message sound as casual as possible.
The reply comes quickly:Take Oleg with you. He’ll drive.
No room for argument. I show Bella the message and we both roll our eyes.
