Page 69 of Throne of Sin

“I’m getting Oakleigh checked over then I’ll drop her off and deal with you.”

Dante tugs on me and my body jerks forward, my chest slamming into his.

My agony shreds everything in me. “What’s there to deal with?”

“I’m fucking lost for words right now, Dem. I wish I knew this information earlier so I could have dealt with Jameson myself. And then there’s the fact that I’m a father. My brain is short circuiting with all of this information,” he seethes, allowing for his words to linger. “I’m going to do a paternity test and if you are lying, no one will ever see you again.”

“I promise, I’m not lying. I had to protect her, and the only way I could protect her from Jameson was to tell him she was his.”

His fingers slowly release their hold on me. “Max will take you to Margaret’s house.” He turns his back to me and I watch him crouch down to talk to Oakleigh. I can’t hear what he’s saying. I use my palms to wipe my eyes, not wanting her to see me in such a state.

She peers over at me. “Are you coming, Mom?” she asks.

I suck in my lips, shaking my head, forcing my tears to stop. I could yell, but what’s the point? It would scare her and I know she’s safe. That’s all I have ever wanted for her.

“No, Honey. I need to make sure everyone is safe here, but I’ll see you soon.”

She comes running at me, hugging my torso. “I love you, Mom.” I don’t deserve a daughter so fantastic.

I sniffle, kissing her head. “I love you more. Dante is a good man. He’s going to make sure you’re safe until I’m with you.”

I watch as she gets into the back of Dante’s car and he slides in after her. The black sedan rolls down the street and I watch it until it disappears out of my view.

“Come on, let’s go.” Max opens the passenger door and waits for me to move.

“What about the girls inside?” I nibble on my lip, not wanting to leave until they are safe too. As if on cue, three vehicles pull up.

“Those are Dante’s paramedics. They’ll check them over and give them a safe place to sleep.”

“Who makes sure they’re safe?”

“Listen, Demi, that’s a conversation for you and Dante. My job is to take you to Margaret’s house. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, it’s up to you.”

Reluctantly, I slip into the car, watching the men from the cars go into the house with what looks like medical bags slung over their chests.

Max gets into the driver’s seat. No fancy drivers for him, I guess.

“Dante said you made Jameson cry.” Just saying his name aloud has my chest squeezing.

Max looks at me with an evil grin that stretches across his face. “Don’t worry, you daughter saw nothing. Dante made sure of it.”

“Is he still alive?”

“A gentleman never kills and tells.” He winks. “But I can assure you, he will never harm you or your daughter again.” Immediately, my chest releases and I’m able to take a calming breath.

“Thank you,” I say quietly, looking out the window.

“Trust me, the pleasure was all mine.”

Chapter 35

Dante

I’msittingbesidemydaughter.

The word daughter feels foreign.

I’m searching for any resemblance to me, but all I can see is Demi.

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