Page 38 of Dark Desire

“That’s not what I said. Don’t put words in my mouth. Trust me—he wants to be here, but family business doesn’t stop for murder. Antonio will be here tomorrow. He and I will be in touch with our family attorney’s information.”

“Why would the Anastasi family attorney get involved?”

“Riley is one of us. We will take care of her legal fees and anything else she may need. Any other questions, Agent Jackson?” Madison cocked an eyebrow at him. “Now, Riley. You know the drill. Say nothing until our attorney is present. I've already called him and he's sending one of the partners over. You said you’re taking her to headquarters? What’s the address?”

I nodded at Madison as Jackson closed the door, shutting me off from the world again. I looked down at my hands clasped in front of me, wearing silver bracelets I never thought I would see. My heart thumped against my chest, threatening to break out. I hoped I was doing the right thing. If I was wrong in my plan, then everything would be for nothing, and then everyone would suffer.

I pressed my palms against my stomach—this was no longer just about me.

Twenty-Three

Vincenzo

I paced the veranda, staring out into the beautiful countryside. “When are we heading back?” The cerulean blue water lapped against the rocky seaside as the waves greeted the shore. The lush green trees lined the coast, welcoming anyone who ventured into the country. Italy usually had a way of making you forget about your worries, but not today. It had been a week since I was forced on a plane and dragged to my parent's house in Sicily. Antonio had stayed on the plane to return to Vegas—as part of the plan.

The plan.

I scoffed at the mere thought of what she'd done. Riley had confessed to a crime I'd committed.

“Tonight.”

I scrubbed my palm down my face. “Fine.” My beard had become an unruly monster on my skin, threatening to bury me in sorrow. I wasn’t sleeping or eating—my head wouldn’t turn off after learning what Riley had done. The worse part was, I could tell they were keeping something from me. “What did Antonio say?”

“Well…” Massimo pushed off the railing and downed his drink. “The attorney said he was sure she would be found not guilty, but the Feds are pushing this to trial. Because she admitted to being involved with you, there is suspicion self-defense wasn’t the motive for stabbing him.”

“It wasn’t.” I ground my teeth together. “You know that. How the fuck did it come to this, and what aren’t you telling me?”

“What do you mean?”

I folded my arms across my chest. “I know you’re hiding something. I can tell.”

“You're delusional, Vin. When was the last time you slept or ate? Hell, you look like a homeless man.”

I threw my glass into the yard and slammed my hands against the wood. “Don’t lie to me.”

“You should tell him.” My mother’s voice caused me to turn around. She was standing in the doorway watching us.

“Mama,” Massimo growled.

“No. He has a right to know.”

I stiffened at her words. “Know what?”

“Fuck.” Massimo turned away from me and glanced out into the lush foliage. “I can’t, Mama. It’s not our place to tell him. It’s hers.”

I stepped toward him with my fists balled. “Tell me what? Someone better talk.”

“Just know Riley believed she was doing this for you. She was trying to protect you, and herself, if I had to bet.” My mother stepped onto the veranda. “Women do risky things for the people they love, Vincenzo. Remember that. Promise me.” Her eyes held pain as she waited for me to answer.

"I promise." I looked into my brother’s eyes. The expression staring back was filled with angst. “Massimo?”

“Please don’t make me betray Madison. I promised her I wouldn’t say anything. Talk to Riley.”

“Talk to Riley? How, Fratello? She sits in a jail cell, awaiting a trial that will probably take months. The judge denied bond because of her ties to us—making her a possible flight risk.”

“Please.” Massimo begged again, his voice cracking with the turmoil of having to choose between me and the woman he loved.

“Fine. I’ll ask Madison myself.”

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