Page 45 of Dark Desire

I glanced at Michael, who nodded. “We need to fill you in on some new details. Details that will explain why she is being charged with manslaughter.”

“I thought you said it was all for show?” Vincenzo ground his teeth together and pulled me against him.

“That was before this new information came to light.” Michael retrieved a folder from his satchel sitting on the table and handed it to Massimo. “It would appear Madison killed an innocent man.”

“Bullshit!” Vincenzo roared beside me.

“Calm down, please.” I tugged against his hand. “Just listen.”

Massimo opened the folder and read the contents. His brow furrowed with confusion as he flipped through the documents. “I don’t understand.” He glanced at Michael. “What does this mean?”

“It means Dmitri Ivanov is not dead.”

“What?” Antonio grabbed the folder and shuffled through the contents. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Someone tell me what the fuck is going on, please.” Vincenzo looked at me. I know he could see the strain on me. I felt as though I was ready to pass out. He led me to the couch and eased me down. “Sit here.”

“It would appear I stabbed Donat Ivanov—Dmitri’s twin brother.”

“He had a twin?” Madison gasped. “How did we not know this?”

“Your partner Jackson gave me a little information about what they know. Apparently, they were estranged until recently. Donat fell into some trouble in South Africa, and Dmitri bailed him out. His repayment was to warn you. I guess he didn’t see the flaw in his plan, or maybe he did. Either way, the Feds are saying Riley killed a man with no record.”

“Even though she was acting in self-defense?”

“Yes, even though that is the story she gave. They want to make an example out of her.”

He sat down next to me and blew out a big breath. “You mean punish her for loving me?” My hand pressed against his leg when I sensed the turmoil he was feeling. “Look at me,” I whispered. My voice cracked with emotion as I fought back the tears when he shook his head. "Please, Vin. Look at me."

When he finally looked up, his eyes filled with regret. “I’ve allowed my shit to taint you, Riley. How can you sit there and look so calm? What happens if the charges stick? You’ll be in prison. Prison. Do you understand?”

“I have faith that your family will keep me out of jail. But aren’t you worried about the fact that Dmitri Ivanov is still alive? I killed his brother. Surely he’ll want retribution for that.”

“I promise you—he will not lay a hand on you.” He brushed a loose strand of hair from my face and cupped my cheek. “All the people in this room would take a bullet for you, Riley. You’re part of the Anastasi Family now.”

“He’s right. And starting today, you and Madison will have a personal guard with you at all times if you're not with one of us. We will not risk either of your safety.” Massimo nodded toward Donny.

“I’ve assigned Anders to you, Riley. And for you, Madison, Drew will be your personal guard. They will be at your side at all times—unless you are at home with them.” He pointed between Massimo and Vincenzo.

Everything had fallen apart, but I knew this man would spend an eternity to piece it back together for me—and now our child.

When he placed his hand on the slight swell of my belly, I smiled. “You’re carrying my child. My life is irrelevant now. The only thing that matters is your life and the life of our son.”

I hated to hear him speak as if his life had no value, but I forced a smile. “A son, huh? I think it’s a little too soon to know.”

“Actually,” Catarina interrupted as she stalked in through the door and slid in beside Donny. “You’re what? Four months?”

“I think so. The jail wasn’t exactly helpful in the matter, and I hadn’t yet gone to the doctor before being arrested. I think I’m about sixteen weeks, though.”

“Then you can find out the sex—if you want to.”

“Vin?” I cut my eyes toward him. My unspoken question hanging in the air.

“I will do whatever you want, Tesoro. If you are ready to find out, then let’s do it, or if you would rather wait until we are married, we will wait.”

My eyes grew wide. “Married?”

“Yes. As soon as possible. If I had my way, we would’ve driven straight to a chapel and wed, but Massimo insisted this was more important.”

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