Page 13 of Dark Desire

I closed my eyes. “Okay.”

“It won’t bode well for you if I find out you’re keeping anything from me. Do you have any secrets I should know, Riley?” He stepped away, leaving me panting for his touch.

I blinked, realizing what he had said. “No… I told you. You can trust me.”

“Good.” He walked toward the hallway and turned. “I have to be somewhere. Call me if you need anything. I’ll be back in an hour.”

I slumped against the wall once he was gone. I felt like the tiny space was closing in around me and everything was falling apart at the seams. I needed to gain control of the situation, and fast. Being here was for one purpose and one purpose only. To find evidence that Vincenzo knew who La Lama was. The only problem was, I wasn’t sure I wanted to find the truth anymore.

My heart and mind were at war with each other, and the worst part was, he didn’t even know how I felt. I’d fucked up, and I wasn’t sure how to undo my mistakes—or if I even wanted to.

The vibration of my phone startled me. Slipping it from my chef’s coat, I pressed it to my ear. “Hello?”

“Meet me at the diner outside of town in thirty.” The line when dead immediately, giving me no time to respond. Glancing at the clock, I huffed. I had two hours before I needed to get the restaurant ready for dinner service. Grabbing my bag, I headed out front and let Kate, the bartender, know I would be back soon. I walked the short distance to my apartment and grabbed my car. This was one headache I didn’t need right now.

“where are you on the investigation?” Agent Mitchell sat across from me at a diner just outside of Vegas.

“I’ve finally got their trust. Like I said on the phone, this kind of thing takes longer than a few weeks, Mitchell.” I was tired of the urgency the bureau was putting on me. A case like this didn't need to be rushed.

“Does he suspect who you are?”

I shrugged at his question. “I don’t think so.”

“Good. Now, tell me what you've learned. Surely you have something.”

“I know the family is having problems with Dmitri Ivanov. He has some vendetta against them.”

“Dmitri Ivanov? Holy shit—the Prizrak? Do you know what it could do for your career if you find the Prizrak and La Lama? You'll have single-handedly brought down two of the most notorious criminals in the world.”

“I have to find them first, and that takes time.”

“You can have all the time you need to build this case. I’ll let Jackson know you’re working a new angle… just don’t forget why you’re there. You need to tie Vincenzo Anastasi to La Lama. For years he has evaded prosecution—it’s time to bust that motherfucker.”

Hearing him say it out loud made my gut churn with unease. “I know. I’m doing my best.” The chime over the door echoed through the tiny restaurant, causing me to glance toward the door.

Mitchell was too engrossed in his food to notice one of Vincenzo’s men had entered. "Look. I’ve got to go. I can’t start being late for work now. It’ll raise suspicion.”

“Alright. You have my number. Call me when you have something.”

I tossed a few bills on the table and stood. Taking a deep breath, I walked out the door, conscious of the fact I was being followed. Needing to play dumb, I spun and faced him. “Look buster.” I turned, halting the man in his spot. “I will cut your dick off if you’re planning to hurt me.”

“Lady.” His hands went up in defense. “Mr. Anastasi asked me to keep an eye on you. Is there something you’re worried about him finding out?”

“No.” I turned back to my car and climbed in. "I'm allowed to have lunch with friends." I slammed the car door and screamed. “Fuck.” I shoved my keys in the ignition and closed my eyes. If Vincenzo found out who I was meeting with, he would have my head, and years of investigative work would be in the toilet. Life wouldn’t matter if my career ended.

Aside from my mother, it was all I had.

Nine

Vincenzo

She was hiding something, and it was holding her back. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but Riley was harboring a secret that kept her at arm’s length. I watched as she worked effortlessly in the kitchen.

“Riley.” I called out to her. “I need to see you in my office.”

“You wanted to see me?”

“Yes. Come in and shut the door.”

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