Page 20 of Dark Desire

“You’re right, and I want to know why that is? And don’t give me some bullshit that it’s because you keep that part of your life separate. Lie down on the bed.”

I tossed my shirt to the floor and crawled onto his plush mattress. My entire body sunk into the soft pillow top. He climbed into the bed beside me and squirted something into his hands. I watched as he rubbed them together before placing them on my stomach. Hissing, I jerked my body beneath his touch.

“Relax, Tesoro.”

His hands smoothed the cream across my flesh, rubbing in gentle circles as he did. He stopped at the top of my skirt, his finger tracing the line that dipped beneath the waist. Unzipping it down the side, he slipped the polyester fabric down my legs and pushed it to the floor. He made a noise with his mouth, causing me to look up at him. He was staring at the marks across my legs, his eyes heavy with regret. “Can you ever forgive me?”

“Yes. I should have used my safe word long before I did.”

“Riley. This is not your fault. I did this. I told you I was a monster.”

“Vincenzo.” I leaned up, cupping his cheek in my hand. “Stop saying that. You want to know the reason I didn’t tell you who I was? Why I kept living the lie as Red?” He leaned into my hand and nodded. “I was falling for you, and I knew if you found out who I was—who I am. You would walk away.”

“You’re falling for me?”

“Yes. I am. It’s wrong on so many levels. But I thought if I could keep you as Red, nothing would change.”

“I don’t understand, Riley. Why would I walk away from you? It’s you who should run.”

I turned my head so he couldn't see the pain in my eyes. “You don’t understand.”

“Then help me understand. What could make me walk away from you? I told you who I was. You know my family and yet, you think there is something about you that would make me turn away?” He shifted off me to grab more ointment.

“Yes.” I took that opportunity and slipped out from beneath him to stand. Feeling extremely vulnerable, I paced his floor. “I’m not who you think I am, and when I tell you, everything changes, Vincenzo. Everything.”

He sat watching me pace like a scared kitten. Everything I worked for came down to this moment. Telling him the truth risked losing him and destroying my entire career. Yet, I didn’t care. Standing in front of him, I knew without a doubt that I was in love with him.

“Riley. Just tell me. Whatever it is, we can work through it.”

“I don’t know about that.” I took a steadying breath and blew it out. “Just know, what I am about to tell you changes nothing. I meant what I said. I'm falling in love with you.”

“Are you married? Is that it?”

“No…” I swallowed the bile in my throat. “I’m not married.” I took a breath and closed my eyes. “I’m a federal agent.”

He blinked, as if unsure he heard me. “What did you say?”

“I’m with the FBI, Vincenzo. I was sent in undercover to gather evidence against you and your brothers.” He stood frozen in his spot, staring at me. “Did you hear what I said, Vincenzo? I’m an undercover agent.”

Thirteen

Vincenzo

I was dreaming—I had to be. There was no way Riley had just confessed to being an FBI agent.

“Did you hear what I said, Vincenzo? I’m an undercover agent.” She repeated her words again.

My gaze narrowed in on her and I blinked. “Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

“I need a minute.” I walked out of my room, leaving her alone so I could gather my thoughts. Grabbing my phone out of my pocket, I dialed Alec. Surely, he could tell me she was lying.

“Vin, what’s up?”

“Alec. Have you found anything on Riley?”

“No. I was going to call you tomorrow and tell you. It’s like she didn’t exist before last year. No social media, nothing.”

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