Page 44 of Dark Desire

“How much did that cost us?”

“Nothing. The man she hired is one of Miguel’s.”

I shook my head and chuckled. “Wow.”

“Yep.” Antonio leaned back into his chair and propped his feet on the table. “I start this weekend.”

“Move fast. The longer it takes, the longer my pregnant wife must deal with the stress—stress I caused her.”

“Wife?” Massimo raised a brow. “Um, Vincenzo. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you aren’t married.”

“Not yet. But as soon as we can get her out on bail, I plan to make her mine—permanently.”

Twenty-Six

Riley

The sound of the metal bars rattling woke me from my restless sleep. Every sound inside the jail kept me on edge, and I felt as though I hadn't slept in ages. Being on this side of the law was eye-opening.

“Wake up,” the guard grunted as he stepped inside my cell. “Looks like you were granted bail and your piece of shit boyfriend posted the money.”

I rubbed my temples and closed my eyes. Somehow Vincenzo had managed exactly what he'd promised, and now I was going home—even if I was still labeled a criminal. Being charged with murder hadn't been a shock. But only the attorney and I knew the entire story—not even the Anastasi’s had been told of the tiny detail keeping me under suspicion’s eye. Tiny… that's an understatement. When Michael had gotten the autopsy report, I begged him to hold off on telling the family what he'd learned. I wanted to be the one to spill the shocking news. Hell, I was still distressed by the revelation myself.

The walk down the corridor towards my freedom felt longer than it was. I had changed into some clothes Vincenzo brought for me. My other clothes were locked up in evidence, and he didn’t want me to have to stay in my prisoner uniform. As attractive as the colorless white fabric was, I would not miss it.

Vincenzo stood leaned against the wall, watching the entrance like a hawk. His body stiffened when he saw me stepping through the threshold. “Riley.” His deep voice sent shock waves through my core and reverberation against my bones. “Are you okay?”

Words failed me and my mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. I thought I had expressed every emotion while trapped inside the box I'd occupied the last several weeks—but I was wrong. Vincenzo must have read the myriad of emotions rushing across my face because he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me. It was like a dam bursting and years of contained water were spilling free from its clutches. My body shook with sobs as he held me. Lost in the safety of his arms, I didn’t realize he had led me outside.

“Get in, Tesoro.”

I slid into the cool leather seat of an SUV, still feeling as though I was detached from my body. The lights of Vegas streamed by the car, blurring against the setting sun. I pressed my hand against the glass and let the coolness of the pane calm the tumultuous nerves rattling my body.

“We are home, Riley.” My head turned toward his voice, my eyes locking with his. The deep color of his iris drew me in. “Are you okay? Do I need to call a doctor?”

Shaking my head. “No. It’s just—” My voice tapered off as I searched for the words. “Surreal.”

Vincenzo reached out and brushed his thumb down my cheek. “I know. This is my fault, and I will spend the rest of my days trying to make it up to you. But first.” He pushed open his door. “Let’s get you inside. Michael called everyone to the house to discuss the next steps.”

Vincenzo shut his door, and I watched as he stalked around to my side. The door opened, and he reached his hand in to take mine. Lacing my fingers with his, I eased out of the car. My legs felt like lead as I followed him inside. True to his word, everyone was waiting. Five sets of eyes pinned me to the floor.

“Riley.” Madison rushed toward me, engulfing my body in the tightest hug. Vincenzo’s hand tightened around mine, reminding me he was close by. “I’m so glad you’re home. Are you okay? Did they treat you alright? How’s the baby?”

“Madison,” Massimo growled at his fiancée. “Give her some room, for fuck's sake. She just walked through the door. Let’s not overwhelm her.”

Madison released me and stepped back. “Shit. I’m sorry. I’ve just been worried about you.”

“No.” I smiled at her. “It’s alright. To answer your questions. Yes, I’m fine. I was treated as expected, and…” My hand instinctively went to my belly. “Everything else is fine.”

“Riley.” Massimo wrapped his arm around Madison, who had settled against his formidable frame. “There are no words that can express the gratitude my family has for you for what you did. You risked everything to protect my brother, and for that, we will be forever in your debt.”

I shook my head. “I’m not sure how much I’ve done.”

“Are you serious?” Antonio, who'd been leaning against the wall silently watching me, spoke. “You ended Dmitri Ivanov. That alone puts you on a pedestal for life—sorry, Mads.” He smiled at Madison. "You're still my favorite sister-in-law to be."

“Well, I guess there is no time like the present to tell you guys.”

Vincenzo's fingers held on tight to mine as he pulled me toward him. “Tell us what, Tesoro?”

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