Page 9 of Fatal Love

She rolled her eyes and stepped into the living room. “Please… lose the formalities. Me being here breaks the rules and then some. I don’t think we need to keep the professionalism act—don’t you agree?”

“Right. Rachel.” My voice came out huskier than I meant, and I swear I saw a flash of recognition in her gaze.

Her eyes were the most unusual color—almost turquoise, and I couldn’t look away. I hadn’t noticed them last night when I had her pinned beneath me. Fuck, just thinking about her naked and splayed on the bed had my cock twitching in my pants. I blinked, coughing to cover the groan that almost slipped out and turned around. Of course, it wasn't before catching Michael's knowing glance and his humorous smirk. “Michael says you’re being followed. I can assure you it’s not my family.”

Her footsteps padded across the hardwood floor. “How can you be so sure?”

I knew she'd expect proof but telling her would risk her finding out it was my cock buried between her thighs last night. “I would know.”

She squinted at me, her thoughts screaming in the pools of her eyes. I could swear recognition was tickling her memory, trying to rear its ugly head ousting my secret. "I swear I know you from somewhere?”

I held her gaze, daring her to remember, but praying she wouldn’t. “You fired me. Remember?”

“Yeah… I do, but it’s not that. You seem familiar… in a different way.”

I ignored her statement and sighed. “We need to figure out who is following you, because I am certain they're probably following my family.”

“Right.” Rachel shook her head and turned to face Michael. “I brought the file. I'm breaking every oath I’ve taken and could get disbarred for this, but I believe Riley is innocent. So much so, I’m willing to stake my career and reputation on that. But I’m going to need something from you.”

Michael stepped toward her, crowding her body against the back of the couch. “And what's that?”

I watched in utter fascination as her body seemed to shake with need the closer he got. Her throat bobbed when she swallowed, “Why are they hard up for Vincenzo? The evidence points to Dmitri Ivanov as being the man in control of La Lama. What’s his connection?”

Michael glanced my way before speaking. “He wants control of everything. Pinning La Lama’s murders on Vincenzo would eliminate a problem for him. The Anastasi’s have fucked up his plans and taken something from him. He won’t stop until he's sought revenge.”

“So, this is all about revenge?” Her voice hitched as Michael reached out and brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. It was like watching two magnets being drawn toward each other, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the impending crash.

“Yes.” Just as he was moving in to claim her lips, his phone rang.

“Fuck.” He shot me a look—one full of irritation coupled with need. He wanted her as much as I did, and that thought made my dick ramrod hard.

“What?” He barked into the phone. His entire body stiffened, and his voice faltered “When? And is he alive?”

I furrowed my brow in confusion, stepping toward him. “Who is it, Michael?”

“Yes. He’s here with me now. No—" His mouth snapped shut and he nodded his head. "We’ll meet you there.” Michael pocketed his phone. “We have to go. Rachel, call Agent Jackson.”

Her head swiveled between us, her confusion matching my own. “Why, what happened?”

Michael glanced to me. His eyes were filled with pain as he spoke. “Vincenzo has been attacked. They are rushing him to the hospital as we speak.”

I didn't think as I started toward the door. “Slow down, Antonio.” Michael grabbed my arm and held me firmly. “I’ll drive.”

“Where was he attacked?” Rachel 's expression was muddled with concern.

“He was leaving the restaurant, and someone attacked him. The person shoved a knife into the back of his throat and left him for dead." Michael held my arm, never breaking contact with me. "Do you believe me now, Rachel? That this is bigger than anyone realizes?”

She started toward the door, a look of determination on her face. “I’ll talk to the DA. This changes everything. I’ll be in touch.” Rachel paused beside me and placed her hand on my chest. A strange look filled her eyes as she stared into my tear laden gaze. "I'll pray for your brother.”

I squeezed them close, nodding me head as I pleaded with her. “End this shit with Riley. She can’t deal with this, jail, and pregnancy.”

“I’ll do what I can.” I watched as she walked out and turned to Michael.

“Let’s go. I can’t lose him.” He pulled me into his embrace and ran his hands through my hair.

“You won’t.” Michael pressed his lips to mine, the comfort of his touch warming me from the inside out. I couldn’t keep hiding the way I felt about him. Not from myself or from my brothers. Once this was over, I’d come clean with everyone. Michael deserved that much from me.

“Oh….” Rachel's shocked voice drew us apart. “I…” She shifted nervously at the door. “Forgot my bag.”

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