Page 40 of Sin and Seduction

He sighs, resting his hands on his knees as he leans forward.

“Gabriela, I’m sorry. For both the way I acted and for what I called you,” he says, and Gabriela sniffles, not meeting his eyes.

“And?” I say, and Dante leans back with a frustrated sigh.

“And I’m here if you...if you need anything. I don’t know shit about raising kids, but I am your big brother, and I’m here,” he says, and Gabriela’s eyes snap to him.

“You think I have the first clue about raising a child?” she says angrily, rightfully so.

“I think that’s something you should’ve thought about before you let Rowen in—”

“Dante!” I hiss, and he stops, narrowing his eyes.

“You’re right,” he says after a while. “You don’t know anything about raising a child because you yourself were a child not so long ago, but it’s something we will work through. All of us, together. We’re here to help you,” he says, and I turn to Gabriela.

“I know that this is hard and confusing, but we will figure this out, Gabriela. We’re all here to support you, and I swear this baby will grow up safe and loved,” I say, and her eyes go to mine, tears filling them.

“How can you be so sure? Both of the baby’s parents are involved in an illegal business, and its father was once our enemy. He stole me, and now…now I have to raise a kid alone!” she cries, and I grab her hand.

“Listen to me, Gabriela. You. Are. Not. Alone,” I enunciate, making her meet my eyes.

“We will get this sorted out and will protect this child with everything we have. Stress will only make it worse. I’m right here, always. Your mom is here. Your brothers are here. Even Paolo is here to help you. We will make this work,” I say and wipe her tears as she stares at me.

“How can you be so sure?” she says, and I smile at her.

“Because I have faith. And a little faith can go a long way.” I glance over at Dante, who looks at me with the same love that I feel for him.

“I’m sorry for bringing you in the middle of this, Emmie. I didn’t mean to—”

“Confiding in someone doesn’t make them your burden, sister. I overreacted with both you and Emmie, and for that, I am truly sorry,” Dante says earnestly, surprising me.

“I didn’t mean to cause such a mess. I know I’m a spoiled, thoughtless girl at times, but I already love this baby. I love it so much,” she cries, and I hold her, trying to give her comfort.

“I know you do, and this baby loves you,” I say, rubbing her back until her tears subside.

“What are we going to do about James?” she asks, making Dante sigh.

“For now, we are going to take one thing at a time. We have intel from him regarding Diego Flores. Paolo tracked James, and once we arrive in San Francisco after the wedding, we will start a negotiation. After Flores is taken out, we will take care of James regarding the baby,” I say, and Dante stares at me with pride in his eyes, making my stomach flutter.

“I told you your bride was a smart woman,” Paolo says as he and Camila walk into the room.

“I know she is; I am just sometimes too stupid to notice.’’ Dante chuckles as Camila agrees, making me smile.

“Paolo, I—” Gabriela says as she stands before him.

He silences her and runs a hand along her beautiful hair, kissing her forehead as a father would. Since she was little when her father died, Paolo has stepped into that role for the majority of her life.

“You need to not worry, dear child. It wasn’t the smartest thing, but life doesn’t always work out in our favor. Plus, I quite like children. I have many fond memories of you and your brothers growing up. Though, James is an ugly bastard, so I hope it at least looks like you,” he grumbles, making Gabriela laugh and wipe her tears.

“Now, we have some final business matters to attend to and then—”

“Then we have a wedding to plan,” Dante says, walking over to me and kissing my hand as I blush.

“A wedding of the century!” Camila exclaims, making me smile with joy.

“A wedding of the century indeed,” a voice says, and I look over to see Marianne, my smile wide as I rush to her.

“I’ve missed you,” I say as I pull her into a hug, her soft frame giving me comfort.

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