Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72973 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72973 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
When he pulls back, he looks at me as if I’m his entire world, and it makes me feel like the luckiest woman alive.
If it weren’t for Dario, I’d be…
I shake my head, and it makes a frown form on his forehead.
“What?” he asks.
“Just memories,” I mutter before I shove the passenger door open.
Climbing out of the R8, I wait for Dario. He throws his arm around my shoulders and pulls me against his side as we walk to the elevator.
As soon as we’re inside, Dario asks, “About the past two days?”
I nod, letting out a sigh.
“Would you like to see a therapist?”
The doors open, and as we step into the penthouse, I say, “No. I’m sure it will get better with time.”
Bella barks and comes barreling toward us. Crouching down, I pick her up and pet her head as we walk through the foyer.
Tyrone comes from the direction of the kitchen. Seeing him in this luxurious place is weird as hell.
“Hey.” I give him a small smile, careful not to tug at the cut.
He wraps me up in a tight hug, then asks, “How you feeling today?”
Like roadkill and off balance.
“Better.”
Esmerelda also comes out of the kitchen, and seeing the state I’m in, she hurries to my side and takes hold of my arm.
“Dear God, we need to get you in bed. Come, child.”
Not arguing, I let her drag me up the stairs to Dario’s bedroom.
When she throws the covers back, there’s a burst of warmth in my chest because I’ve never had a woman fuss over me before.
“Come. Get in. I’ll make chicken soup. It’s good for the soul,” she mutters while nudging me to sit on the bed.
When she takes my sneakers off my feet, my eyebrows draw together, and I’m overcome with the urge to sob like a baby.
She straightens up, and noticing the emotion on my face, she sits down beside me and wraps an arm around my shoulders.
“There, there,” she coos. “You’re safe now. With a lot of rest, you’ll be back to your usual self in no time.”
I sniffle, and unable to stop the tears, they roll over my cheeks.
“I’ll take over, Esmerelda,” Dario says.
She lets go of me and leaves the room. Dario takes her place beside me, and the next second, I’m pulled onto his lap and squashed against his chest.
Just having him hold me gives me the strength to regain control over my emotions.
He calms me.
Resting my head against his shoulder, I close my eyes, and within seconds, I fall asleep in his arms.
Chapter 30
Dario
After Eden falls asleep, I lay her down on the bed and cover her with the blanket.
I quickly go to my office and place my weapons in the cabinet. Grabbing my laptop, I head back to the bedroom so I can watch over Eden while I work.
Careful not to wake her, I get comfortable on my side of the bed and open the device.
I have just as much interest in finding Miguel as Damiano has.
I have a couple of photos of the man, and uploading them all to my facial recognition app, I start the search for him.
Opening another program, I go into the dark web, offering a reward of one million dollars for whoever has information on the whereabouts of Miguel.
Done with that, I enter chat rooms and search for code words that drug dealers like to use. I spend the next couple of hours, sifting through shit, but I don’t find anything we can use to our advantage.
Knowing Damiano will want an update, I dig my cell phone out of my pocket and send him a message.
Busy searching for Miguel. Will update you when I have news.
I set the phone to silent mode before placing it on the bedside table.
Glancing at Eden, I’m struck square in the chest by a wave of relief.
I have her back.
I place the laptop next to my phone, and lying down on my side, I stare at her sleeping face.
Christ, I’m never letting you out of my sight again.
I need to get her a tracker.
And guards.
I want her protected at all times.
Lifting my hand, I gently brush my fingers over her hair.
So this is what it feels like to love a woman with all my heart.
When she’s in danger, there’s only excruciating pain, and when she’s close by and safe, there’s a peaceful calmness.
My eyes drift over her face, touching on the bruises that look much worse today.
She’s been through hell.
I wish I could wipe her memory.
I keep brushing my hand over her head, but then she starts to stir and mumbles, “Stop.”
Pulling my hand away, I expect her to settle down again, but instead, her breathing speeds up, and she grips the pillow beneath her head, her body straining.
“NoNoNoNoNo.” Her voice is tight with panic.
“Tesoro,” I murmur, gently shaking her shoulder so she’ll wake up.