At first I’m able to shove aside the notion of him being with another woman, but the more time that passes, the more I’m unsure of everything. His advisory duty to his brother as a consigliere could’ve called him away for a number of reasons. Not that I would know what those are specifically, although it’s not hard to guess. I’ve read through the files I stole from my father—a complete detailing of his business—and that data gave me enough information to create a full picture of a boss’s role and authority.
The data also gave me enough information to conclude my father was more evil than I originally thought. Which is saying a lot.
Is Rafael out doing the same horrific things?
He may not be a boss, but that could mean he gets his hands even dirtier than my father. I can’t imagine him hurting someone on purpose, yet I really don’t know Rafael all that well. Am I being an idiot by believing the best of him?
Or is he already on the same trajectory as a made man who will eventually become a replica of my father?
The very idea has me hugging Dusty tight. The feline meows in protest and I loosen my hold a bit, then place a kiss on his head. I’ve tried everything to distract myself all night by watching TV, taking a shower, and attempting to sleep, but none of it has worked. That left me snuggling my cat in Rafael’s bed while waiting for him to return.
“I should be planning how I’m going to get Violetta to escape with me sometime during the wedding reception, instead of worrying about a man who represents everything I’m running away from.”
Dusty yawns.
“You’re no help,” I say to him. I scratch the spot underneath his chin and continue my monologue. “Seeing my sister like that…” A chill runs through me and I shudder. “Something must’ve happened to her and the very thought makes me want to vomit, which is why Ihaveto get her away from here.”
I sigh and bury my face in Dusty’s fur. “I’m sad about a great many things, and one of those is that she’ll never meet you. We weren’t permitted to have pets growing up and I know Violetta would’ve loved you. However, I can’t risk being located by sending for you. You know it’ll kill me, right?”
Of course my cat doesn’t grace me with more than a single flick of his tail in answer.
Time slows when I think of Rafael and my worry for him builds, but then time speeds up as I make a mental checklist of everything I’ll need to do once I escape with my sister. It pains me to think about selling my engagement ring, but it can’t be helped. We’ll need the money and I won’t be able to come back here to grab a suitcase, so I have to wear expensive jewelry that’ll house and feed us until I can get a job.
I hope it won’t be a house cleaner like before. People don’t give them enough credit, or money, for what they do. I know I didn’t until I worked the job myself. If I can ever afford one again, I’ll pay them a shit ton of money.
Dusty lifts his head, ears twitching, and I’m instantly alert. I listen briefly and then slip from the bed to grab my pistol off the nightstand. It’s fully loaded, courtesy of Rafael. The front door opens and shuts as I creep to the bedroom door and press myself against the connecting wall.
With my heart jackhammering in my chest, I control my breathing to keep it from becoming too loud and to help keep my hands steady. A shadow crawls along the carpet, announcing someone’s arrival, and I stop breathing altogether. If Rafael was here I’d follow his lead, but since he’s not—and I haven’t received word from him—I can’t assume whoever’s here isn’t a threat.
“Carina?”
I exhale forcefully at the sound of Rafael’s voice. Relief floods me and it’s so potent I sag against the wall. “I’m here.”
He enters the room and turns to face me with a scowl already in place. “What are you doing?”
“I haven’t heard from you and I had no idea when or if you were returning tonight, so I took the necessary precautions to ensure I could protect myself.That’swhat I’m doing.”
My words are fast and not without a hint of exasperation because of my frayed nerves. I wish I hadn’t spewed whatever popped into my head, but it’s too late now.
Rafael’s expression softens. “Come here.” When my lips twist in protest and he adds, “Now.”
Keeping my irritation to myself, I walk over to him. He takes my weapon and lays it on a nearby table, before grasping my hand and lightly tugging on it. Once I’m close enough, he brushes my lips with his.
“I’m not thrilled about having a gun pointed at me in my own home.” His mouth tilts up on one side. “But I like that you looked out for yourself when I wasn’t around.”
I part my lips to question him, to ask him about everything I’ve been thinking over these past few hours he’s been gone, and then press them together. He’s not my husband. And I’m not the person in his life who has a right to ask. That person being a real fiancée and future wife.
“What?” he asks. “Don’t turn shy on me now.”
“It’s nothing.”
In the near darkness his gaze searches mine. “You’re still not a good liar. Starting tomorrow, I’ll teach you how to do it properly.”
“Does that mean you lie to me, since you think you’ll get away with it?”
He cocks his head. “I’ve never had a reason to lie and I haven’t. But would I, if I thought it’d keep you safe? Without hesitation.”
My nose wrinkles when I scrunch my face in disapproval. “I’m not sure I’d want to be deceived, even for a good purpose. The truth can hurt, but it’s something you can trust.”
