“Who?” I ask, a shiver racing up my spine.
“The woman who took me last year. Her eyes … they were so dark and cold. I would never forget them. And the way she walked … I think that was her.”
“What’s wrong?” Matteo asks, immediately noticing Dani’s distress.
“That woman,” Dani whispers, staring into the distance since said woman has already disappeared into the crowd, “the one who gave Kane her card—I think it’sher.”
While Matteo calls someone, barking orders to find the woman in question, I reach into Kane’s pocket and pull the card out, gasping when I see what’s written on it.
Leysa Santiago
It’s not too late to change your mind.
“What were Carlos’s daughters’ names?” I ask Kane.
He glances down at me, his brows furrowing in confusion.
“His daughters. You said one was killed in an accident and the other was in school,” I prompt, referring to the conversation we had one night during dinner when he told me what my brothers found out about the Santiago family when Matteo sent one of his men to find out info on them.
“Leysa and Laura,” Matteo answers, despite being on the phone.
“It was her.” I hand Matteo the card, and he curses under his breath. “And I don’t think she died in that accident after all.”
Since we don’t want to draw attention, Dominick walks over and insists everyone act normal and stay together. So, as a family, we make our way into the banquet hall, where a five-course dinner is being served.
While the first and second courses are brought out, several people speak about the organization and the good it’s accomplished. And then, before the third course is brought out, Kane is called to the podium.
“While Morgan Enterprises has graciously donated five million dollars to the cause, Mr. Morgan has matched the company’s donation himself. Kane, please come on up, so we can thank you.”
He gives my hand a quick squeeze and then walks up to the podium, shaking the gentleman’s hand.
“There are many charities worthy of our donations, and Morgan Enterprises takes great pride in being able to donate and make a difference where we can,” Kane begins. “But this cause has recently become personal to me.” His eyes briefly meet mine as his words wrap around my heart like a heated blanket, warming it up and melting the ice from it. “Someone close to me went through something life-changing. She’s one of the strongest women I’ve ever known, but her journey hasn’t been easy, and my hope is that the donations we’ve given will help others like her heal.”
He smiles at the audience, but it’s sad, reminding me of the way he’s been looking at me recently. “It wasn’t until I did my research that I learned nearly five hundred million people a year are sexually assaulted in the US. One in three women and one in six men experience sexual violence during their lifetime. So, I encourage you to open your hearts and wallets to give to an organization that needs your help.”
He shakes the gentleman’s hand again and then steps down, walking back over to me. He leans in and kisses the corner of my mouth, and there’s so much I want to say, but I’m too choked up to speak.
During the rest of the meal, other donors are recognized for their donations. And after dessert is served, everyone is encouraged to head outside for the fireworks display.
They announce that over fifty million dollars has been raised tonight, and then the fireworks start. I’m surprised when Kane steps up, enveloping me from behind, but rather than question it, I lean back against him and soak up the comfort he provides.
The first firework goes off and then another, and I’m so lost in the beautiful display in front of me that I don’t realize when the sound of the fireworks morphs into something else.
“Get down!” Kane yells, not missing a beat.
He gently guides me onto the ground as explosives erupt aroundus. People scream and cry out of shock and fear, but Kane stays calm, shielding me from the sparks flying every which way. It feels like it goes on forever, and my heart not only aches for those who are hit in the cross fire, but for the charity function that has now been tainted.
Eventually, the fireworks, as well as the explosions, go silent.
“Don’t move,” Kane murmurs, leaving me on the ground while he assesses the situation.
“Sir, Dominick said all is clear,” Giani tells him.
“All right, let’s get you into the limo,” Kane says, helping me onto my feet.
He wraps his arms around me protectively and guides me to the limo with Giani and Kiril flanking us.
“I hate that fucking bitch,” I hiss, pissed that she ruined such an important cause just to send yet another message. “When my brothers find her, I hope they string her up like a hog and torture her.”
