“Of course, he wouldn’t. But he told me everything,” she says in a tone devoid of emotion. “He told me how he was being blackmailed and had to pay enormous amounts of money to keep you safe.”
“What?” I gasp, having no clue what she’s talking about.
Kristi brings her cold stare to mine, her blue eyes ringed in thick black eyeliner. “He died because of you.” Her accusation sinks deep into my gut as intended, a killing blow.
My lungs contract painfully with the need for air.
“What are you saying?” I try not to look alarmed, needing to understand what’s happening without my family intervening.
“Why do you think he had to work so hard? He was paying protection money to keep you alive. And when he ran short, they killed him.”
My head jerks side to side in small choppy shakes. “No, it was a mugging gone wrong. The police determined it was a mugging.”
Her impervious stare penetrates deep into my bones. “That’s what your family wants you to think. They haven’t told you everything. Ask about the quarters.” She lets the words sink in, then walks away, leaving me dumbfounded.
Was my husband murdered because of me? Would my family keep something like that from me? Of course, they would. If theythought I couldn’t handle it. And it’s not like I’ve been in a state for hard truths.
I have to get to the bottom of it.
I need to know what happened to my husband, so I can make sure something like this never happens again.
CHAPTER 20
DIANGELO
Present
You managedto drag yourself away last night with her taste on your tongue, but it took every ounce of your control. You will not, under any circumstances, let yourself get carried away again. I don’t care what side of the bed she’s sleeping on or how unabashed she is about touching herself. I don’t care if she offers herself up in a pink satin bow and cuffs; you will not cross that line.
Terina Donati is off-limits.
She is your best friend’s little sister—a full ten years younger than you. She needs your undiluted focus to keep her safe. That cannot happen if you’re busy imagining her naked.
Like you’re doingright now.
Jesus Christ.
I’ve been reading myself the riot act all night and since the moment I woke this morning, yet one look at Rina has my imagination rebelling. She’s wearing what must be the tiniest pajama shorts on record with a thin, baggy T-shirt. Together,the two tease a peek at the luscious curve of her ass cheeks practically every time she moves.
And her hair …Jesus, her hair—thick and long, a deep auburn color like a redwood forest cascading down her back. A perfect fistful.
She flits about as if she doesn’t have a care in the world, an earbud in one ear, and a rhythm to her steps. She’s a brightly colored flag waving in an autumn breeze, drawing the eye of anyone who happens by. I noticed her beauty in the past, but never to this degree. I wouldn’t allow myself to. With her living in my home, I can’t escape her mystifying effects.
I’ve had a semi ever since she got a coffee mug down from the cupboard.
My body’s response pisses me off. I suppose it makes what I’m about to do a smidgen easier because I have to reset the boundary, and if I’m an asshole in the process, it’s for the best.
For her safety, and for my honor.
Hell, for my sanity.
I’ll pretend last night never happened and ensure we maintain strict boundaries going forward.
“I need to go by Renzo’s place today. If you’re going to yoga, you need to go to a session around one o’clock. We’ll go to your brother’s after. I’m not doing two outings.”
There’s a hitch in her movements as she processes, but only for a second.
“One o’clock class works for me.” She blows on her coffee, then takes a sip.
