Before she could begin to hyperventilate, Wyatt was inside and passing Gabby off to his mother who had placed her cup on the breakfast table in order to accommodate her.
“Gabby, let Grandma Beth warm you up, I have to talk to mommy for a bit,” he said softly.
“Okay, Daddy!” Gabriella agreed in her angelic voice and Raine’s heart squeezed from fear.
Anxiety dug its way up her spine, causing her to shiver when he pressed his palm against it.
“What’s going on?” she demanded as soon as they got to their room. “You’re scaring me.”
“Crew tapped into a conversation with Vince and a mole that they had in the police department—”
“Had?” she inquired.
“Vince killed him.”
“Oh,” she breathed.
“That’s beside the point, Raine. What Crew overheard was what happened in Amarillo.”
Raine sucked in a breath, her eyes widening.
“Someone who knew their mole overheard the Sheriff talking and decided to share the information—”
“Does that mean that Ignacio knows where we are?” she asked.
“Vince hasn’t contacted him as yet but either way they would have to try guessing where we would be heading from Amarillo.”
“Unless they know who you are—” She started to point out.
“My records are sealed and the sheriff is already under protection. The good thing is that they still don’t know who you are; so, they won’t know where we’re headed.”
“I still think that your family isn’t safe,” she murmured, sadden because this was her fault.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” he informed her.
She opened her mouth to protest but he shook his head.
“I’ll keep my parents abreast. They’ll keep their eyes and ears out for anything but if I just start sticking security on everyone then it would draw unwanted attention. That would cause Vince to find them easier if the plot twisted that way.”
“I just want to ensure that you’re being sensible about this,” she whispered.
“Let me worry about this, Raine,” he stated definitely.
“Ok.”
He pressed he lips gently to her cheek before stepping back. “Switch out with Mom and take Gabby for a bit while I update them as to their next move.”
With a nod, she acknowledged his directions and they moved in one accord towards the door.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
“The beautiful thing about young love is the truth in our hearts that it will last forever.”
—Atticus
“So, what’s the plan?” she questioned as the Christmas day celebrations wound down and she realized that she had been too anxious to even enjoy it.
“We’re going to go off the grind for a bit; just until your father gets back to the states,” he instructed as he gently placed her clothing in a small suitcase.
“Then what?” she asked, worry pulling her dark brows together as she rocked an already sleeping Gabby on her hip.
“Then you contact your father and go under federal protection until all of this is dealt with,” he answered calmly but instead of his words reassuring her, they drove a shard of severe panic through her heart.
“What about you?” she probed softly, her throat tightening from fear.
“I’m above federal,” he started. “I’ll probably be reassigned to another case—”
“But!” she interrupted and the little girl shifted, but he raised his hand to still her erratic thoughts.
“It doesn’t mean that that’ll be the end of us,” he murmured, dropping the jacket to draw closer to them. “It just means that sometimes I might be called to leave the country without you because I cannot compromise my cases.”
A blush rose up her cheeks from embarrassment as he smiled down at her.
“You can’t get rid of me so easily.”
“Oh,” she chuckled, pleasantly surprised.
“I’ll ensure that whoever is guarding you is cleared to the highest level; we can’t take any risks until we are sure Ignacio is no longer breathing.” He raised his hand to her mouth, pressing a finger against her lips because he knew what was about to come. “And before you start pleading his case, no, there’s no chance for a nonlethal approach,” he stated sternly.
“Yeah,” she sighed. “I just hope that that will be soon,” she muttered.
“Nothing will happen to you or Gabby,” he vowed as he stroked the little girl’s waves.
“And you?” Raine asked again; this time her question required a different kind of answer.
“My job is to protect you,” he answered.
“No; your job was to find out who I am!” she stated strongly.
“You’re right,” he admitted. “Was being the keyword—”
“You’re not here to become a martyr!” she protested.
“My job title switched that moment my boss found out who you were—”
“Wyatt!” she started but his finger pressed against her lips more firmly.
“I am to protect you both at all cost—”
“Over my dead body—”
“I will ensure that it never comes to that,” he stated factually.
She made a frustrated sound in the back of her throat and Wyatt shrug nonchalantly.
“I’ll update Sandra on the change of plans,” he informed her before brushing his lips over her cheeks.
∆∆∆
Wyatt washed his eyes over her before he slid onto the protected balcony of their suite. With a touch to his watch, he connected Crew and Trent to one line.
“What’s Ignacio’s stance at this point?” he probed Trent.
“He’s still tearing his way across the East Coast,” he answered.
“So, he doesn’t know yet?” Wyatt questioned, his brows pulling together.
“Vince hadn’t made a move to inform him; all of his calls have been geared towards building a new empire. He’s holding these cards close to his chest until it’s the right time to play them,” Crew murmured. “At this point, though, Vince only knows that you exist.”
“So, we’re at two different ends of the spectrum right now,” Wyatt commented as he looked out and over the snow-covered mountainside.
“Something like that,” Trent started. “How is it with Raine?” he inquired.
“It’s complicated—”
“Because her father is out of the country?” Crew interrupted and Wyatt could just see Trent rolling his eyes.
“No; because this is no longer just another case,” Trent answered and the other man swore under his breath.
“You have feelings for her, don’t you?” Crew accused.
Wyatt shrugged, making no move to deny the allegation.
“You owe me a thousand bucks!” Trent chuckled.
“You guys had a pool going?” Wyatt asked.
“Hell yes!” Trent laughed as Wyatt turned his back to the picturesque landscape to take in the beautiful creature sprawled across his sheets.
“You had insider scoop!” Crew complained.
“No, my friend,” Trent denied. “You just had too much faith in Wyatt’s stoic personality and too little in a woman’s touch,” he pointed out.
“I can’t believe you two,” he laughed.
“I may be down a grand but I am glad that you are happy bro,” Crew commented.
“Thank you,” he answered. “But I can’t rest until I know that there isn’t a threat against their lives,” he whispered.
“We have your back, brother,” Trent stated. “Every move that is made on either end will be reported, but once she’s under her father’s protection then it will be a little trickier.”
“I couldn’t ask that of you,” Wyatt murmured.
“You never have to,” Crew stated frankly and something in Wyatt’s chest shifted as he acknowledged the bond that they had.
“One of my petty officers from our last tour is now a secr
et service agent,” Crew commented. “He’s currently on vacation; so, just let me know if I need to call him,” he indicated.
“Will do,” Wyatt answered, appreciation coloring his tone.
“Let’s come out of this one together,” Trent requested like they always do at the end of every call.
“You can bet on it.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
“Maybe a relationship is just two idiots who don’t know a damn thing except for the fact that they are willing to figure it out together.”
—Anonymous
Wyatt watched as his father carefully tucked Gabby into her car seat.
“You’ll keep her safe, won’t you?” he asked his son softly as he stroked her downy hair.
“I’ll do my best,” he murmured before pulling his father into an embrace.
“See you soon,” Roger muttered before pushing back. “Hopefully on better terms.”
“Yeah,” Wyatt answered before the older man pulled Raine close. His father pulled back to allow his mother to do the same before both vehicles were off.
“Are you sure they’ll be safe?” she asked, concern lacing her voice and her mossy green eyes darkening.
Reaching over with one hand, he grasped hers and gently unraveled the tight, trembling fist. “Mom’s well trained and so are all the members of my family. They might not like the idea of guns but they sure as hell know how to use and care them,” he assured. “They know how to keep aware of their surroundings and who they associate with—”
“That sounds sad,” she murmured.
“It goes with the wealth territory,” he sighed. “It was a thing long before I got into the business I’m in now but it’s become even more important—”
“Because of me,” she murmured.
“It would’ve eventually happened if I pissed off the wrong person,” he answered.
But that answer didn’t sit well with her. “I’ve seen how you move Wyatt. You don’t leave any trace behind. There is no possibility of that happening.”
“Raine—”
“It’s because you brought me home, that’s why they were pulled into this,” she whispered, her voice heavy with remorse.
“The person who broke the confidentiality of the case is to be blamed; not you. Vince now has the ability to find out my real name and in doing so my family.”
Raine looked like she was about to throw up at the thought as she pressed her free fist against her quivering lips. “You were only to find out who I was—”
“Raine—”
“If I had hidden right—”
Her words dried up in her throat from fright as her body jerked against the seatbelt, only coming to a stop against his outstretched arm as he slammed on the brakes. The driver behind them blew and shouted something no doubt profane as he drove around before flipping them off. “What ifs will not change anything,” he breathed out heavily as if annoyed.
“Are you crazy?” she hissed.
His brows drew together in confusion at her swift mood change.
“Do you see that snow on the road!” she snapped.
“Are you serious right now?” he blew out.
“Someone could’ve gotten hurt,” she complained.
“The road was clear enough; I assessed the situation.”
She blew out an annoyed breath.
“I always assess the pros and cons of every decision I make…” Something seemed to hit him and he hesitated before continuing as if already knowing what she was going to say. “The only thing I never estimated was falling for you- being attracted; yes. Bedding you was high on the list but wanting to spend the rest of my life with you; no,” he said honestly.
“They say love causes you to do crazy things.”
“You’re just being difficult,” he grumbled.
“I just want you and your family to be safe.”
“And they will be,” he stated confidently as he stepped on the gas to continue trailing Sandy. “Including you and Gabby.”
A slight smile turned up the corner of her mouth. “Thank you for loving me though,” she said softly.
He reclaimed her small hand, bringing it to his lips. “The gift was all mine,” he answered before pressing a kiss to the soft skin at the back of her hand.
A blush rose up her cheeks and he smiled in response. “Tell me where we’re going,” she murmured, changing the subject.
∆∆∆
Raine’s eyes widened as they pulled up to the massive house almost ten and a half hours later. “Please tell me that you don’t own this too,” she breathed out.
“No, this is my boss’s but you’ll learn what I have over time,” he answered simply.
Her eyes just widened more because yes Stephano had had some funds but that had been because of his father and his illegal activities.
“Relax, I don’t sell body parts on the black market,” he chuckled.
“That did not reassure me,” she stated crisply.
“I just made wise investments with my money and my job pays well.”
“It has to,” she grumbled. “You put your life on the line every second.”
“Please; let’s not argue about that right now,” he murmured.
“Fine,” she sighed before opening the truck’s door.
With a sigh, he stepped out and walked around to meet her.
“I believe you owe me a tour,” she muttered.
“I’ll give you the surface rundown and then we’ll do a walkthrough in a few hours. I think Gabby needs to know the same safe spots that you will and she’s a bit tired,” he stated, nodding towards a sleeping Gabby on Sandra’s shoulder ahead of them.
“Ok; shoot,” she answered.
“Sandra will have her own apartment by the pool,” he started. “To give us a semblance of privacy,” he continued when she raised her brows. “We’ve removed the maintenance crew for obvious safety reasons. I’d rather not have someone else overhear something that could jeopardize your safety.”
“Our safety,” she interrupted.
“Our safety,” he stated with emphasis before continuing. “I think we can handle Gabby’s mess for six weeks.”
“We’ll manage,” she chuckled as the evening sun tried to get in its last rays.
He paused to look down on her as the sun-stroked soft golden lines across her dark, honey skin and his heart stalled for a moment before slamming fiercely against his ribs.
“What?” she asked delicately as he brushed back her dark mane.
The thought of losing her caused his fingers to twitch and something must’ve passed over his face because a slender, small hand came up to cover the one that he hadn’t even realized was rubbing his physically aching chest.
“Stop,” she said sternly. Her fingers squeezed his when she didn’t get the response immediately.
“We’ll be fine,” he reassured, more to himself than to her.
“We will,” she whispered before tipping up to press her lips to his.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
“We can never be gods, after all--but we can become something less than human with frightening ease.”
—N.K. Jemisin
Two weeks later…
Vince tilted his head, his light locks falling sideways as he sharpened his gaze on the knife barely balancing on the tip of his finger. Irritation poured over him and he just knew when to pinch the sharp blade between his thumb and forefinger. “What do you want, Salvatore?” he growled as the other man walked in. For some strange reason, the other man always grated him the wrong way. He didn’t know if it was the aura of dominance that he sensed in him, the fact that Stephano had chosen him as his second in command or the fact that Salvatore had a whole world that he could claim but he’d rather stick to the boundaries than push them. That was it Vince decided mentally; he saw great potential in the younger man but he himself didn’t see how great he could be in this rat race. He was just willing to let people step over him and stay in second place. Maybe th
at’s why Stephano picked him because he’d been too much of a spineless idiot to even stand in the shoes his father had handed his privileged rear and he wouldn’t mind having someone with a great head on his shoulder who’d help him keep the position but didn’t want it himself.
Vince’s lips twisted. Well, thank God he didn’t give a rat’s bum about hierarchy; he wanted the top and he didn’t care whose blood he had to draw to get there.
“I’m still waiting,” he murmured when Salvatore decided to lean against the door jam and assess him instead of answering his question.
Salvatore shrugged nonchalantly not fearing his open aggression and so he took his sweet time answering. “Why is it so important to change the face of the Miami chapter?” he questioned.
Vince rocked back on the chair’s back legs and watched the other man under hooded eyes. “Laundering has been the way of life for too long for the Genovese gang; it’s time for a change,” he said simply.
“That’s what has been making them the millions they’ve been known for and have kept them under the police’s radars,” he argued.
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Vince muttered as he ran a finger over the edge of the blade, not minding when it drew a neat line of blood; his heart only beat faster at the sight.
“I’m a tad confused,” he admitted as his brows drew together over striking eyes.
“Your face already tells me that, dear boy,” he chuckled even though he was barely older than the other man. “Though Stephano was “supposedly” at the top of the food chain, he wasn’t,” Vince stated vaguely.
Salvatore’s back stiffened with interest.
“There’re a lot of things that he wasn’t privy to and by default neither were you.”
Salvatore grunted in answer.
“Eduardo didn’t trust Stephano’s choice of moles—”
“That’s why you took his main one out?” Salvatore interrupted.
Vince shrugged in answer before thinking about it. “That was just for fun,” he answered honestly, shrugging again when the other man raised his brows at him. “Either way, it came out the way that would be approved.”
“How so?”
“We weren’t the only people dear old Mario was a mole for—”
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