Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
"Your father's files and notes about my case are in your possession, right?"
She stared at me. "They’re back at his house."
"I'm going to need to go through them again. It’s possible he noted down something about the detective that has helped us out.”
"Oh okay," she said, understanding dawning on her.
"I need something on Hudgens, anything at all that will get him off our backs. Then I can do whatever I want."
"Tell Giotto exactly where they are and he’ll go get them."
“Okay.”
And that was my cue to leave. There was a lot for me to get done. I trailed my finger down her smooth cheek. “Stay here, bella, and enjoy the afternoon. I must go because I have stuff to do.”
I stood and she looked up at me, and her eyes were shining with love.
Chapter 71
Zola
Ifelt frightened.
There was no doubt we were now heading into extremely dangerous territory where anything at any time could go wrong. But I understood him. It was either this or we put our fate in the hands of people like Hudgens and sat like sitting ducks while Ugo decided our fate.
It was the only real option, but it held terrifying consequences. One wrong move and Dante could either be killed or put away for a very, very long time.
But I couldn’t think of that. I refused to. All I could do was support him, and when Giotto face-timed me from my father’s house, I gave him detailed directions and watched while he located the relevant boxes of my father’s files.
I looked at the clock on the library wall. It was almost midnight. I hadn't seen Dante since we had talked by the lake. He had been holed up in his office with the files Giotto had brought. I couldn't help but be worried about him, especially because he needed the rest.
Eventually, when I couldn't take the silence in the library any longer, I sent him a text message.
Need any help with going through the files?
I turned off the computer and got to my feet. His response was simple.
Sure, come over.
I got up and hurried down the stairs. I arrived at the door and gave a light knock. It was opened a few seconds later by Giotto, who inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment.
I felt guilty every time I saw him or any of the men for that matter because after watching the videos of me walking down the street like an automaton, I was even more aware of the risks they had undertaken to save me. I knew it wasn't on my behalf, he did it for Dante, but I couldn't help but be incredibly grateful. I gave him a big shining smile.
"Goodnight, Miss Leone. I’m heading off to bed, but call me if you need me, Boss,” Giotto said as he walked out the door and closed it behind him.
“Goodnight, Giotto.”
I walked into the warm room. It wasn't as huge as I had expected, but the best part about it was their little Eden area with a huge TV and the whitest, fluffiest rug on the floor. Dante was at his desk, leaning against the chair, with a pile of papers in his hand. He looked uncomfortable, and between his brows was a line of strain. I ached to smooth it out.
“Am I intruding?” I asked and he set the papers down and straightened slowly.
"No," he replied flatly. “Are you falling for Giotto?”
I grinned. “No, but I’m extraordinarily grateful for what your men did for me yesterday.”
“Hmm … if you smile any brighter at him, I’m going to have to fire the guy and I really don’t want to do that, because he’s hands down the best employee I’ve ever had.”
I hid a smile. “I’ll dim it down,” I promised.
“Good. I’ll appreciate it.”
He set the papers down and got to his feet. It was with a little difficulty, much more than he had earlier, and I immediately stepped forward to help him, but he held up his hand.
"It's okay, I can manage." He got out from behind the desk and began to head over to me. He came to a stop in front of me.
"It's a bit sore now, isn't it?" I asked. "It aches more than before?"
He nodded. “Might have strained myself too much.”
"Did you take medicine for it?"
"I have. The doctor said he'll be here early in the morning to check me and you as well."
Feeling daring, I lifted to my tiptoes to kiss him. It was supposed to be quick and sweet, but his hand curved around the side of my neck and I was lost. I felt it down to the depths of my heart. When our lips parted I found him watching me, a smile slowly appearing at the corners of his lips.
"I know what you're thinking," I said.
His eyes twinkled. “What am I thinking?”