Page 15 of Stolen Moments with a Bad Boy
“Afterward, I escaped. I left the door open for as many kids to get out, but my only concern was to make it home.
The stars led me home. My parents showed me that trick just in case I got lost in the woods one day.
It came in handy. I collapsed when I made it back to our village.
A friend of my uncle saw me and rushed me to them.
My uncle collected as much information as he needed from me.
Him and his cavalry rode out, while all my aunts took care of me.
“They all cried so hard when they noticed all the areas I bled from. I was too numb to cry. I was all out of tears. What I wanted was my revenge. My uncle and his crew killed everyone in that house then burned it down to the ground. They didn’t spare a soul.
That experience changed me though. I went years without talking.
“The only time I opened my mouth was to eat or brush my teeth. Other than that, no words. My family gave me the space to feel and come to terms with what I’d endured.
The next time I spoke, it was my seventeenth birthday, and I told my uncle and aunt that I wanted to be an assassin just like them.
The rest was history. I became just like them.
Erie, I’ve travelled all over this world.
I’ve killed all kinds of monsters and spent time with a few ladies of the night, but I have never fallen in love.
“You are the first woman I’ve ever loved and fallen in love with. That’s why I can admit to you that I will be killing your brother, Troy Jr. He put another hit on you, and that’s why you’re here now. My uncle and aunt are here because they received a contract to kill your dad and Londen.
“Of course, they’re not going through with it. Plus, I didn’t know your dad was one of their American allies. Apparently, he had a different life before he became a company man.” Janeiro exhaled. “How do you feel about the information I just dumped on you?”
“Thank you, baby, for sharing your story with me. Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me. You are such a strong, kind, considerate, and beautiful man. I’m blessed to have you in my life.
I’ve never met a man like you before, but I know I don’t ever want to lose you.
I really wish I could kiss your past away, but since I can’t, I plan to love you a little harder every day.
“When it comes to my brother, I can’t give you the okay to take his life, but I support however you want to handle the situation.
I have no more time to waste on Troy Jr. He made his bed, so only he has to lie in it.
My main concerns are you and our babies.
It may sound selfish, but all I want is you, Janeiro. Just you.”
“You’re never selfish, Bella. I’m more selfish than you are. I want you more than the sun and moon have to trade places. We’ll spend the rest of our lives making new memories and making sure we provide our children with nothing less than unconditional love, hope, and protection.”
“I agree completely, handsome.” I sniffled.
Ro wiped away my tears as he bent down and sucked my tongue in his mouth. Shit was about to get real heated until there was a knock on the door.
“Sweet Pea, you’re awake!” my dad expressed in his deep tone.
“Yes, Daddy. I have you all and Gigi to thank for that. I heard all of you all’s prayers and conversations,” I revealed, smiling. “Daddy, you and Londen have my blessing.”
I winked at them and turned my attention to the two new strangers I assumed were related to Ro.
“Now who’s going to introduce me to this lovely couple here?”
“Bella, this is my uncle Matteo. Next to him is his wife, my favorite aunt, Bianca. Zio and Zia, this is my Bella, my girl, my world, Erie,” Ro boasted proudly in his Italian accent.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, beautiful,” his smooth uncle voiced, kissing the top of my hand.
“Ooh, chile. Now, I see where your mannerisms come from, Ro.”
A blush crept in his cheeks. Everyone laughed, and it felt good to laugh.
“Your aunt is gorgeous. I need your skin regimen, ma’am,” I spewed, checking out how fashionable she was.
“I said the same thing,” Londen added.
“Thank you, ladies. We have a lot of chatting to do once you’re released, Erie.
Plus, Janeiro has told us so much about you, sweetheart.
As soon as you’re released, we gotta get some homemade Sicilian food in you to get you back up and running again.
You’ll need your strength to carry all three of those babies around,” his Aunt Bianca responded.
“Sounds good to me. I love food,” I professed, thinking about food already.
Londen stepped next to me.
“The café is doing great also. It’s doing so great that some of Chicago’s hottest rappers will be performing at the fourth anniversary celebration!” Londen animatedly announced, rubbing my hair.
“Damn! That’s what I like to hear. Now that we’re here and acquainted, where’s the food at? I can smell it.”
They all laughed at me. I was so serious. Just because I was hurt didn’t mean I wasn’t hungry. Janeiro’s uncle and aunt passed out trays of food from my café, and I beamed with joy.