Page 149 of The Billionaire's Fake Wife

"I faked my death, severed ties with them. I released them into the system because, let’s face it, the government would have had more success in miring their trail in paperwork so that it would be difficult for anyone to find them."

"You did a brilliant job too. In fact, I'd almost forgotten about your existence." Summer's voice is harsh; there's an edge to it I've never heard before. She holds her body so tightly that her shoulders seem to vibrate.

"Too bad you couldn't do the same for yourself."

Adam loosens the tie about his neck, "What do you mean?"

"My husband tracked you down, didn't he? So you weren't as efficient in covering your tracks as you thought."

Adam turns to me, his eyes wide, "How did you find me, when the Mafia tried and failed for all these years?"

"Clearly, they aren't as resourceful as I am. Funny how almost dying can light a fire under you, and ensure that you never give up until you track down your quarry."

Summer angles her body toward me."Wha... what do you mean? Who almost died?"

I slice my hand through the air, "Doesn't matter."

I glare at her. Now is when she explodes, and tells me off, pulls off a snarky comment at my expense. My pulse rate picks up; my blood thrums in my veins. Come on, little Bird, give me a taste of that sass and fire hidden below the surface. I scan her features, wait... wait. She peruses my features with a searching look in her eyes, then shakes her head.

"Cora." Adam's chin quivers.

Summer stiffens, "You lost the right to call me that."

"When you were born, your face was a perfect heart shape. I wanted to name you Cora. Your mother insisted on Summer. We compromised, as was often the case." His lips twitch. "And Cora became your middle name." His features soften. "You were so beautiful. The tiniest little child with the sweetest disposition ever."

He sways; rubs his chest.

"I'll never forget how you lit up my life, my child. The time we spent together is among the most precious memories of my life."

She firms her lips, raises her chin, "I am pleased to say I don't remember much of my growing years."

He winces, "I deserve it."

I take a step forward, "Tell her what you did to us."

"You mean there's more?" Summer tucks her elbows into her sides, her entire body stiff. Her chest rises and falls. She’s imagining—I can’t begin to fathom what it is she’s thinking, but the reality is far worse.

"I…" Adam licks his lips, "Please, can you get me some water first?"

I turn to do that.

"No."

I pause, glance toward my wife.

"The complete story first." Summer sets her jaw, "Enough with your delay tactics."

A small smile turns up his lips, "You remind me of your mother."

"You don’t get to do that." Her chin trembles. "Spit it out already.” She spits out his name, “Adam."

He squeezes his eyes shut and when he reopens them, they glitter with unshed tears. "Fine." He weaves on his feet, puts out his hand, and grabs onto the nearest chair. "They coerced me… I had to obey them." He looks from me to her, "I kidnapped your husband."

She scowls, "What do you mean?"

"Your father aligned with the Mob in furthering their business interests." My voice emerges as if it belongs to someone else.

I glare at Adam, "Tell her how you kidnapped me on the way home from school when I was twelve."