Page 147 of The Devil's Heir

I'm taken down to the second floor and brought into one of the spare bedrooms with an ensuite. I know exactly where I'm at. It would be nothing to slip away and enter the many secret passageways hidden in some of these rooms, but I'm sure Carmen has thought of that. I will bide my time—it's not like I need to be in any hurry to get back to anyone anymore.

"Come on, I don't have all day!" Dog growls and shoves me forward.

"What the fuck? You do realize that I'm your boss now, right?" I glare at the fucker.

"I only answer to one person, and I doubt you have a cunt," Dog replies gruffly.

"Yeah, well, just watch yourself because your day is coming," I threaten.

"Oh yeah? I'd like to see that. I'll be waiting," the fucker states.

I take my time in the shower since I haven't had one in months. My asshole of a guard dog has given me many bed baths but not one fucking shower. I can feel the grime slithering away. A few sores litter my backside and around my wrists and ankles from being chained up. I curse at the state my body is in.

I've always taken pride in being fit and looking good. Now, I'm just a shell of the man I once was. I stare at the tiled wall before me, letting everything soak in. Liliana is gone. My son never had the chance to take his first breath. A stinging in the corners of my eyes is the only indication I get a split second before the floodgates open.

I can't remember the last time I cried—maybe when I learned of my parent's deaths, but that was so long ago. Now, I cry for the future I will never have with the only woman I've ever loved. I cry for the life we created that I will never hold. But most of all, I cry for the life that I forced upon Lily, one she never wanted, but because I'm such a bastard, I made her live it. Now, she will never know what it's like to truly be loved.

If I could have that chance, I would give her the love she deserves. I'd like to think that maybe we could have our happiness in the afterlife, but I already know I won't be going where she is. She belongs with the angels, whereas I—well, it's as she's said so many times—I'm the devil and will go to the only place I deserve.

With my forehead pressed against the cold tile, I let myself cry for a moment longer. I then stick my face under the shower spray and wash away the one thing that will only ever be for one person…my tears for Liliana.

Hardening my resolve, I finish up and step out of the shower. There's already a suit and toiletries waiting for me, so I go about fixing myself the best I can. Staring into the mirror, I look at the man I barely recognize. My hair is much longer and my beard is in need of a trim.

I set about taking careof my face first. Once I'm trimmed and feeling halfway human, I tie my hair back into a low ponytail. The suit is all the right length—after all, it's one of mine—but it hangs loosely on my smaller frame. There's not much I can do about it, so I give myself a once-over and then open the door.

Dog is nowhere to be seen. I don't know if this is a test, but I'm not going to take the chance. I walk out of the room and go in search of the bitch that now gets to call herself my wife. I hope she enjoys calling herself that because, soon enough, it will no longer be the case.

SIXTY-SIX

Liliana

The days following my son's birth were the hardest. Between not having Jarek here for the birth of our child and knowing that he married that bitch, Carmen has had me in a depressed state.

Joey did find out through talking with his father that Jarek believes me and our son to be dead. Lonzo doesn't know why Jarek agreed to the marriage as of yet. Carmen is keeping Lonzo far away from her new husband. For some reason, she won't share why she's doing it with the underboss.

I've been too weak to come forward and too busy ensuring that my son stays happy and healthy. Jackson has been by my side during this time, and I'm not sure I would have been able to remain as strong as I have had he not been with me.

A week after I gave birth, I decided to name my son. After all, I couldn't keep calling him Sweet Boy. He looks so much like his father that it makes me miss Jarek even more. If I've learned anything after everything that has happened, it was not to jump to conclusions. So, I'm giving Jarek the benefit of the doubt that he made the decision to marry the bitch for a good reason. That being said, I am still looking forward to having a future with the devil—once we figure this shitstorm out.

I wanted to give our son a piece of his father, so after talking with Joey, I decided to name our son after his grandfather, Jarek's father. Keirnan Falcon is going to grow up strong and healthy. If I have any say in it, hewillknow the love of his mother and father.

It's been a little over a month, and I'm closer to coming forward. Lonzo has been working with Jarek's allies behind the scenes, and although theyknow Jarek is alive and well, his allies have noticed a change and know that something isn't right with the Falcon heir.

The only real ally that Carlos Greco has is Rossi, which is nothing compared to the crime families siding with the Falcon family. I may have thought Jarek was the devil, but it seems that although he is a ruthless businessman and crime boss, he does have the trust and loyalty of many others because of what he gives back in return. I never asked what it was he gave back because, quite frankly, I don't want to know. The only thing that matters is that the other families are on our side and will help in any way they can.

"Lily?" Zita's voice stirs me from my thoughts.

I turn toward the doorway to my room and find her smiling.

"Yes?"

"Joey has asked me to come find you. He would like to speak with you about something." Zita takes a few steps into my room. "I can stay with Keirnan if you'd like."

"No, that's fine. I'll take him with me. He's been a bit fussy this morning," I tell her, even though it's not true.

Although I've become somewhat friends with the woman, I still can't trust her completely, and I will not leave my son with her unattended. I think she sees through my lie because she gives me a sad smile and a slight nod before disappearing from my room.

I carry Keirnan in my arms as I approach Joey's office on the first floor. The door is open, but I still knock and await an invite.