Page 91 of The Empress

Dakota’s chin begins to quiver. “I chose to believe what my husband told me. He arranged the adoption. Why would I question something that’s approved by a court?”

I stare at her long and hard, and it has her chin starting to quiver.

When Haven pulls her hand out of mine, I let her go to her Mom.

“I’m sorry, Mom.” She wraps an arm around her mother’s shoulders. “We just want to get to the bottom of things.”

“Nicolo must’ve arranged all the documents and paid off the judge who authorized the adoption,” Massimo says. “This is all the proof we need to tie him to your father’s assassination and the Messinas' deaths.”

“Oh my God,” Dakota exclaims. “Would Nicolo really kill people?”

“He has, and he will again,” I reply. “I always had a gut feeling he was behind it all, but I could never get solid proof.”

“That man is vile.” Dakota locks eyes with me. “I’m sorry for the loss you suffered, but I swear on my life, I had nothing to do with it. I just wanted to be a mother, and Haven needed a mother. She became my priority the instant I saw her.”

My gaze drifts between the two women before I focus on Haven. “Was she a good mother?”

My wife doesn’t hesitate to answer, “The best. I grew up in a loving and happy home.”

For years, it haunted me that Carina was sold into sex trafficking or killed, but instead of suffering horrors, she had a happy life.

I look at Dakota again, and I don’t know what she sees on my face, but compassion fills her eyes.

“There’s no one I love more than Haven. I would die for her in a heartbeat.”

I remember how she fought when I took Haven, and her words erase the last of the suspicion I have regarding her.

Massimo’s phone rings, and I glance up at him as he answers the call. “Yes…Fine, keep the women there. We’ll come over in the next half an hour.” He hangs up and says, “Dante says Nicolo left right after you moved Dakota to your mother’s house, and he hasn’t been heard from since.”

I rise to my feet. “Giada hasn’t heard from her husband in two weeks?”

Massimo shrugs. “Either that or she’s lying.”

I walk around the coffee table and lean down to press a kiss to Haven’s mouth. “I’ll see you later. Visit with your mom.”

Standing up, she shakes her head. “No. I’m coming with you. I don’t want you killing Aunt Giada and Liliana for something Uncle Nicolo did.”

“Stop calling him uncle! He’s not your family,” I snap before I can censor my tone. Haven stares at me until I murmur, “I’m sorry,principessa.”

“I’m on your side, Leo. I also want answers.” She places her hand on my arm.

“I know.” I pull her to me and give her another kiss. “You can come.”

Dakota gets up and sticks to Haven’s side as we head to the garage, while Massimo leaves through the front door to inform Edoardo.

After the women and I get into the Porsche, I reverse out and wait for Massimo to take the lead in his SUV.

Haven reaches across the center console and places her hand on my thigh. I remove a hand from the steering wheel and rest it on top of hers.

I finally have Carina back.

Gesù Cristo, I found her, Diego.

I grip her hand tighter and clench my jaw as the wave of emotions hits me for the hundredth time since I realized Haven is Carina.

When we pull up to the Romanos’ mansion, my men are scattered over the front yard.

“I won’t kill them unless they were involved,” I tell Haven, my voice a rumble of warning. “Don’t get in my way.” After I stop the Porsche, I glance at her. “I need you to trust me.”