Page 27

TWENTY-SIX

Inaya

Everything has been a blur since he found me. I’m still not sure how I feel about Father’s death. On one hand, there is still the daughter inside of me that knows a different side of the monster I met the day before, but I cannot unsee who he was before the end. I’d like to say the way he treated me was an extension to his hate for Dante, but I cannot justify anything he did to me. Even if he wanted me to have an abortion, he could have just tried to take me to a clinic. I still wouldn’t have gone through with it, but at least I could have still believed that he cared about me. Nothing about how he hit me and dragged me out of the room to hold me down, ready for that other man to mutilate my body matches the sweet yet distant man who funded raising me.

My whole life feels like a lie. I should have been hesitant to go with Dante since his initial goal was to kill me, but I know with Dante, he’s transparent with his intentions. He would not be sweet to me just to kill me. If that was his plan, I’d know. I, however, do remind myself not to rub my hand over my belly. He hasn’t mentioned the baby once. I’ve seen him looking at my belly more than once. I have no doubt that he knows I’m pregnant. I was wearing loose clothing to hide the little bump, but the clothes he gave me made it hard to hide.

A mansion surrounded by security gates comes into view with various men situated throughout the perimeter. Because of Father’s dealings, I now know that we’re not visiting the home of a regular rich person. No, this setup screams crime boss. The guy manning the gate doesn’t look happy to see Dante, but then again, his cold stare could just be his disposition. He calls someone on his cell, but I cannot hear the conversation. Eventually, he nods like the person on the other end can see him and opens the gate. Dante drives up to the house and parks in front of the doors.

A tall man in a soft gray suit opens the front door as Dante ushers me out of the car. Once my feet are safely on the ground, I pause and stare up at him. I can tell he is a dangerous man, but there is a touch of warmth in his startling blue eyes that isn’t present in Dante’s. The darkness of his eyebrows, light beard, and hair greatly contacts the paleness of his eyes. He has model good looks like Dante, and I’m confused at this new breed of killer. Are they supposed to be so handsome? He tilts his slightly full lips into a smirk as he reaches out his hand toward me.

“You must be Inaya. I’m Andrea.”

“You smell divine,” I blurt out like an idiot.

His laugh makes the side of his eyes crinkle and somehow increase his attractiveness. Despite the craziness of the last few months, it’s enough to bring a smile to my face.

“Thank you,” he finally says and steps aside.

Dante grunts and guides me beyond Andrea, farther into his home. I grew up rich, so I’m not wowed by the size of his home, but I’m impressed by the decor. It’s very well done to show his wealth without being over the top. I’m still not sure why we’re here, since Dante isn’t the kind of man who has friends. I turn to watch Dante and Andrea interact, as if they’re trying to communicate with body language only. More heavy footsteps pull my attention into the opposite direction as another attractive man strolls our way, wearing black slacks and a button up. His eyes are a darker blue than Andrea’s and his beard is fuller. Visually, they’re not related, but the ease in his movements and his comfort displays an unspoken closeness. His eyebrows arch in a way that makes him look like he has a permanent scowl, but something in his eyes tells me he is friendlier than both Andrea and Dante. Once he’s within touching distance, I look at him from head to toe because it’s amazing how good he looks.

Dante, Andera, and now this new man makes me wonder if there is an attractive killer factory. It did not pass my notice that both are sporting wedding rings. Lucky women. I push out my hand before he can speak.

“Hi, I’m Inaya.”

He gives me a full smile and takes my hand, then drops his other one over it. “I am so happy to meet you. I’m Theodore.”

The sincerity in his voice is laced with a little relief and I immediately know why. “Because I’m alive?”

His chuckle is thick and rich, which somehow brings comfort. “Yes,” he admits. “I’m happy you made it.”

I don’t get to respond because Dante steps between us and removes my hand from Theodore’s.

“Since you like living, Gatita , you should stop flirting with them.”

Theodore and Andrea trade amused glances, but I’m surprised by his statement.

“What?” He gives me a stern look that’s not exactly like the kind he used to give when he kidnapped me. A small bubble of amusement surfaces as my brain catches up. “Wait, is this jealousy?”

Dante’s eyes narrow, but a baby cries before he can answer. I whip my head to the right to find a beautiful black woman holding an adorable baby.

“Aww,” I coo, melting at the sight. I walk in her direction with a smile.

To my surprise, she puts the baby on her hip and pulls me into a hug. It triggers some of the emotions I’ve been suppressing since I didn’t realize how much I needed a hug. I have a few tears in my eyes when she lets me go. The woman gives me a sympathetic look and passes me her son.

His soft little body comforts me as I inhale his sweet, innocent smell. “Come,” she says as she guides me in the opposite direction. “My name is River, by the way,” she tells me.

We enter a huge bedroom and settle in the seating area. The baby coos and smiles up at me with dimples, and I immediately know who they are.

“Are you Theodore’s wife?”

She giggles like she’s very much in love. “The boy gave it away, didn’t he?”

“Yes,” I admit as I pull him into another hug. “Thank you.”

She waves me off with a smile. “Looks like you’ll need the practice anyway.” Snapping her fingers, she jumps up and disappears into another room. She soon comes back with a small box.

River puts the box on the sofa and looks through it. She pulls out a mint green dress and holds it up.

“This looks like it’ll fit you. It’s a maternity dress.” She gathers the baby and points toward the ensuite bathroom.

I move inside and strip off the almost too tight clothes, pulling on the dress she gave me. I’m surprised to find it’s a little too big since the label was the size I remember being before I was kidnapped. I guess being on the run would mess with the amount of food I eat. I release a sigh of relief as I spin in the mirror to look at the pretty mint green sundress. It’s sleeveless and stops just above the knee. River is okay with me.

River gives two snaps when I return like I’m working the runway and she’s a damn good distraction. She picks up her phone when it chimes and responds to a text.

“Delaney is on her way.” She giggles when I give her a blank look. “Andrea’s wife.”

Soon a tall, dark-skinned black woman walks in looking almost regal. Her loose maxi dress flows around her like she has her own wind machine. Her black hair is done in loose waves that fall mid back. She turns and waits for another woman who looks just like her. Twins.

“Hello. I’m Delaney. It’s very nice to meet you,” the first woman speaks. “This is my sister, Kennedy.”

Kennedy smiles. Dimples. That's a very easy way for me to remember who’s who. Kennedy comes to me and extends her hand. I shake it but she doesn’t let go. Instead, she tilts her head in the opposite direction, giving me the indication that she wants me to follow her.

“Very nice to meet you. I’m also here to examine you. Follow me.”

“Ah, so you’re a doctor,” I fill in the blanks.

“Yes,” she answers. “OBGYN. Delaney is a pediatrician.”

“That’s cool,” I admit. “Twin doctors. I’m a nurse practitioner,” I inform them with a laugh. “Same team.”

“Well, hell. I’m in good hands,” River jokes, just before the men enter.

Dante looks at me like he’s trying to x-ray me with his eyes. “Kennedy will check you out. And then they’ll show you your room.”

“My room?” I ask, surprised.

“Yes.” Dante doesn’t offer any other explanation.

I want to fight him and press the issue, but there are so many eyes. Besides, Kennedy is waiting for me. I follow her without another world, but questions are churning in my head.

What the hell is happening?