Page 30

TWENTY-NINE

Inaya

The last week has flown by, but I am a little more comfortable since Dante is more present in his interactions with me. I’ve tried to keep my focus on us learning new things about each other, but we usually end up naked since his sexiness is distracting. It’s still insane to me that my kidnapper is my boyfriend, but at least I’m in like company since Delany’s abduction led to her marriage. I’d made her laugh when I told her that at least marrying her was always Andrea’s goal.

Dante still hasn’t said much about the baby; he even had a straight face when he watched the baby move during the ultrasound. He remained unreadable when we listened to the heartbeat. I opted not to worry since he always hands me my prenatal vitamins when I forget. Plus, there’s a level of caution when he makes love to me that he didn’t possess before. I find it easier to pay attention to his unconscious actions than try to pry feelings out of him.

I still feel Dante isn’t telling me something, since I’m not entirely sure why we’re at Andrea’s complex. I don’t know if this is the moment where I wait for him to tell me, or if I should push since he’s learning the ins and outs of relationships.

The six of us gathered around for dinner while Tatum slept, but we didn’t get far into it since the television that was left on in the other room grabbed my attention. I stood while River was in the middle of a story and allowed the television to lure me into the opposite room. Once there, I hit rewind on the remote, then turned up the television.

A picture of us that my dad took at the cabin before he turned into a psycho is plastered on the screen. It sounds like I was followed, but I don’t bother to check.

“Investment mogul, Antoni Wójcik, shared a photo of his happy reunion with his daughter, Inaya, a few short weeks ago. She had been missing for months, but was safely returned to him. Now, he is presumed missing with her. Sources say, the cabin they shared showed no signs of life, with both the father’s and daughter’s whereabouts unknown. His absence was reported by his personal assistant, Abel West. His suspicious disappearance has the police seeking a person of interest for questioning. A disgruntled ex-employee, Dante Orejón, is wanted for questioning.”

My heart rate accelerates when Dante’s picture flashes on the television screen while the reporter asks for information to help locate Dante.

“Looks like he’s pulling some strings,” Theodore says from my right.

“Yeah, this is a tactic of a scared man,” Andrea agrees.

Who? I want to ask, but my words are caught in my throat.

“A manhunt is not going to stop me from killing him,” Dante admits, and the coldness in his tone tells me everything I need to know.

“He didn’t die?” I finally ask.

Dante’s eyes soften when they meet mine. “No. His body was gone when I went to check. We’ve been searching for him. He’s dead the moment I find him.”

I nod slowly. “That’s why we’re here.”

“Yes. It’s hard to watch you while looking for him.”

“Watch me?” My voice rises slightly as Andrea whispers something in Dante’s ear.

“It’s hard to keep you and the-” Dante begins, and Theodore nudges him. “… our baby safe while being on the run and looking for Father.”

“And when did you plan to tell me this?”

“Was it something you wanted to know in advance?”

“Yes!” River and Delaney say it in unison with me.

Dante gives them a surprised look that also holds a tinge of a warning for them to mind their business.

“I’m going to check on Tatum,” River announces on her way out.

“I’ll help,” Delaney offers.

I feel deep down that Dante wouldn’t hurt them, but they don’t know him like that. I’m sure they know their husbands will protect them, but Dante is still a work in progress on emotions and connections. I know his eyes lack the luster of their husbands’ eyes. It can be alarming.

Dante grabs my wrist and pulls me away from the rest of our audience. I don’t know what he’ll say without his counsel, but he is a person raised to act on instinct. Once we’re alone in the kitchen, he grabs my shoulders and looks me in the eyes.

“Look, I know a woman’s emotions are complex, especially during pregnancy, but we don’t have time for this. These are the facts. I did what I thought was best for your protection. Telling you he was on the loose wouldn’t have given you the chance to relax. We both know you can’t fight anyway.”

I don’t why, but the last statement tickles me in a moment that’s not funny. My laughter bubbles and spills out before I can even consider stopping it.

“You’re a big-ass assassin. I could fight a regular woman if I had to fight a fair fight.”

Dante smirks and grips my chin like he always does when he’s being sweet but wants me to pay attention.

“This wouldn’t be a fair fight. You just need to trust that I’ll do whatever possible to keep you and our baby safe.”

It's cute that he says it without coaching or prompting. “Say it again, please.”

“Say what?” he asks, genuinely confused.

“The last part of your statement.”

“Safe.”

I giggle again. “Before that.”

He pauses for a second. I know he didn’t forget what he said; he doesn’t forget anything. Dante is just now realizing what he said. His eyes drop down to my abdomen and his hand covers the swell of my belly. There is a little more warmth in his eyes when he looks at me again.

“Our baby.”

I feel his smile against my lips when I steal a kiss. While this would be minimal effort for a regular man, I’m all too aware of the hill Dante is climbing just to gain some level of normalcy. I appreciate the effort, and it makes me feel less alone with being in love.

He’s still smiling at me when we break the kiss, but our alone time has expired.

“He can smile,” Andrea says from the door. Dante’s smile disappears so fast that Andrea can’t help but laugh. “I’m not trying to be nosy. I just came to tell you I called one of my lawyers.”

Dante shrugs, back in business mode. “Okay, he or she can come, but I doubt I need a lawyer. As far as they know, Dante Orejón has been in Costa Rica for the last five months, according to my passport. If I can get a ride there, I’ll buy a commercial flight from Costa Rica to the states and proceed to act ignorant of everything that’s been going on. The key is to appear cooperative and not get fingerprinted. Not that they’d find one anywhere.”

My nerves churn at the idea of him going into a nest of law enforcement. He is guilty on all counts, after all.

“I know this doesn’t bother you, but based on the look on your woman’s face, let’s hear out the lawyer before we take you to Costa Rica,” Andrea offers.

Dante looks at me, and I nod. He’s not used to having anyone waiting for him or worried, but I’ll do both.