Page 40 of Stolen Dove
“I was looking for you. You didn’t tell me you were leaving.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to wake you. I’m taking an important call in my office soon. Come, I’ll walk you to bed. As soon as it’s over, I’ll come right to bed.”
I take her hand and bring it to my lips. She’s the best thing to ever happen to me, and I have a lot to make up for. As soon as we’re in our bedroom, I help her back into bed.
“Victor, I might not want to know about your business, but I’m doing my best to trust you. I’m assuming because there was no guard outside my door that you’re doing the same, or is it because you’re too jealous to have someone watching me?”
“What? I never had someone watching you. Yes, there were guards outside the house who rarely came inside. Was Vicente outside your door?”
“How do you think I came to know Vicente?”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I thought it’s what you expected. I told him to keep his distance on several occasions and he did for the most part, but at least once a day I nearly collided with him.”
I cup her face, cradling her head, and breathe before I say what I have to say. “First. Let me tell you I’m sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t believe you about trying to leave me and breaking your tablet. He searched those things on it while you slept.” She gasps. “Second, I am a jealous, possessive, territorial bastard obsessed with you and wouldn’t have put a man that close to you unless it was absolutely necessary, and never the same one. I’m sorry he played us both.”
“I love you, Victor. I’m not going anywhere. Now, please go take your call so you can come back to me soon.” Growling, I press her backward onto the bed and slam my mouth down on hers. I only sit back up after we’re both breathless and disheveled.
“I love you madly.” I stand up and adjust my throbbing cock. “I won’t be long.”
It’s nearly midnight when I wait for the call that Fernando set up for me with Santino Benedetti. Once it rings, I put it on speaker since I want Fernando to hear everything.
“Serrano, this is Santino Benedetti. I’m glad that you found the time for us to speak. I trust the line is clear.” I know it is on my end. My software makes sure there are no other listening devices or other interference that can intercept the call, but it doesn’t mean I’m talking to the real Benedetti.
“How do I know it’s you?” I hiss.
“You don’t know that, but all I can give is my word.”
“Says the man who betrayed his family.” Like I’m one to talk, but I’m gauging his reaction.
A low rumble vibrates through the call. “Don’t even fucking spout those fucking lies. My wife and my mother are my family, and I’d never do anything to betray them. Everyone else with the Marchetti name can go drop off the face of the earth as far as I’m concerned.”
That reaction is more than genuine. I’d listened to an interview he gave to the press when everything went down, and it sounds like him. “Well, we have one thing in common. What is it that you wanted to discuss?”
“Avanti. I heard you were in town, doing business with him last month.”
“We have unfinished business,” I bite out. I’ve refused to take Avanti’s calls after I returned. Fernando told him that I was no longer interested in doing business, but Avanti can’t take no for an answer.
“Well, personally, I’d like to work with you and make you a better offer. I want the son of a bitch dead, but I’d rather not get my hands dirty. From the rumors around town, he’s interested in getting your wife back.”
“What the fuck? He’s really asking for a bullet in the head.”
“Well, then, we understand each other.”
Apparently, I’m full of understanding today. I run my hands through my hair and think about my sweet Dove. “Very much. I wouldn’t let anyone take my wife.”
“I’m betting the way you rushed her out of the country and married, I doubt you’d let anyone come between you and yours.”
“Damn right. So what are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking my wife has never been to Spain before and it’s only fair that I take her before the baby comes and we head to Africa for business.”
“That can work, although I must warn you that I don’t tolerate anyone approaching my wife.”
“I’ll bring my men, but I’ll keep them away from her. Trust me when I say that I understand. There are very few people I ever trust around my wife.” After reading what I have on the man, I know he’s serious.
‘’Good. When can I expect you?”