Page 29 of Dark Consequences

My smirk transforms into a smile. I can tell her I never planned on sending her and Mei alone, but where’s the fun in that?

“I guess I can make that work.”

15

Lily

“Wow! Mommy, look! It’s like a castle from one of our books!” As Raphael pulls the car around, Mei strains her neck to get a better look at the DiAngelo estate.

When we drove over the bridge to the private island, it felt like we had been transported through a portal, escaping Miami’s industrial views for a beautiful oasis. And I’ll admit, the house is quite impressive. It looks like a scene straight out of a magazine or a movie, with its picturesque beauty and impressive grand scale and style. “I have a surprise for you two,” Raphael says when he turns the car off.

I twist in the passenger seat and look at him. “You do? What is it?”

“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you.”

Mei giggles and swings her legs in her booster seat in the back. Something he surprised me with this morning before admitting it was Rose who bought it. “I hope it’s a pony!”

I turn and fix my daughter with a look. “It’s not a pony. Right?” I glance at Raphael for confirmation. He smirks like a cheeky devil, and I’m concerned for a moment that Mei’s right, but then he shakes his head in silent answer. “You’ll just have to wait, Mei. You don’t want to spoil the surprise.”

“Okay,” she whines.

Raphael exits the car and hurries around to open my door before I even have my seat belt off. He extends his hand with a raised brow. I glance between it and him before placing my hand on his. “Well, aren’t you a gentleman?”

He tugs me up gently, being mindful of my sore ribs. I don’t know what’s changed since yesterday to explain it, but I’m no longer scared that his touch will hurt me. Maybe it’s because his touch has only brought me comfort, or perhaps it’s because of the sincerity I see in his eyes when he does, or maybe it’s a combination of both. But whatever it is, it’s as frightening as it is exciting.

I raise my eyes to his face. The flecks of green in his amber eyes dance, and I suddenly know exactly what it feels like for a bug to be hypnotized by an electric zapper.

“I am far from a gentleman, Lily,” Raphael whispers, the deep rumble of his voice vibrating in my chest.

Raphael looks like he’s about to say something more before he stops and shuts his mouth. Stepping back, he releases me to help Mei out of the car just as another car pulls into the circular drive.

“It’s Rose!” Mei shouts before she rushes over to hug the redhead’s legs. After spending the day with her, it seems Rose is Mei’s new best friend.

Rose pats her back and glances down at her lovingly. “Hi, little one. Are you excited about Christmas?”

“Yes, but I’m afraid Santa won’t find me here.” Mei’s precious face falls, and so does my heart.

Last night, I expressed to Raphael how I had nothing for Christmas once I realized just how close it was. We spent the next hour talking about gift ideas and all the things I’d want to give Mei if I could. It was nice to dream and imagine, but in the light of a new day, I still have nothing to give her, and neither does Santa.

“Well, that’s easy to fix,” Rose says, gathering Liam in her arms when Michael hands him over. “We’ll just write him a letter to let him know where to bring all your gifts. Come on, if we go write it now while we bake cookies, there’s plenty of time. How does that sound?” Rose looks at me. “If it’s okay with your mom, of course.”

Mei swings around so fast, she’s a flurry of dark hair and pink colors from her dress. “Can I, Mommy?”

“Go ahead. But behave and listen to Rose. I’ll be right behind you.”

“The island is safe, remember?” Raphael reassures me as they disappear into the house ahead. “She’ll be okay.”

“I know.” I sigh. “It’s just hard to have her out of my sight.”

“I understand. Come on, let’s go introduce you to my dad and then see what kind of mess they’ve made in the kitchen.”

Even in a normal situation, meeting the parents is a terrifying event. But when one parent leads a trio of crime families in Miami, it makes the meeting just a little more intense. But Raphael swears his father will behave. Which also tells me he sometimes doesn’t. Not very reassuring, if you ask me.

Stepping into the DiAngelo house is like being transported to a magical winter wonderland. At the center of a dual staircase, a towering Christmas tree is decked out in a dazzling display of sparkling lights and ornaments, creating a mesmerizing sight that stretches toward the ceiling. The soothing melodies of the holidays and the aroma of cinnamon and pine fill the air. The warm and inviting atmosphere instantly transports me back to the cherished memories of every happy Christmas from my youth with my parents.

The dozens of presents under the tree serve as a somber reminder that a certain young girl will be let down on Christmas morning. Stepping closer, I read Raphael’s name, Rose, and Liam’s, Dante and Alice and…wait, does that say Mei? And there’s another one that says Lily.

“Raphael, what is this?” I ask, turning to find the man smiling like he’s proud of himself for whatever this is.

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