Page 30 of Dark Consequences

“I may have sent a list of the items you mentioned yesterday to my mother.” He shrugs a single shoulder as his eyes roam over the many presents. “She works fast.”

“Raphael—” My mouth opens and closes several times as my brain tries hard to work through its jumbled thoughts. “Raphael, I…I can’t—”

“You can and you will,” he says firmly. “It’s the least we can do.”

“You’re already doing so much for us,” I argue. “You rescued us and have given us a place to stay. Anything more is unnecessary.”

“Do you really want Mei to be let down when Santa doesn’t come on Christmas morning?”

Well, ouch. He knows exactly where to poke me, right in a sore spot labeled Everything Mei.

“Fine,” I cave reluctantly. “But I didn’t get you or anyone else anything.”

He smiles like the Cheshire cat. He’s up to something more.

“What are you planning now?”

“I’m not planning anything.”

“That’s a very vague answer.”

Raphael laughs like he’s won a game, and he probably has. “Come on. My dad’s waiting.”

Dante DiAngelo is every bit what I imagine a Mafia leader to look like. His rugged features command attention, creating an air of power around him I feel the moment I step inside.

“Lily.” His deep voice carries across the office space, sending a chill down my spine. This must be how a deer feels when cornered by a bear.

“It’s nice to finally meet you.” And then he smiles, and suddenly, the air lifts in the office.

Releasing a breath, I smile back and remember my manners before saying, “Thank you. You have a beautiful home.”

“I’ll have to tell Alice. She’ll be thrilled to hear it.” The way he smiles reminds me so much of Raphael. Which makes sense, of course. It’s like looking at an older version of him, with the same amber-colored eyes and dark brown hair graying around the edges.

Raphael shows me to a seat before claiming the one beside me. With a quick look around the room, I see dozens of pictures adorning the walls and bookshelves. Moments of happy memories like graduations, birthdays, holidays, and more. If I didn’t know any better, I’d argue that I’m in the office of a regular family man and not one belonging to arguably the most dangerous man in Miami.

“Is there anyone we can reach out to for you?” Dante’s question pulls my attention back to him.

I shake my head. “It’s just me.”

“Raphael told me about how you ended up with Xiao.”

There’s a question hidden there. One he doesn’t have to ask. “But you want to know why he kept me around? And why he still did after Mei too?”

“In gentler terms, yes.”

“At first, it was about infatuation. And then I got pregnant. He learned about my medical skills and decided to keep me around to be a doctor for the Triads. After Mei was born, he changed. His infatuation turned to obsession and his obsession turned to aggression and abuse”

“So it’s safe to assume you hate him?”

“If you’re wondering if I suffer from Stockholm Syndrome, the answer is no. He’s just Mei’s sperm donor to me.”

The corner of Dante’s lips twitch. “Good to know. I was wondering if you could tell me more about Xiao and—”

A loud rhythmic knock interrupts Dante, and as one, we all turn to the large cherrywood door.

“Yes?” Dante calls.

The door opens, and a young, pretty brunette woman walks in.

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