Page 211 of Sinful Lies

What?

“James,” she continued, her tone smooth, almost bored, “was a bastard. Cheated on me with anything that had a pulse. Beat me, insulted me—stripped me of every shred of dignity, until I didn’t recognize myself anymore.”

The way she spoke made it sound like she was commenting on the weather, but there was venom under it, seeping into every word.

“I used to lie awake at night, fantasizing about killing him. How I’d do it, where I’d leave him. But…” Her gaze darkened. “I never had the guts to follow through. Not until you two stepped in and tied up my loose end.”

My stomach tightened, but I kept my face as blank as I could.

“So, you’rethankingus,” he said, his voice low, even, dangerous.

Laurie tilted her head, the smile on her lips sharpening. “Oh, Angelo, not just thanking you. I’m here to… express my gratitude.”

“Gratitude?”

“Yes, Miss Whitenhouse. Gratitude. For doing what I never could. You’ve given me something no one else ever has.”

Angelo shifted slightly. “And what exactly is that, Laurie?”

Laurie’s smile didn’t falter. “Freedom.”

Freedom.

If I had felt even a sliver of it when I had ended her husband—the man responsible for so much of my own pain—then I couldn’t begin to imagine the weight that must have lifted off her shoulders, knowing he was gone.

She rose gracefully, her manicured hand reaching for the Chanel bag resting on the seat beside her, and she adjusted it over her arm.

Her kitten heels clicked softly on the floor as she turned to leave.

But just as she reached the door, she paused, glancing back at us over her shoulder.

“Don’t worry,” she said, her tone as smooth as polished glass. “Your secret is safe with me. I told the feds that James ran off to Thailand with his mistress after I ‘found out.’ They won’t come looking for him. But then again…” Her gaze flicked to Angelo, her eyes gleaming with something dangerous. “I know the dirty feds are already in your pocket, Lazzio. Impressive work, I must say.”

And with that, she strolled out without a second glance.

I exhaled, a nervous laugh escaping my lips as I glanced at Angelo.

“Damn,” I muttered, leaning back as he closed the distance between us. “That woman… she’s something else.”

Angelo chuckled low and deep.

Then, without warning, his hands found my waist, and before I could even think to protest, he lifted me effortlessly, as if I weighed nothing at all, and plopped me onto his lap. I gasped, instinctively wrapping my arms around his neck to steady myself.

His face dropped in the crook of my neck, his lips grazing my skin as he growled softly, “I missed you.”

I let out a hum, shifting slightly. “We saw each other this morning though.”

His hands slid to my waist, pulling me closer, pressing me against him as he grinned, lips teasing my skin.

“Too long ago,” he muttered, then kissed my neck.

I let my fingers slide through his hair, tugging him closer as I tilted my head back, giving him full access to my neck.

“I finished getting all my things,” I breathed out. “I’m officially boss-Lazzio-free.”

He chuckled softly, the sound low and teasing, before he leaned in and sucked hard on my neck. My nails dug into his scalp as I fought to hold back the moan threatening to escape.

“Would you like one last promotion before you leave, Miss Whitenhouse?” he murmured.

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