Page 94 of Declan's Dove

“First, Kayce contacted me to send help. He and his men are working with my computer specialist to track down your son. It seems he’s been placed in a transitional foster care home about an hour from Oakridge.”

“Where? Can they get to him? He’s not safe, Vincenzo. They called James to tell him where to find Carter because he’s his next of kin. Please,” I beg. “Don’t let James find him first. I don’t care about the price, I’ll do anything.”

“Relax. Kayce has already alerted those he needs to locate your son and bring him home. Your husband won’t touch a hair on Carter’s head. You have my word.”

I sigh a huge breath of relief.

“What about Declan?”

“I’m afraid my powers of persuasion were only enough to free one criminal this evening. I’m sure your—Declan—will be just fine. Gabriel has many friends. Some of which I think you’ll find interesting.” He doesn’t elaborate on the subject any further. “I’m taking you to my mansion. You’ll wait there until I’m certain you are safe, as per our agreement.”

“I-I need to see about Declan.”

“I’ll let you know as soon as I have word on the situation. I can assure you your biker friends are quite resourceful. And the doctor, Halloway, will no longer be an issue for either of you.” His tone has turned icy cold.

“What does that mean?” I ask, not sure I want the answer.

“It means he was your stalker, and now he is not.”

“Vincenzo, what did you do?” I close my eyes, trying to ward off what I know is coming. Please don’t say you killed him. Please don’t say you killed him. I’m repeating to myself. Not because I care if the bastard lives, but if Vincenzo tells me about it, I become an accessory to his crime. After just having had several charges dropped against me, it doesn’t seem like a great idea to go finding new ones.

“Relax, Violet.” I hear the laughter and amusement in his voice and open my eyes. “The doctor is with Kayce and his men. I have no idea what will become of him only that he became of sudden interest to them and as such is now in their custody. I will say Matteo found it inconvenient, since he seemed to want to speak with the doctor himself on your behalf.”

“Wait. What? Why?”

Vincenzo shrugs. “I don’t make it a habit of involving people who aren’t required to know my business, and I respect Kayce’s wishes to do the same.”

“You really don’t know?” I ask, studying his face for reactions.

“I don’t wish to, so no. I don’t.”

When we pull up to his house, I’m greeted by the sound of Mili’s eager voice calling my name. She rushes down the stairs, wincing when she gets to the bottom. The growl that leaves Vincenzo warns that he saw it too.

“Stop running,” he demands. Mili stops instantly, her cheeks pink and her eyes steely.

“Don’t growl at me. I’m excited to see my friend, since you won’t let me out of this gilded cage. The least you can do is allow me a moment of happiness.” She must be feeling better. Her sass is in full effect and she’s bordering on what some may call a death wish, talking to the head of the Parisi empire that way.

“I’m not growling, and you’re not caged. This is a beautiful home. You are free to go anywhere in it you like, except the places I’ve told you are forbidden.”

“But I can’t leave the house.” She cocks a brow at him in challenge.

“No. You’ll stay inside and keep your friend company.” He doesn’t say anything else, only kisses her forehead, then leaves the room.

“What the hell was that all about?” I ask, accepting the warm embrace of my friend.

“He’s a grumpy asshole and sometimes needs to be reminded that he doesn’t rule the world. Though he would disagree.” We both laugh because she’s not entirely wrong about that.

“What’s happened? I heard Vincenzo and Matteo talking, but they’re very good at keeping things to themselves and not talking loud enough for me to catch all the details when eavesdropping.” Mili’s smile is mischievous, and I realize how much I’ve missed talking to my friend.

“Well, a lot has happened actually,” I start. “Can we sit down?” Emilia leads me to the couch and we both take a seat. No sooner are we seated than a man in a black suit walks in carrying a tray with waters and snacks. He sets them on the coffee table, then just as quickly and quietly leaves the room.

“That was weird,” I say, not sure what to think. I know Vincenzo has servants and people who work for him, but we didn’t ask for anything, which makes it feel even more strange that he would serve us anyway.

Mili waves her hand in the air. “You get used to it. Vincenzo has ordered all his servants to make sure I have water wherever I am and that I drink it. I’m only allowed one cup of coffee in the morning, and nothing else until I’ve had at least three bottles of water.”

“Um, what?” I can’t help it. It all sounds sweet and I’m happy Vincenzo has been taking excellent care of my friend, but it has me curious. “I’ve never seen him be this attentive with anyone before except his …” I stop before I accidentally let it slip that I know about his son. Vincenzo is very protective of Anthony and who knows about his existence. In his line of work, I suppose it makes sense. He must have enemies everywhere. Which makes it even more important that I not say anything.

Mili eyes me suspiciously. “He’s overbearing and likes to think he’s in charge of everything. But sometimes he can be sweet.” She waves her hand in the air once more. “Enough about me. What’s going on? Why were you brought here, and why did he look so pissed when he left to get you?”

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