Page 50 of Veiled Vengeance

“Anyone with eyes can see it goes here.” Asher points to where he’s standing by the side.

“You’re the one who can’t get past level two on Tetris!” Rio accuses Asher.

He has a good point.

Asher’s eyes narrow, and he frowns. “What does that have to do with putting a bedframe together?”

Another good point.

“It has everything to do with it!” Rio throws his hands up.

Zane rubs his eyes. “You both sound like a couple of dumbasses. Just read the damn directions so we can get this done and go to bed.”

This is like watching a glacier melt.

I’ve been sitting in the corner this whole time, watching them bicker like grumpy old men. They keep saying they’re almost done, but we’re still here. Various pieces of dark walnut stained wood, matte black hardware, and several screws in different sizes are strewn about.

“I’m just going to . . .” I get to my feet and point to the open bedroom door.

Zane motions for me to stay. “Sit your pretty little ass back down, Angel. We’re almost done.”

Crossing my arms, I express my annoyance. “My pretty little ass is going numb over here.”

Rio’s eyes light up. “Need some help with that, Mama?”

I widen my stance and give him a piercing stare. “Navarro Juan Carlos de la Cruz Flores, if your hands come anywhere near my ass right now, I’ll cut them off.”

“I’m going to marry that woman,” Rio mock-whispers to Asher while his heart eyes remain fixed on me.

On a normal day, I wouldn’t be able to help but smile. But it’s been three days since Hayes, Dahlia, and the kids left for Boston, and I’m going insane. I haven’t left the apartment at all. I was overruled when I suggested opening the studio and gallery back up. I’m not eager to get back to the two places where awfulthings have happened, but I’m determined to take control of my life again.

Stomping into the kitchen, I yell over my shoulder, “I can’t keep doing this. I need out!”

A large, calloused hand stops me. “Talk to us, Princess. What’s going on?”

Spinning on my heels, I barely hold back a scream of frustration. “I. Need. Out.”

Rio places a hand on the small of my back. “Out of what? This?” His hand waves to the three of them.

Jerking my head back, I reply, indignantly, “What the hell are you talking about?”

Asher places his hands on his hips. “Are you breaking up with us?”

“Seriously? No! I just need out of the apartment. I’m going crazy! I want to go for a run. I want to create in my studio. I can’t just stay in here for the rest of my life.” My fingertips massage my temples.

Zane envelops my hand in his. “You know why?—”

“I know Anthony is still out there. I know I’m still in danger—I get it! But I’ve been living with that for three years! I’m tired of living my life in fear of him! Every choice, every movement has been about staying hidden. I can’t keep doing it.”

“It’s different now.” Zane’s hands raise to hold my face, and his thumbs wipe away the tears I didn’t know were there.

The waterworks have begun, and I can’t turn them off.

“How?” My voice squeaks.

“You have us.” Zane pulls me into his arms, and I’m unable to resist the support he’s offering.

My face grows even more damp from unbidden tears as I bury my face in his chest. Two more sets of hands work to release the tension from my body by kneading the muscles in my back and running through my wavy hair.

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