Page 84 of The Diávolos: Part Two
“Nothing,” I lie, trying to wiggle my way out of his web. “Let me go, you mammoth,” I order.
“No,” he says without hesitation. “It’s still early. Stay.”
I continue my attempt to escape. “I have a long drive.”
Last night, before falling asleep, I told Evander about my conversation with Eldora in detail. He spent the entire time focused on me, letting me vent about the horrid details of my family’s past.
After I was done, I mentioned that I wanted to go find my mom’s best friend today. From what Eldora told me, Lydia now lives in a secluded home in the northern part of Cebrene.
I’ve never ventured out there, never having had a reason to.
“Are you sure you’re ready?” Evan asks, concern etched on his sleepy face.
“I know it’s a risk to expose myself to my past, but Ineedto remember for myself.” Eldora could’ve walked me through some of the events of my time at the Sisterhood, but I want those memories to come from someone who lived those years with me and not be fed snippets of the truth from someone else. This is my trauma to explore. Let’s call it some form of exposure therapy for my PTSD.
“Then, I’m coming with you,” Evan says as he lifts himself to a seated position. His exposed chest is in full glory, the sliver of sunshine poking through the curtains and lighting up his inked chest. He yawns into his palm and rubs his eyes, then runs his fingers through his unruly morning hair. I let my gaze travel over his muscular, tattooed arms, as they bunch with the movement.I need to get a grip.
If Evan notices me staring, he doesn’t mention it, and I’m thankful.
“Are you sure? I can get your driver to take me.”
“No, Angelica. I need to be there in case there’s a problem. You’re heading into your father’s territory. He might be tied up in my warehouse, but he still has men all over the city who might’ve been monitoring us. Until we’ve completely wiped them out, they will always be a danger to you.” His tone leaves no room for me to argue. “And who knows how you’ll react towhat Lydia tells you. I don’t want you to be alone,” he adds more softly.
“Okay, okay,” I relent.
Evan smiles, happy with my acquiescence. “Good. I’ll get the cars ready. We can leave in an hour.”
He gets out of bed, and I can’t stop myself from gawking at his pert ass and thick thighs.Oh my god, Angelica. This is not the time,I reprimand.
Before walking off, Evander spins around and adds, “I’ll ask Helen to make us breakfast, so make sure to eat before we leave.”
My eyes fly to the floor, avoiding his gaze. He disappears into the bathroom.
“Oh, and Angelica?” He pops his head out.
“Mhmm?”
“Next time you want to ogle me like a piece of meat, make sure it’s when I can shove my cock down your throat and bury myself deep into your pussy. I can only hold back for so long.” My entire body shudders at his words. “I’m ready to pound into your greedy cunt and remind you what it means to be married to theDiávolos.”
He completely removes his boxers with a smirk, letting me see every glorious,hard, inch of him, before heading for a shower. He doesn’t bother closing the door.
Just like that, I’m reduced to a pile of dust.
An hour later, I’m fed and tucked into the passenger seat of Evan’s armored SUV, followed by a fleet of cars. Evan wanted protection for me, in case anything goes wrong.
The nerves have set in; my hand begins to feel clammy against my bouncing knee and my heart pounds in my chest, threatening to burst out of its ribcage.
Evander puts his hand on top of mine and gives it a little comforting squeeze.
“We got this, baby. You’ll be okay.”
Although I’m still hesitant to give our relationship another try, I can’t deny that Evander’s presence has a calming effect on my soul. But I’m not ready to fully trust him with my heart again. He knows it, and yet, he still chooses to be present—to be there for me.
It’ll take us a while to get to Lydia’s, so I buckle up for the ride. It’s quiet, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to clear my head.
“Are we close?” I ask an hour or so later.
“Yes. Eleven minutes out,” Evan answers, looking at his watch. “Ready?”
