Page 125 of Bellini Bound
“We love you guys so much. We’re going to help you get through this,” she vowed.
I bit down on my tongue so hard I tasted blood. Summer meant well, but there was no “getting through” this. An irreplaceable piece of our hearts had been stolen, leaving a gaping wound that would never fully heal.
“Can you sit with her for a minute?” I asked, hoping the simple request would allow her to feel useful. “I need to stretch my legs.”
“Of course.” Her head bobbed. “Anything you need.”
Vacating the lone chair, I let Summer take a seat before I walked over to where Matteo stood.
His eyes searched mine, concern creasing his forehead. “How are you holding up?”
I blew out a heavy breath. “Gemma called. Heard the baby crying in the background.”
“Shit,” Matteo hissed the curse under his breath.
“Yeah. Had to talk her out of hopping in the car and coming up here. That’s the last thing I need right now, a reminder of all we’ve lost staring us right in the face.”
“Completely understandable. It’s gonna take time,” he agreed.
Needing a distraction, I asked, “Where’s Logan?”
“On ice.” Translation: He was being held while our men awaited my decision on what to do with him. “I stopped over there. He’s teetering on the edge of losing his mind.”
A scoff flew past my lips. “He’d already moved well past that point when I last saw him.”
“He was ranting and raving about needing to see Allie.”
My fists clenched, and I gritted out, “He’sneverlaying eyes on her again. Not after what he’s done.”
Matteo hummed. “I told him as much before reading off a list of her injuries to hammer home what a pathetic excuse of a father he is. But then he said somethingreallyinteresting.”
I shot him a doubtful look. “At this point, he’d probably say just about anything to save his ass.”
“True, but this caught my attention. He asked if we were any closer to finding out who sold off our warehouse by pretending to be me.”
That had me rearing back. “The fuck would he know about that?”
Shoving both hands into his pockets, Matteo leaned against the wall. “And he also remarked how it was extremely unfortunate that everyone involved in the deal—minus the mastermind—has met an untimely death.”
“You beat it out of him?”
“Lord knows I tried.” My cousin shook his head ruefully. “Removed a few teeth and fingers—didn’t want to take it too far since that kill belongs to you—but he kept his lips sealed tight. Said the only way he’s giving up that information is if we let him see Allie.”
“No.” My head moved from side to side. “Absolutely not. There has to be another way.”
Matteo sighed. “It’s been months, and every lead turns into a dead end. What if Logan is the key to uncovering who’s been trying to undermine our operation?”
“You’ll have to forgive me, but right now, business is the last thing on my mind.”
“Of course.” He ducked his head. “We brought a few changes of clothes and a phone charger, but if you need anything else, all you have to do is text or call.”
What Ineededwas a goddamn time machine so I could go back and ensure the events of last night never fucking happened. But since that wasn’t a request that could be fulfilled, I merely said, “Thanks.”
“We’ll get out of your hair, let you focus on Allie.”
Summer stood from the chair, one hand coming to rest on her lower abdomen. And maybe it was because I had babies on the brain, but if I squinted and tilted my head just right, I could make out the tiniest hint of a swell there.
My eyes darted to Matteo, who wore an apologetic expression, confirming my suspicion and twisting the knife lodged in my heart.
