Page 15 of Fatal Love

“Antonio.” I folded my arms across my chest. “Did you hear yourself? There’s a dead man in my house. A man you shot. We have to call the police.”

“And tell them what—Antonio Anastasi killed a man? They’ll throw me in the cell quicker than you can say guilty. The moment your boss outed Dmitri, you made yourself vulnerable. He'll kill you, Rachel. That dead man downstairs—that's why he was here. Do you now understand me now? Dmitri Ivanov is a sick man who will stop at nothing to have his way. This isn't a game. Now pack.”

I stared at him as he started pulling things from my drawers and tossing them on the bed. If I went with him, I was forfeiting my career. But if I didn’t, I was sealing my fate for death. I hurried into my closet and pulled down whatever I could grab. I carried them to the bed and tossed them into the massive case he had opened. It was like I was floating in space, watching myself move around from above. After I shoved everything I could inside the bag, I pulled it off the bed and stood, frozen in a trance.

“Come on.” Antonio grabbed the bag from me, laced his fingers in mine, and headed out the door. “Someone will be here soon to take care of him. Don’t look.” He wrapped his arm around me and shielded me from the carnage left laying on my living room floor. “I promise I'll protect you, Rachel.”

My mind must have blanked out, taking me into a space that blocked out the world, because I didn’t remember Antonio putting me into the car. It was an all too familiar place, one I had visited in my head when my parents died. It kept me safe—even if only temporary. The soft rhythmic sound of the pavement beating against the tires seemed to lull me into a false sense of peace.

“Rachel.” His voice sounded miles away as I blinked through the haze shrouding my eyes.

I blinked, seeing the familiar sight of Michael’s house. The brick wall blocked out the rest of the world, creating a haven away from the evil waiting beyond the desert's sanctuary. Antonio rounded the car and opened my door.

“Come on. Let’s go inside.” He wrapped his fingers around my arm, guiding me up the steps and into the foyer. “She’s in shock.”

My ears heard him, but my eyes wouldn’t focus. I was caught in between a nightmare and real life. What had I done? My career would be over once my boss learned where I was. And if he fired me, Riley would be at the FBI’s mercy when they took over the case. I buried my face in my hands and let the tears out.

“Hey.” Michael sat down on the couch beside me, his arm wrapped around me. “We’re going to fix this, Rachel.”

“How?” I looked up, noticing Antonio sat on my other side. “I’ve fucked up and now…” I took a deep breath and blew it out. “What am I going to do?” Michael pulled me against his side and held me as I cried. “I did this. I should have listened to you, but I thought it would help Riley.” I mumbled against his shirt.

“Maybe you were right. Maybe this is exactly what we need to make Dmitri slip up.” Antonio rubbed my back, his palm moving in circles over my shirt. “Don’t blame yourself. Riley will be fine as long as Vincenzo pulls through.” His voice cracked at the mention of his brother.

“Oh God.” My gaze sought him out. “Here I am crying, and your brother is lying in the hospital fighting for his life.”

Antonio reached up and fingered the strands of hair that'd fallen from my ponytail. “It’s okay. He’s tough, and if I know my brother, he isn’t going to miss the birth of my niece and nephew. Right now, we need to come up with a plan. You can’t go home, Rachel. I know you think you can handle this alone, but the safest place for you is here—where Michael and I can protect you.”

“You want me to stay here?" I glanced around the room. "What will I tell my boss?”

“The truth.” Michael stood. “Tell him you are working with us to prove Riley’s innocence and help bring down, Dmitri. Agent Jackson believes us… so, make him believe us as well.”

She nodded as a massive yawn escaped her lips. “I’ll call him in the morning. I just want to go to sleep.”

Michael stood and held his hand out. “Let me show you where you’ll be sleeping.”

“What about you two?” I looked back at Antonio.

“There’s enough room in my house for the both of you. I’d rather it be that way. My place is hidden and has top-notch security. If someone comes on my property, we’ll know.” I nodded, still overwhelmed with emotions I didn’t understand.

Michael’s hand was warm against mine as he led me upstairs. His place was like something out of a Better Homes and Gardens magazine. It was a two-story cabin but with all the modern luxuries. There were three doors, which I assumed led to bedrooms. When Michael opened the first door, I was completely taken aback. It was beautiful. A massive bed covered in hues of gray and black linens filled one of the walls. On the opposite side sat an ornate wooden dresser. The wood was stained in a gray color, giving the room a regal vibe.

“Wow. This is gorgeous.”

“This will be your room while you’re here.” He smiled and pointed to the door across from mine. “That’s Antonio’s and mine is next to his.”

“Can I see them?” He nodded, leading me across the hall.

Antonio leaned against the wall, watching us. “This one is his. The bathroom joins our rooms. And this—” He stepped through the massive bathroom in between the rooms and into an even more stunning space. "Is mine."

“Wow. This…” I smiled. “Your home is magnificent, Michael. Thank you for letting me stay here.”

“You have your own bathroom as well. There are towels in the cabinet and toiletries inside the stall. If you need anything at all, just ask. We’re going to protect you, Rachel. I promise.” He pressed his fingers beneath my chin and peered into my eyes. “Nothing is going to hurt you. Not Dmitri. Not being here. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” I whispered, my heart beating a mile a minute. “I should shower.”

Michael stepped back, letting me turn and head into the room alone. My bag was on the bed, Antonio had obviously carried it up for me. I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I had a feeling it was going to be explosive—for everyone.

Eight

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