Page 39 of Sinful Addiction

“Ava, I will make sure Xander ties you down if you dare go to her.This involves us.No one else.”Antonio’s tone is like ammunition, fast and deadly, though the words he speaks are calculated.

From their bickering, all I hear is him.

Their back and forth is enough to pull me from the impending attack.“Ava, let him leave.He’s right.This involves both of us.I need him here.Can you stay on the line with me, though, while he’s on his way?And, Antonio—”

“He’s already gone, hon.As soon as you spoke, he literally ran out of the house like someone was stealing his knives.And without his trusty sidekick for that matter.I don’t know what has gotten into the two of you, but it sounds like things are getting serious.If that’s the case, then I’m happy for you.It’s taken you both long enough.”Her light laughter simmers the chaos in my head, and I relax a little.“Do you want to try again with what’s happening?Maybe Xander and I can help in some way.”

I think about it for a minute.“No.Whatever this is, me and Antonio need to work it out together.If we need help, we’ll ask.I promise.”

We stay on the phone in silence for a while.It’s the first time we’ve had nothing to say to each other, but I think that’s due to my current situation.I know Ava doesn’t want a repeat episode, and I sure as hell don’t want to offload anymore baggage on her lap, especially if it’ll upset Xander.

However, if I’m honest, it’s soothing having her on the line.I haven’t had this much attention from her for quite some time—Vegas aside.I’m happy she found a man that makes her happy.She deserves the world.

I wish I had the same; there’s hope for me with Antonio, yet I never thought he’d be the one to sooth my racing heart.Hearing his voice was an instant healer.I forgot all that surrounded me at the sound.

“Ava, are you still there?”I sound vulnerable, which I hate.I’ve tried so hard throughout my life to be the strong woman people see.I haven’t let myself be this vulnerable since…

“Yes, I’m still here.What is it, hon?”She’s matured since getting married.She has a graceful youth about her like she was put on this earth to be someone’s wife.

“Can we go out for a drink soon, I miss you.”Yeah, I’m definitely vulnerable right now.If only my family cared enough to talk to me longer than to send demanding invitations or to berate me.

“Of course.Listen, Vince just informed me Tony is in your building.I’m sorry you’re going through this, and I promise, when you’re ready we’ll have a drink and spend some quality time together without the goon squad.I love you, Lacey.I’m here for you, always.No matter what, okay?”

“I love you, too.I’d better go before Antonio busts my door down.I’ll talk to you later.”

On cue, as I press the disconnect button, my door bursts open, breaking the safety lock to pieces.

“Whose throat do I need to slit?”Antonio’s hands cradle either side of my head, in the familiar way I love, as he scans me from head to toe.

I cover both of his hands with mine and take this time to connect with him.I need to be the calm one now, for both of us.

“If I knew, I’d tell you.”

His eyes are that same darkened shade I witnessed a week ago.I’m struggling to see any hint of his caramel irises, although I’m not afraid of them at present.

I stretch up on tiptoes to bring our connection to life.No matter what transpires from this point on, I know he’s devoted to my welfare and keeping me safe.If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t be here without an explanation and threatening an anonymous life.

Speaking of.“I have something to show you, and you’re not going to like it.”I take his hand and lead him outside to where I was sitting.He notices the photos straight away and picks them up to examine as thoroughly, if not more complexly, than I had.

While he studies the photos, I study his lack of reaction.There are no flaring nostrils, no reddened cheeks or gritted teeth.There are no expletives spitting off his tongue, or objects being thrown.The only tell that he’s enraged is the hardened set of his jaw and the way his fists clench without destroying the pictures.

“Who sent these?”His voice is hard, demanding and kind of intimidating.How is it possible I’m turned on in a moment like this.“Who, Lacey?”His eyes are on me, waiting.Heat spreads through my cheeks, painting a red hue over them.

“Lacey Marie Montgomery, focus.How did you get these photos?”

“They were left at my door.I didn’t see who delivered them.”

Antonio slaps the photos on the tabletop, then fists his hair.Something is bothering him besides these pictures.These aren’t his normal mannerisms at all; it’s like he’s losing control.

The longer he’s faced away, the more I drool.His taut muscles are straining inside his suit.I lick my lips at the sight of his suit jacket rising as his arms stretch over his head, showcasing his rockstar ass.I know I’d rather ogle him than think about what happens next, but the fact of the matter is, I need to be real.I must face this situation head on, with him, otherwise I’m going to suffocate.

He starts walking away from me.“Antonio?”I ask cautiously.I don’t want him to leave again.Not without the threat of this issue being resolved.

I walk over to where he’s leaning over the balcony railing, looking out aimlessly into the city.I don’t want to startle him, despite knowing he’s aware of where I am.

“Tell me what’s going on?”He flinches as I rest my hand on his shoulder, then his head bows.

“It’s all my fault.”

---