“Anything, Bellezza.”
“Cami and Nat, are they safe?”
I smiled, rubbing my thumb across her cheek. “Yes, they’re on their way to the safe house now. Give them a few days and then I’ll set up a video call.”
“Oh, thank goodness they’re safe. Yes, I’d love to see her. I guess we shall go mingle, now.”
Loren smiled wide, happiness radiating off her as she linked our hands together and pulled us from the room. Sax nodded that the guards were with Darren and the children were safe, the last of my tension leaving me.
I’d been confident in my plan, but there had been a small voice whispering it wouldn’t work, and I was a fool for doing it this way, not killing Darren right here. Shoving the hand that was shaking as the adrenaline left my body into my pants, I straightened my spine and walked with Loren back into the crowd. I’d needed this win, and it felt nice to come out ahead for once.
This was the feeling I wanted to capture and keep in a bottle—family, acceptance, and peace.
* * *
On camera,I watched Brian and Jacqueline be served with court papers. Brian thought he could buy his way out of his part in everything, but he still had sins of his own to pay for. He slammed the door in the courier’s face, and a vindictive smile spread over mine. Jacqueline hadn’t been as dramatic, but her reaction to the news reporters at her door was more entertaining.
From the newspaper to every little magazine she subscribed to, I had her face plastered with the words, “Scandal shakes North Shore.” There was nowhere for her to run, nowhere to hide, and no one to bail her out of the mess she’d found herself in. She was penniless, a social pariah, and disgraced beyond measure. It was more fitting than death for the woman who’d abused Loren for years.
It didn’t mean I wouldn’t take the chance if it presented itself. The urge to run her over with my car was there, but I didn’t hate any of my vehicles that much.
Picking up my phone, I found myself smiling for once at all the messages. It felt good to be on top.
Ethan: We’ve secured his territory and I’ve divided it up with O’Sullivan. Delgado’s name is trash. Good job, Mascro.
Beau: Doc has looked over Camila and has her on some IV’s. Some abrasions and scrapes, but nothing else major. He suggested PT for her finger. Camila has some info she’d like to discuss with you.
555-3958: Papers delivered. Father willing to meet. He was surprisingly agreeable.
Bellezza: Good morning, handsome one.
Staring at her picture, I let myself hope for a future. It was within my grasp as our enemies fell one by one.