“Viktor.” When I turn my aggravated gaze to him, he says, “It’s clear you love her. Why did you let her go?”
“I’m not going to force my kidnapped victim to stay with me.”
“I kidnapped Lara. If I’d let her go, we probably wouldn’t be married now.”
“It’s different for you and Lara,” I mutter.
“How so?”
I lock eyes with him. “You saved Lara. I fucking took part in killing Rosalie’s family. Huge fucking difference, brother.”
Gabriel nods, then he says, “There’s only one problem with that story.”
“What?”
“You didn’t take part in the killing. Nikolas was the one who killed them.”
I shake my head. “It doesn’t change how Rosalie feels. I can’t force her to forgive me.”
“True,” he murmurs before downing half his drink.
I let out a sigh. “I want her to be with me out of her own free will. I’m not going to take that choice from her.”
Gabriel pats my shoulder then sits with me for a while longer before he joins the rest of the group.
Taking my phone out of my pocket, I send Rosalie a text.
Why won’t you give me your address?
I empty half a bottle, and when she hasn’t read the message, I send another.
Is it because you don’t trust me?
Again it goes unread.
I check the tracking device and see she’s still at the restaurant. I check what time the restaurant closes and frown when it shows the doors shut at ten pm.
Fuck. I wish I had my laptop with me so I could check the CCTV footage. I think back to what I saw earlier – Rosalie coming from the side of the building.
A smile spreads over my face when I realize her apartment must be close to the restaurant. Or on top of it.
Gotcha, Little Rose.
Fuck, at least I know where she lives. It’s a huge relief.
Chapter 23
Rosalie
I could only take two bags and a carry-on and had to leave the rest of my belongings behind. I wasted as little time as possible, only changing out of the dress into jeans and a t-shirt, then I grabbed the luggage I never unpacked and made a run for it.
My nerves are shot to hell when I take a cab to the airport. I’ve decided to fly to Toronto. It’s another country and the last place I was with my family. Hopefully, the Cosa Nostra won’t follow me there.
I have no idea what I’ll do if they come after me.
If I go back to Viktor now, it will be because I need his protection, and that's not fair to him.
My thoughts are inundated with so many things it’s hard to focus.