“Is she alright?” Cruz asked as soon as I’d joined him in the back of the church. The game had finally gotten on my nerves. In the two days since I’d had a conversation with the prosecutor, I’d yet to receive a phone call. The asshole was running out of time. Even worse, the book had yet to be found, although they were taking one final sweep of Sierra’s house before abandoning the search.
“She’s fine. Nervous but fine,” I answered as I scanned the crowd. Everyone who was anyone was here, pretending they were friends of the family. They were just hoping to witness a train wreck—that the police would charge in, arresting me on the spot.
“I don’t blame her. I don’t see many of your soldiers here.”
I laughed. “They’re hiding in plain sight.”
Cruz chuckled with me. “You’re far too clever for your own good. You don’t think she’s involved?”
Exhaling, I fisted my hands. The thought remained difficult for me to swallow. “I don’t. She has too much anger inside of her. Besides, I already know her well enough to be able to tell when she’s lying.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that; however, I don’t mind telling you. I have a bad feeling about this.”
Sighing, I checked my phone for the tenth time. “He’ll show.”
“That’s what I’m worried about.” As he tilted his head, I could tell he was being genuine. “We have a little more than five minutes to go. You’re really going through with this?”
His question was rhetorical but before I answered, a vision of her face entered my mind. I wanted nothing more than to follow through with my promise, introducing her to the darker side of passion.
“Whoa. You really like this girl,” he teased.
“She’s…”
“Yeah, I already heard. She’s special. I think you love her.”
I still couldn’t answer.
He patted me on the back. “Brother. If that’s the case, then you need to tell her. If not, she’ll keep her end of the bargain then bolt. In my opinion, she deserves someone better than a broken-down old man.” He backed away, laughing loud enough several people glanced in our direction.
“To hell with you.”
“I’m serious, at least about the possibility you’ll lose her. If that’s what you really want, then keep going like you are, lying to yourself. It seems easy for you.”
Fortunately, my phone rang before I had a chance to say something I might regret. I walked outside before answering. “I hope this means good news.”
“We found the book. I’m not sure what the hell you think is inside. It’s just a damn book, but got it for you,” Butch said.
“Whatever you do, don’t let it out of your sight. Take the next flight out.”
“We’re on our way to the airport.”
I ended the call, taking a deep breath. At least I might discover several answers. Just before I pocketed my phone, it rang again, the call from a number I didn’t recognize.
But my instinct told me the identity of the caller. “You waited until the last minute, Crawford. That doesn’t bode well for our continuing relationship.”
“Cut the crap, Alessandro. I have the information you provided, but it comes with a guarantee that you will not release those photographs.” Crawford was obviously agitated.
Smirking, I scanned the parking lot as several additional people moved toward the church’s main entrance. I’d selected the cathedral to ensure that Sierra would be protected. I had men located in every corner of the property, Matteo within steps of her location. Still, I’d grown weary of the game. “As long as you follow through with your end of the deal, the pictures will remain out of the public eye. Where the fuck is the bastard?”
“He’s dead. He died in the fiery car, but it wasn’t an accident. Tristen Bradford was murdered.”
CHAPTER19
Sierra
One glass of champagne turned into two. The bubbles hadn’t eased the butterflies. I wasn’t certain anything could. I’d returned to the window, making my peace with what I’d chosen to do. I’d walk down the aisle with a man I loved, but who could never love me. Then in time, I’d return to my normal life.
Although I wasn’t certain anything would ever be normal again.