Page 29 of Poisoned Promise
“Of course I did. My son stole a car, and I looked into where he stole the car from after some bullshit cop interrogated me and threatened me in the hospital.”
Anger suddenly surges inside me at the very thought of someone daring to put their hand on her. “Did he do that?” I ask, nodding to the bruise on her wrist.
She glances down and nods. “I left that life behind but that doesn’t stop me from being educated. It’s how I stay alive.” Shesips her wine. “He threatened and I listened, but he never came back. If that Rossi bastard is dead then look for the cop.”
If it were any other person sitting in front of me, I’d maybe believe them.
Not Dove.
Just saying Alex’s name got me a warning so it’s not hard to imagine what she would do to someone who actively threatened her and her son.
She’s one of the most skilled people I know and I doubt fifteen years would do much to dull that.
“I’ll look for the cop,” I say, feigning belief. “Did you enjoy the meal?”
She glances down at her empty plate, then lifts her hand to her mouth and very slowly swipes it along her lower lip as if catching any stray sauce. “I did.”
“And the wine?”
“Are you looking for a thank you?” Her eyes meet mine. “You gave me a meal, I gave you an explanation. We’re even.”
We’re far from even.
There’s nothing in the world that will make me back down now.
“I missed you, Dove.”
“It’s been fifteen years. Don’t you have some other hot thing warming your bed now?”
“No. Not since you.”
Her eyes widen ever so slightly in surprise. “You’re not serious.”
“I am.”
“Bullshit. A hot man like you? The position of power you’re in? I’m not buying that for a second.”
Caterina briefly enters my mind and I wince, then shake my head. “I’m not denying there’s been interest over the years or flings to scratch an itch. But my heart has always belonged to you.”
She rolls her eyes, and the corner of her lips twitches. “You’re such a bullshitter.”
“It’s the God’s honest truth. You’re an impossible woman to follow.”
“After fifteen years, we’re not even the same people. I came here out of respect for old times.”
“And to protect your son,” I add with a light smile.
She gently rolls her eyes again. “And to protect my son. That’s it.”
She’s softening.
Maybe it’s the wine or the food, or even my company but she’s softening.
The armor’s peeling away piece by piece and the old Dove still exists underneath. She wouldn’t be here if she didn’t have some kind of feelings for me.
Dove would have taken her son and run. I don’t doubt that at all.
“You’ve no idea how deeply in love with you I was, do you?” I say softly, leaning into the table. “I worshipped the ground you walked on.”
