Page 146 of Twisted Temptation

"The more drugs he took, the more power crazy he became, and the more impulsive and unpredictable he was. I didn't know about the kidnapping until we were on our way there. When I questioned him on the way, he lost his mind. His paranoia was wild, and he demanded my phone. When I said no, he put a gun to my head and asked if I wanted to take my chances with a game of Russian roulette. He was losing control of himself. So I handed it over and threw it out of the car on the way. Of course, he apologized to me when he calmed down. Assured me I was his trusted soldier, patronizing git. The outbursts were getting more frequent, and I knew it wouldn’t be long until the next one. It’s why I stepped in and stopped you and Anton from talking at the dressmaker’s because I was concerned he was going to go off the deep end and hurt you. It’s why I led you out of the room and into the car."

"What happened with Freddie?"

"Anton was itching for a gunfight. He shot Freddie the moment he saw the seven-foot bodyguard. Anton is an idiot with a small dick, big ego. He wanted to take down a titan."

“Was an idiot with a small dick, big ego,” Dante reminds him darkly.

I look at Dante. "Is Freddie going to make it?"

I hate the idea of him being in hospital because of me. "Yes, I received an update earlier. His surgery was successful."

"And Irina? Oh God, you're not going to kill her, are you?"

He cocks an eyebrow. "Just how big of a monster do you think I am?"

“I have a fair idea.”

“We don’t hurt women or children, my love.”

“That would’ve been handy to know earlier on,” I say with raised brows.

“I’ve got enough human left in me to know she was acting under duress. She is now under the protection of the Di Zaro family, just not in this town. I relocated her and her daughter.”

“Her daughter was okay?” I ask.

“Anton was keeping her drugged in his apartment, but we were able to get to her before anything happened,” Tommy says.

“So they’re both safe now?”

Dante nods.

“Somewhere nice?”

“A very nice town.” He lifts an eyebrow. “Irina’s punishment would’ve been stricter a month ago. Before you.”

I put down my tea and give him a mischievous grin. “So, what you’re saying is, I’m a good influence on you?”

He reaches over and pulls me onto his lap and kisses me.

"And that," Tommy says, downing his whiskey and standing, "is my cue to get out of here."

"Where are you going?" I ask.

"I have spent eighteen months being Anton Grazalov's best friend. Eighteen months of warm vodka, techno music, and pretending to laugh at a man who once shot a jukebox for playing ABBA." He shrugs into his jacket. "I'm going to sit in an Irish pub, order a proper pint of Guinness, and listen to 'Dancing Queen' at full volume, with tears of relief in my eyes and gratitude in my heart."

"That's your big plan? Eighteen months undercover and you want a beer and ABBA?"

"I’m thinking of other ways," he says, heading for the door. "But I'll take the beer for now." He points at Dante on his way out. "Cousin. Try not to need rescuing before Tuesday."

"Get out of my house, Tommy."

"Love you too."

He disappears out the door, and the penthouse goes quiet. It’s just me and the mafia beast I married.

I settle back against Dante's chest, and his arms come around me.

"So," I say. "The bratva's gone, the traitor was actually your cousin, and my kidnapping was resolved in under a day. Is this what married life with you is going to be like?"