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“Deal.”
When we entered Vito’s office, he sat behind a wide wooden desk, staring at the green, spring foliage out the picture window on his right.
“Dad?”
“Come on in.”Vito nodded.“And close the door.”
Anxiety spiked as Tony shut the door behind us.We both took a seat as Vito opened his mouth to speak.
“Uncle Enzo called back.There’s good news, Leagh.At least, I think it’s good news.”
I held my breath, clinging to his every word.
“Matthew Price died two and a half years ago in a parasailing accident off the coast of Belize.”
Exhaling as relief flooded through me, I blinked.“Died?”
“You sure?”Tony asked.
“Yep, it says so on his death certificate.”Vito grinned.
Reality slowly started to sink in.Matt was dead.Sloane and Hayden were dead.There were no more threats hanging over me.No more reasons to carry a restraining order or constantly be looking over my shoulder.A giant boulder had been lifted off me, and I began to giggle.
“I’m free.I’m finally free.”
Suddenly, the sunlight seemed brighter.The air felt thinner, and life took on a whole new meaning.
“Not totally,” Tony grinned with a knowing wink.
“Yeah, but with you is exactly where I want to be.”
Tony leapt from his seat and pulled me into his arms, wearing a smile so bright, it almost blinded me.
“Let’s go home, angel.”Lust teemed in his eyes.
“Yes, please,” I replied on a wistful sigh.
“Thanks, Dad.I asked a huge favor of you with Uncle Enzo, but I think you understand how fantastic this news is for Leagh, and for me.”
“Of course, I do, son.It was well worth it.I’d do it again in a New York minute just to see the smiles on your faces.”
“Oh, thank you, Vito.Thank you so much,” I gushed.
Back in Tony’s room, he packed the duffle in seconds flat.After showering Vito and Alisa with my heartfelt thanks, Tony and I were in the car, headed toward the club.Along the way, he placed a call to James and filled him in on the wonderful news.I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face.
My newfound freedom tasted better than chocolate.
ChapterTwelve
It was good to be ‘home.’My pseudo apartment in Genesis, and the privacy it afforded, felt like a breath of fresh air.A new chapter of my life had begun, one as a liberated adult, and my mind raced with opportunities like a job and a real home of my own...someday.
“You haven’t said much since you found out Matt was dead, angel.”
“I know.”I frowned.“For some strange reason, a part of me is sad.Another part of me wishes I’d paid more attention to the outside world when I was with George.I should have at least read the Atlanta newspaper online.When I think of all the years I spent hiding from Matt, so afraid he’d find me…” I shook my head.“I’ve wasted so much precious time.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself.You did what you had to in order to stay safe and alive.I’m proud of you, sweetheart.It just goes to show how incredibly brave and strong you are.”
I snorted.“I wasn’t strong or brave.I hid like a big wuss.”
