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“I had another bad dream,” she whimpers. “Lizzy’s door is closed. She’s recording.”
Yeah, she was recording before I fell asleep. I think that’s what prompted my dream about her. Her nipples were poking through the fabric of her tight T-shirt. I tuned into the channel, unable to help myself.
“It’s okay. I’m here, sweetheart. You’re safe and everything is going to be fine.”
“Can I sleep in here with you?”
“Of course.”
When we arrived at the first hotel, Bella insisted on sleeping with Lizzy. Since Lizzy uses the attached suite for gaming, we didn’t see a problem with it. Lizzy doesn’t sleep much as it is.
“Daddy?”
“Yes, sweetheart.” I run my hand through her curls and stare up at the ceiling.
“I know Lizzy is working hard on my birthday party, but I don’t think I want it. Can we have it next year or something?”
I sit up and look down at Bella. I’m not sure what has brought this on, but the sad look on her face gives me pause. The party is next month.
“Whatever you want,” I say sincerely. “Do you want to tell me why the change?”
“I don’t feel like it will be fun. Grandpa K is always sad. You’re not happy either.” She shrugs.
“Okay.” My heart sinks. I didn’t know my own displeasures had been showing on my face. I try my best to mask my pain. I’ve been questioning myself more and more.
Lizzy
I panic the moment I walk into the room and notice Bella is gone. I stayed on pretty long tonight. There weren’t a bunch of hackers on, and we took advantage of the play.
Hackers can really ruin the experience. Dante doesn’t need me in the morning, so I enjoyed their absence. Bella will usually sleep in with me.
“Bella?” I call out as I check the bathroom attached to our room.
I don’t find her in there and my heart starts to race. I rush out to the common area. I check the front door and the lever is still securely in place.
“Bella?” I whisper out as I move to Dante’s room.
I hold my breath as I hear giggling and the ramble of Dante’s voice. I release a breath of relief and tap at the door and wait for an answer.
“Come in,” Dante calls.
I push the door in and pop my head inside.
“Everything okay?”
Bella sits up in the bed. “I had a bad dream. I didn’t want to disturb you, so I came to Daddy.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. We have to come up with a secret knock so you can let me know you need me.”
“It’s fine. We’re getting a chance to catch up anyway. Bella has requested to postpone her party until next year.”
“Really? That means I now have time to teach you how to skate since you want a skate party,” I say.
Bella’s entire face lights up. I just learned she doesn’t know how to skate. Something I should have asked from the beginning. I fully intended to throw the party at a skating rink. I called in a few favors already.
“Yes,” Bella cheers and fist pumps the air.
I look down at my watch. “I’m going to try to get an hour or two of sleep. I just wanted to make sure Bella was okay.”
“Wait, I’m coming with you,” Bella says and hops from the bed.
Dante gives an exhausted chuckle. I wish there were more I could do for him. I make a mental note to book him for the spa before we leave. Two more days before we head out and this time we’re heading home.
Chapter 22
Relief & Guilt
Dante
“So, what are you telling me, Gio?”
“One situation has been taken care of, but it has led me to some facts about another. The police will finally stop sniffing around you. They have found a suspect and it looks like this is all wrapped up,” he says.
“What? Who was it? Do they have them in custody?”
“Unfortunately, that won’t be possible. It was a murder-suicide. The guy from the picture.”
I suddenly feel cheated. I don’t get to absolve my guilt through revenge. It’s guilt you shouldn’t have, Dante. My brain chides.
Gio continues on the other end of the phone. “I think we need to bring in a forensic accountant. It seems Bethany and Daddy dearest were digging further into our pockets than we thought. I want every dime found.”
“So do I. Call in Lance and Summer Anderson, their firm is the best. And if a single penny was moved or touched by Kaling—”
“No words needed, little brother. I’ll keep you posted.”
I grunt and end the call. Why must I keep getting pulled back into all this? I’ve gotten my hands dirty for years, but when Bella was born, I needed a break. I didn’t want to take a life after watching it being given.
Yet it seems my vacation from being a true Di Lorenzo is over. Today hasn’t gone the way I’d like. I need to get laid and soon. Those dreams are fucking with my head.
