Chapter 225: The Danger of Destiny
- LUCIANO -
I glance up to see Dex stalking toward the cabina. My lips twitch toward a smile seeing how pissed he looks even though he’s trying to hide it. Irritation feathers his brow and exaggerates the restrained power of his gait. My cousin is an intimidating guy just by appearance, and I love it.
When he sees me watching him, Dex’s eyes flash. Since I left the door unlocked, he walks right in.
"Morning, coz," I greet him, unable to hide my amusement. "Coffee?"
"What happened last night?" A muscle in his jaw tics. "Why are we being watched? I thought you were just bringing guys because of your insane obsession with Rory."
"Keep your fucking voice down," I say coldly, all amusement vanishing.
His eyes dart to the closed bedroom door, and then his eyebrows shoot up.
"Are you serious?" It’s more of an accusation than a question, and I pour what little of the coffee has been made into my mug, gesturing for us to take this conversation outside.
Once we’re on the deck, I lean against the railing and take a sip of the morning elixir, knowing it will scald my tongue but forcing it down anyway. Dex watches me, the set of his jaw telling me all I need to know about how he feels about Rory being here.
He thinks I pushed her or manipulated her or took advantage of her, and I guess I can’t blame him for that assumption. I’m not exactly someone with a great track record, and Dex cares about her like a sister.
"Where’s Raya?" I ask, a twinge of concern suddenly drawing me out of the self-centered thoughts.
"Still in bed," Dex says, brows drawing down over his eyes. "Why?"
"Sonny’s got it covered," Dom says next, reading the intention for my question.
I sigh and turn, looking out at the rainforest. Why did this have to happen in Costa Rica? I’m not even sure what we’re going to do with the guy who was after Rory if we find him. It’s not like we can torture him and then go throw him in the open ocean or bury him somewhere without being spotted.
I don’t know how to get a fucking body off of this peninsula without someone being made aware. And I’m not sure how much sway our family will have here, even with all the money at our disposal.
Dex comes over and leans against the railing next to me. "What happened?"
"Someone was in Rory’s cabina last night," I tell him, and he pushes himself up, bracing the railing like he might have to go run and defend someone with this knowledge.
"Rory was fast. She got away. She hurt herself in the process, but the doctor I brought stitched her up. Pop knows, and he is sending more people. He’s concerned that you and Raya might be in danger, too. That’s why the guys were watching your place while Rory was here with me last night."
"Jesus," he sighs, scrubbing a hand over his face. "Nothing can just be easy, can it? We were supposed to leave all the shit back home, not bring more with us."
We both stare into the distance silently, lost in our own thoughts. I want to apologize for what’s probably my fault in this, but I don’t. I can’t shake the feeling that all of this is happening for a reason that I can’t quite wrap my mind around yet.
That’s ridiculous, of course. That’s like shrugging my shoulders and accepting what will come, regardless of the consequence.
"Who was it?" Dex finally asks. "Why would anyone be after her?"
"I’m assuming it’s someone who is after me, but I don’t know," I tell him honestly. "All I know is that they’re not going to get her. And they’re not going to hurt anyone in my family. You and Raya included."
"Maybe we should call this off and just go home," Dex sighs, and I hear a measure of defeat in his voice that makes my heart ache.
"No," I scoff, pushing myself up. "They’re long gone. There’s nowhere to hide here now that we know to be on alert. So they’re either lost in the fucking jungle, drowning in the ocean, or they will be. And we’re going to have an army of men scattered all over this resort to ensure everything goes smoothly. Trust me, Dex. Nothing else will happen to jeopardize your happiness this week. Pop will make sure of it, and so will I. I swear to you."
He looks at me, studying my sincerity and considering it. Then his gaze catches something over my shoulder, and I follow to see what he’s staring at.
Rory is inside with one of my dress shirts on. It’s buttoned down the front, hitting mid thigh. Her hair is a beautiful mess from sleep, and my chest constricts with this new joy of having her. She’s here, at home in my heart. It’s overwhelming in all the right ways.
She smiles and waves shyly at Dex before walking over to the coffee maker.
"Is she okay?" Dex asks at my side.
"Of course she’s okay," I smile to myself. "That one’s a warrior."
I catch him watching me again, and this time he appears more at ease. He gives me a curt nod. "Good." That’s all he says, and then he slaps me on the shoulder and walks back in the direction of his cabina.
I may be in deep shit with my father. There may be a mysterious enemy waiting in the shadows somewhere that we’re all going to have to watch out for. But the peace from waking up next to Rory earlier comes back to settle deep into my bones as I watch Dex walk away.
We were always meant to be here. I don’t know why. I don’t at all like that there is danger associated with this destiny of ours, but that’s always been my reality. Now I have an even greater reason to fight, and she’s right inside.
