Page 20 of Dark Reunion

Yasmine’s stomach turned. She pressed her fist to her lips, swallowing bile. “Where’s Dean?”

Ricco studied her for a beat. She saw the flicker of decision in his eyes before he finally answered. “Dragged down to the cells. Isolation.”

Her knees weakened, but fury braced her spine. “Take me to him.”

He shook his head. “It’s too big of a risk.”

“I don’t care.” She stepped forward, fire in her voice. “You said he’s in the cells. I need to see my husband.”

Ricco swore under his breath, then nodded once. “Fine. But you do exactly as I say. No questions.”

“I will, I promise.”

Ricco opened the door and waved her over. Lifting the front of her nightdress so she didn’t trip she lightly jogged to keep up. Yasmine followed him through a maze of corridors, her pulse pounding out of control. When they reached the opening to a stairwell that led downward, Ricco pointed to a dark alcove across the way. Taking the hint, she stepped into the darkness and hid behind the large statue.

He walked down the steps, and she strained to hear what he said.

“You’re relieved for the night.” Ricco said smoothly. “And make sure you steer clear of Carlos’s hallway.”

“He’s at it again?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s the third one this week.” The man stepped into view, and Yasmine pressed herself as far back as possible, wishing she could blend in with the wall. “Thanks for the heads up.”

Ricco didn’t come back right away, and she wondered if he had double-crossed her as he stepped into view, and looking both ways. He waved her over.

“Needed to make sure he was the only one on duty,” he informed, as if anticipating her question.

Ricco led her down the stairs. The damp cold seeped through Yasmine’s nightgown, making her shiver. Torches guttered along the stone, throwing uneven shadows and making everything twice as eerie.

They stepped through an open metal door and Yasmine wanted to gag. The stench of the cells was disgusting all on their own, but add in the fact that she was pregnant and strong scents turned her stomach…it was ten times worse. Her stomach rolled and she had to stop and take a moment so she didn’t throw up.

“You okay?” Ricco asked.

Yasmine nodded as her stomach settled enough to continue. They reached a heavy door with a small sliding cover over a window. Ricco slid it open, the metal screeching softly.

“Two minutes,” he muttered.

Yasmine pressed her face to the opening, her heart stuttering.

“Dean,” she whispered.

There was just enough light shining through the small opening to illuminate Dean. He sat in the dark cell, knees bent, back against the wall. He looked up, and for a moment the tension in his face cracked, relief flooding his eyes.

“Yasmine.”

She gripped the edge of the opening, tears burning, and wishing she could tear the door out of her way. “Dean. Oh God. Are you okay?”

He pushed to his feet, moving close, his hands gripping hers. “What are you doing down here? It’s not safe.”

“I had to find you. I knew something was wrong.” She pressed her forehead to the cool metal. “Ricco told me you were dragged away. Nothing was stopping me from seeing you.”

Dean reached through the small opening and cupped her cheek. An old memory of the confessional booth crossed her mind, making her blush and warm even in the chilly cells.

“My strong and beautiful wife…God, I love you.”

She pressed into his touch.