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“You bothering my wife, Moretti?”

I turned my head, seeing Antonio approach us. Kaden scoffed, then looked down at me.

“Try to stay safe so that he doesn’t bother me again, yeah?”

I smiled. “Won’t happen again.”

He swung an arm around Dakotas shoulder and she smiled back at us, waving goodbye before they disappeared down the shore.

“He looks really familiar,” I said as Antonio sat down beside me.

“Don’t worry about it.” He gave his head a slight shake, kissing my knuckles and although reluctant, I nodded nonetheless.

CHAPTER 41

Nirah

After two months in the Bahamas with Sally, to make up for us disappearing on her, Antonio and I were finally home.

“You’re back!” Rosalia beamed, charging towards us before engulfing me in her arms.

I chuckled, feeling the relief emanating from her. “What are you still doing here?” I broke the hug and she took my hands in hers.

“Mr. Antonio informed me that you’d be back this time and I needed to make sure you were okay.” Her gaze softened and I smiled. “I hope that’s not an issue.” She looked over at Antonio but he shook his head.

“Of course not.”

Rosalia mirrored my smile as she dragged me to the living room with her. “I want to hear all about it.”

After Hawaii, Antonio and I headed straight to the Bahamas where we met with Cesar, Nereus and Sally. They handed her over to us and made their way back home again.

Antonio followed suit and I nodded. “Of course,” I said before my eyes shot up to Antonio. “But can I please talk to Kiryl and Koren first? I just want to make sure they’re okay after what happened.” I looked back at Rosalia but she lowered her head.

My eyebrows pinched together and I looked up at Antonio. “What is it?” I jumped to my feet. “Are they hurt badly?”

“Koren is fine.” He took my hands in his and I nodded, relieved yet confused.

“And Kiryl?” I asked then glanced back at Rosalia who stared up at me apologetically.

“Nirah—”

“No, Antonio.” I cut him off, pulling my hands from his. “Where’s Kiryl? Did you fire him?” I panicked and Antonio reached forward, resting his hands on my hips.

“No, tesoro.” He shook his head. “Kiryl…” he trailed off. “He died trying to stop them from taking you.”

A sharp ringing shot through my ears as my knees buckled beneath me. “No.” I awkwardly smiled, shaking my head.

Antonio caught my weak body as I stared up at him. “No.” My face fell. “He’s not dead— no. No, Antonio!” I tried to pull out of his hold but he resisted.

“Miss Nirah.” Rosalia rose to her feet. “I’m so sorry.” Her teary eyes met mine and I could feel the pain shatter my already heavy heart. My eyes bounced between theirs and my vision blurred.

“He’s not dead, no.” I clutched Antonio’s shoulders and he pulled me in, wrapping his firm arms around me. “No, no no.” I pleaded, and he firmly held the back of my head with one hand as Rosalia offered words of comfort. “It’s my fault.” My head pounded with guilt. “I—”

“No, Nirah, it’s not.” Antonio cut me off and I pulled back to look up at him.

“I killed Kiryl.” I nodded at Antonio.

He shook his head, pulling me back into his arms as I squeezed my eyes shut. I killed Kiryl. He’s dead because of me… Koren lost his brother.