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“I don’t trust anyone in Pittsburgh. This is Vitello’s stronghold.”
“And you trust Luke?”
“Better than I do Vitello,” Gio said dryly. “I’m not taking any chances, though. I asked Gabi to handle all communications with the Examiner.”
An unusual decision since he usually kept his sister away from Family business after her accident. But Gio was resolved to it. “At this point, you and my sister are the only ones I trust completely.”
Ana flushed at the honest admission as he regarded her with utmost faith. At the start of their marriage, she’d never imagined that he would ever trust her fully. He was so guarded, so jaded after his past. Now, there was not even a speckle of doubt in his dark eyes.
She reached up to softly peck the corner of his lips. Before she could retreat, Gio turned to kiss her thoroughly, his arm dragging her close.
“Mm, Gio.” She pressed his chest. “Not here.”
“Why? Not like he deserves any respect.” Gio sneered down at the grave, looking ready to spit on it. “I would’ve tossed him straight into the Hudson. Not given him a fucking headstone and a full plot...” he groused, muttering under his breath.
Ana closed a hand on the lapel of his blazer, anchoring him as much as herself. “He won’t be here for long anyway.”
Staring down at the spot for the final time, Ana tugged at his hand until they returned to the parking lot. Reggie was standing rigidly by the car, vigilantly observing the area.
“When do you think the Examiner will give us an answer?” she asked Gio quietly.
“By Friday.”
“So soon?” That was incredibly fast. Whenever she heard about such investigations in the news, they lasted for weeks. Friday was merely five days away.
“He will get it done–unless he wants to find himself buried here,” Gio assured chillingly.
Chapter 23
The wait that night was agonizing. How Gio was able to smile and converse through dinner, she had no idea. Her mind was on the body, wondering if Luke and his soldiers had exhumed it yet. There were so many things that could go wrong. Breaking and entering and digging up a grave were all bound to attract attention, especially in such a busy cemetery. The men were heading there after midnight to avoid witnesses.
Even if they succeeded, there was the matter of transporting the body across state lines without getting caught.
Was all this worth it just to avenge her past?
Long fingers caressed her cheek, pulling her worried face up to his.
“You should get some sleep.” Gio’s dark eyes were alert.
Ana felt like she was on pins and needles, sitting ramrod straight with her hands clasped tightly over the covers. Gio seemed just as concerned but was trying not to appear so as he discreetly checked his phone again.
“No updates yet?”
“I’ll tell you in the morning.” His tone was firm, urging her to rest.
Letting out a resigned breath, Ana adjusted the pillows behind her and slid down until she was flat on her back. But her attention remained on him as he paced back and forth by the window. Noticing her gaze, Gio frowned. “I can head to one of the offices.” His hand reached to shut off her bedside lamp.
But she stopped him, uneasy.
“Ana,” his tone was gentle but chiding. “There’s no need to worry. This is a simple mission. It’s much harder to transport someone alive and kicking.”
“I know.” Her hands smoothed over the covers restlessly. “It’s just–”
“Just?”
“It sounds silly. I know he’s dead. But somehow…him being removed from the grave makes it feel like…he’s free again–like we’re opening Pandora’s box.”
Gio’s face twisted, regret lining his sharp features. He curved his hand over her shoulder, massaging the tension out of there before sifting through her silky hair fanned out on the pillow. “He can’t hurt you anymore. You made sure of that.”
