•KINLEY•I stood in Euphoria while the last rehearsal took place before our bid reopening night.The designers had outdone themselves and I was happy we got to showcase a few well-known designers as well as some new and struggling talent.The walls had been decorated with abstract paintings from Bonnie's art gallery.Billie and Cassie stood on either side of me, watching the models walk down the stage we had set up as the runway.The dancers Gianni had let go were rehearsing their dance routines in the hanging cages.It was somewhat of a magical feeling to be experiencing this."People are going to love this," Billie said.I nodded, there was no way they couldn't. I felt a burst of pride knowing we had pulled this off so well."I can't wait for tomorrow night," I was practically bursting at the seams with excitement, "I'm a bit nervous about the press, but the excitement outweighs the worry.""There is nothing to be nervous about, they'll take some pictures, ask a few questions and go
•KINLEY•My nerves were shattered, and being pregnant I couldn't use alcohol to help with that.The club was already packed, and I stood near the bar keeping an eye on everything.The press had arrived the moment the doors were opened and had been snapping pictures ever since thankfully they had only taken a few photos of me but they hadn't asked me any questions.My stomach felt fluttery with nerves as it was and I wasn't sure I would be able to answer any questions successfully right now.Gianni was running a little late, he had called me from home o let me know he would be here as soon as possible, but he had a few things he needed to take care of first.When I had asked, he didn't elaborate, but I knew it had to have something to do with the mafia business.Billie walked over to me with a pink fruity-looking cocktail in her hand, "Babe, why are you standing over here looking as if you've just been thrown out of home? This is a huge success, that you created!"I forced a smile, "I
•KINLEY•Gianni was pissed off. I could feel it as we walked down the hallway, coming to a stop where no one would be able to hear us."Kinley, what is the meaning of this?"I raised a brow, "Firstly, Billie's sister has children here. Secondly, you know how important tonight was for me, why didn't you do this tomorrow? Why did you have to do this tonight?"He sighed, "Because I didn't want you involved in this.""Hence the half-dressed agent who was draped all over you.""Kinley, really? Now is not the time for this. We are busy with something important here.""Gianni, are you absolutely mad? We just spoke about this yesterday, did you forget? Together. Don't shut me out. And don't underestimate me."He ran a hand through his hair, "Can we talk about this when we get home?""No. You can't have the FBI rushing in here when there are kids around. Do you have any idea how scary and traumatizing that would be for them? I won't allow it."He remained silent as he stared at me for a few mo
•KINLEY•I had tossed and turned the entire night, my anxiety sneaking in like a thief of joy.When I had woken up the first thing I did was check the internet news sites, and sure enough, there were stories questioning why Gianni had not been seen at the re-opening and why I had left so abruptly.Some went as far as to have headlines asking if there was trouble in paradise.I put my phone down and made my way downstairs while still in my pajamas. To my surprise, Gianni sat at the table."What are you doing?" I asked. By this time he was usually in his study, or off doing something."Having breakfast with my wife."I took a seat opposite him, "Don't you have important things to take care of?"He frowned at me, "Of course I do. But you told me you feel neglected, I am trying to make time to spend with you.""Oh. Okay." I felt a bit bad that I sounded so cold about it, but I wasn't sure how to handle this.Just last night I had been wondering if we had rushed things, and now he was doi
•GIANNI•Once we landed in Mexico we went straight to the hotel room.Luca and I were sitting at the small table on the balcony, and despite Barnabas wanting to be involved, he stood near the railing speaking to Kinley.She laughed at something he said and I looked over at them."Boss, if you keep doing that, we're never going to formulate a plan."I knew Luca was right, but I didn't like how friendly my cousin was being. In my opinion, he was pushing it a bit too much for my liking."Gianni."I turned back to Luca, "I know, Luca. But look at him, he's practically throwing himself at her."Luca looked over at them before turning back to me, "I'm failing to see what you're seeing. Barnabas is being friendly with your wife. Would you rather he treats her badly the same way his mother does?""No. But we all know the Esposito men. He's hoping to get her into his bed."Luca sighed, "You're being jealous. Kinley would never entertain that idea and you know it. Now can you calm down and pay
•KINLEY•Gianni let me sleep while the three of them continued making plans.When I woke up I had some greek yogurt Gianni had bought me.The three of them were still on the balcony, even though it was beginning to get dark.After eating, I made my way out to them, "How is the planning coming along?""We have it all planned out. How are you feeling?" Gianni asked as he extended his hand out toward me."A little better. Are we going tonight or tomorrow?""Tonight."I knew that we all wanted this over and done with, so I wouldn't argue with that.I sat with them until it was time to leave.Originally I had felt fine about this, but now that we were actually in the car and on our way to Jade I was beginning to feel a bit queasy at the idea.As we drove, Gianni skimmed over the plan for me. We would stop near the front of the villa, and Barney and Luca would go around the back while Gianni took me through the front.To my surprise, just as we were getting out of the car, he handed me a gu
•KINLEY•When Gianni returned to the hotel, we went to the beach, leaving Barney and Luca to do their own things.He held my hand in his as we walked along the sandy shore."Do you think we should announce the pregnancy soon?" He asked, breaking the comfortable silence."Soon. Maybe once I reach fourteen weeks." I was only just reaching the twelve-week mark now and didn't feel ready to make the announcement yet."Whenever you are ready. Now that this is over, I would like to tie up any other unfinished business, such as the deal with King. Barney can start handling business with the guidance of Luca, I want to focus on us and the baby more."I nodded, "I would like that. I know we still have time, but we have a lot we still need to do before the birth. We don't have anything set up, it will be nice to have you involved in that."He brought my hand up to his lips, kissing the back of my hand, "We have a trusted therapist, I was thinking about going to see her.""Oh?" This was a surpri
•KINLEY•Today was the day, and I felt sick to my stomach over it.Gianni had set it up perfectly, all King had to do was show up.I had opted to remain home, wanting no part in setting up Billie's family.Luca was pretty much ordered to stay with me too.He went to wait for me at the pool while I went to the room to change.I needed to get my mind off of things and I hoped swimming would do the trick.I had just changed into my bikini when I walked back out into the room and saw Talon standing at the door.I instantly knew someone had let him out, there was no way he could have gotten out on his own.His shirt was off, and bruises, cuts, and scars littered his bare chest. His pants were filthy and stained."What are you doing in here?"He leaned against the wall and I could only assume it was for support, he had lost a lot of weight and looked very weak."Appealing to the good in you. I need to get out of here."I scoffed, "And you think I'm going to help you after what you've done?