Taken_ A Dark Mafia Romance - Piper Stone Page 0,93

shifted into a man on a mission, determined to right all the wrongs of the sect. If only he’d confided in me what he was planning on doing. One thing I knew for certain. He was furious, his anger threatening to consume him.

Exhaling, I continued to pace, shifting my gaze every once in a while toward the bank of windows leading to the road, the unease eating at my stomach.

I hated waiting. I also loathed the rules he’d laid down before he’d left.

Keep the door locked and don’t open it to anyone.

Don’t go outside.

Don’t answer the phone unless you know I’m calling.

I knew the rules were for my protection, but he couldn’t keep me cooped up without telling me what the hell was going on. I wasn’t certain how much longer I could stand this.

Matteo’s home was exactly what I expected after seeing the bungalow on Jekyll Island, much more subdued than the mansions owned by sect members. The house was even located outside the imaginary circle that enclosed the expansive community, only steps from the beach. Everything was warm and inviting, the massive floor-to-ceiling windows facing the ocean providing spectacular views.

I stood staring out the French doors, studying the rolling waves. There was no one in close proximity, one road leading to the house and I’d been watching it through the window almost the entire time. I couldn’t stand it any longer, the thought of a few moments of fresh air at least giving me hope that everything was going to be all right.

Although I continued to have my doubts.

I had to talk to my father, to hear everything from his viewpoint. My only question was whether I could manage to forgive him.

Sadness rolled into my system, the uncertainty of the future almost too much to bear. In a few short days, everything had changed. While I knew there might be hell to pay, I opened one of the doors, remaining in the doorway. Immediately the scent of salt and sand gave me a smile, the reminder of the crazy and special time spent with Matteo.

A smile crossed my face as I lifted my hand, gazing at the ring. The selection seemed so unlike him, or maybe the beautiful sterling silver piece was exactly like the man I’d fallen so hard for. The ring was something I would cherish for a long time.

I leaned my head against the doorjamb, enjoying the quiet solitude much more than before. I knew this might be the only peaceful time we had. The news had been horrific, the subsequent broadcasts I’d seen on television further igniting the rumors and lies that the senator had issued. There was even a new report that he was preparing for a press conference later in the day.

I could only imagine what he was going to say, the bullshit he’d spew about something he had no knowledge of. Would members of the sect be arrested, including Matteo? That was a distinct possibility based on what had already been spewed. Would our marriage survive? I chuckled, wondering what ugly dress my mother had picked out and if she was frantic that I’d yet to return.

Was the sect nothing but a cult in my mind? Yes, but through Matteo’s eyes, I’d at least been able to understand why it had been developed in the first place. I took another deep breath, trying to calm my nerves and my anger.

Everything in my life had been turned upside down. As a single tear trickled past my lashes, I allowed it to fall, finally gathering it in my fingers. I had a fractured family, lived in a crazy society, and had the man of my dreams.

Wasn’t that what all little girls hoped for?

Laughter bubbled to the surface, replacing the sadness. At least I could laugh at the entire situation.

When the phone rang, I jumped, rolling my eyes as I realized what I was hearing. Seeing the number pop on the screen filled me with relief. “Matteo. I’ve been so worried.”

“Is everything all right?” His tone was rattled, his words clipped.

“I’m fine, why? What’s wrong?”

“The man responsible for leaking the information is missing. Christian’s wife is in the hospital.”

“Oh, my God. What happened? Is she all right?”

His deep sigh was an answer. “I don’t know right now. Christian is at the hospital with her. There’s so much to tell you, to share with you. Just hang tight for me, baby. Everything is going to be all right. I have one last thing to do