Jenna Valentino thought she had found her forever after.
Life was good. A husband she loved, a daughter she adored, a dream job and a beautiful home. But nothing could prepare her for the bittersweet taste of betrayal, shattering the illusion.
Dev...
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~~ Gabriele ~~
I'd parked my rental sedan a few doors down from the address on my messages.
Twenty minutes I'd been sitting here—didn't look creepy at all... Of course not! And if I sat here any longer, I was sure someone would call the cops. It was a nice residential area; someone would notice me for sure.
Looking at her house for the umpteenth time, it was your typical all-American suburban home, with a white picket fence thrown in to seal the deal. I smiled; easily picturing Ileana living here. Even back when we first started dating, she had wanted the American dream—perfect house, marriage and kids. It warmed me a little knowing that one part of her life had gone to plan.
Pulling the picture from my jacket, I stared at her battered face—damn sure this hadn't been part of her dream.
Bastard! I would love to get my hands on the twisted motherfucker that had done this. See how he liked his face rearranging.
Putting the picture away, I couldn't sit here all day. Letting my head fall back, I debated getting out the car, knocking on the door.
Would she even remember me? And what do I say—Hey Ileana. Long-time no see?
Jesus! And what if her husband answered? What do I say then?
Was it a good idea to come here?
Yes!
No!
Yes!
Goddammit!
Looking at my watch, it was still quite early. Blowing out a puff of air, I could sit arguing with myself all day. Or man up and knock on the door. Reaching for the door handle, a noise drew my attention as the garage door to Ileana's house raised and out came a black German car reversing out the drive.
I could see the man driving as he glanced my way, but then looked forward and drove off.
Phew, don't have to worry about her husband.
Get out of the goddamn car, Gabe. Here goes nothing.
A moment later, the doorbell chimed and part of me wished it wouldn't be her answering.
The door opened, and a full smile greeted me before it dropped. Recognition kicked in as her eyebrows disappeared into her hairline and her mouth parted. I was obviously the last person she was expecting to be standing on her doorstep. "Hello Ileana."
"Gabriele?" Shock reflected as she looked over my shoulder. Her face paled. "What are you—have you come alone?"
She looked freaked. I held my hands up to show I wanted no trouble.
"Why are you here? How did you find me? You can't be here."
Swallowing, I kept my tone gentle, non-threatening. "I know this sounds and looks crazy. But I needed to know if you were okay. So, I did some digging, and here I am."
