Bellissimo Rilascio (Beautiful Release): The Family Series #3 Read Online Free PDF Page B

pain.
     
    Recklessness.
     
    Adrenaline.
     
    Control.
     
    I’ve felt all of those and none of them at the same time.
     
    Recklessness in my decision to get in bed with the Mob. Weakness for allowing a childish moment to determine my future.
     
    Adrenaline. A rush I get when I clean a huge transaction and don’t get caught . . . then her face flashes in my mind, and I’m immediately drained. Exhausted. Ashamed.
     
    Control. I have none. Not in my life, my business, or her choices. I’m derailed. Spinning so out of control, I can’t seem to straighten the course.
     
    Lynsey went to see her this weekend, and I’m dying to know how she is but terrified to ask. If I hear the words she’s happy and with Dakota it becomes real. I’ve resigned myself to believing it, but hearing the words is proof. I can weave my beliefs however I need to, but if Lynsey confirms my fears I have to commit to the truth and I’m not there yet.
     
    I’m closing up for the night when my phone goes off. I check the messages, and four words change the course my life is taking.
     
    Four words breathe hope into me.
     
    Four words remind me of what a fool I’ve been.
     
    Four words that could spell a new beginning, will only lead to another ending because of my association.
     
    Four words.
     
    She’s not with him.

Chapter Six
    Dakota
     
     
    Putting in for a transfer wasn’t something I thought through. I knew I needed to allow Bianca time to heal without seeing me, and I wasn’t strong enough to leave her alone. I miss working with Bronson. I miss seeing Angelo. I miss Callie and know the words she spoke to me were true; but her heart is big enough to forgive me. I spent three months in Denver, and I’m taking another assignment in New Orleans. This assignment is more intense, and all I can think is ‘I want to go home.’
     
    Not to Miami, but to Bianca. That home resembles the aftermath of an F-5 tornado.
     
    None of the belongings left intact. The structure not sturdy enough to live in. The ruins of our relationship. Of our life. I have three days to acclimate to this new city until it’s back to the grind and putting away more bad guys.
     
    I’ve been given the key to a furnished apartment, so I unload my one measly suitcase and walk up to the non-descript door of the apartment complex. I hate apartments. Living in one in Miami didn’t make my skin crawl like they do now, but I also know that had to do with my best friends being in the building next door. Not to mention, Bronson sent me a text that he and Callie were buying a house. One more change to go home to.
     
    Alone.
     
    I don’t notice the elfin blond barreling out of the elevator until she’s about knocked me on my ass. Stumbling backwards, I drop my suitcase right on her foot. “Shit, that hurts.” Her voice is as tiny as her stature.
     
    “Are you okay?” I grab her elbow to keep her upright as she hops on one foot, cradling the other in her hands. Her toenails are a bright blue and the blood pouring from a few isn’t a good sign. Flip-flops. Fucking flip-flops. “If you would’ve been wearing shoes this wouldn’t have happened.” When I see her shocked expression give way to hurt, I wish I wasn’t such a dick.
     
    “I’m sorry. I was late for class, I have an exam, and I wasn’t paying attention.” She gently places her bloodied foot down and pulls her arm from my hand. I see her wince in pain as she places weight on her foot to walk.
     
    “Hang on. I’m sorry. I just got in, and it was four days in a car. Can I help you get that cleaned up?”
     
    Her face relaxes then her body stiffens as she steps back, still hobbling. “No, it’s fine. I’ll take care of it.”
     
    “I insist. It was my suitcase. I don’t have a first aid kit in there, but my apartment is on the second floor. There’s bound to be something in there.”
     
    She takes another step back, and her eyes dart all around, taking in her surroundings. Shit, I’ve