The return to Vincenzo's safe house was a hasty one. Folly's betrayal had placed them in immediate danger, forcing Vincenzo and Vanessa to leave Colombia in the dead of night. They barely had time to pack, the tension in the air thick enough to choke on.
The next morning, as Luca began his investigation, word came that Folly's body had been found floating in a riverine area not far from where they had been staying. The sight was gruesome, leaving no doubt that whoever had orchestrated this had sent a clear message: betrayal would not go unanswered.
Folly's family was informed, and Vincenzo, despite his cold exterior, ensured they received a significant amount in compensation. Yet the unease in his chest lingered. He knew this was just the beginning—someone out there was targeting Vanessa, and Folly had been a pawn in their grander scheme.
Vanessa, now seven months pregnant, had become the center of Vincenzo's world. His every move revolved around her safety, her happiness. But with danger circling ever closer, he felt the walls closing in.
---
Later That Evening
Vincenzo entered Vanessa's room, his steps soft and calculated. The scent of lavender filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of dinner. His heart softened at the sight before him: Brian was feeding Vanessa with a spoon, his tone playful as he tried to coax her into finishing her meal.
"No more!" Vanessa pouted, crossing her arms as she turned her head away.
Brian chuckled, setting the spoon down. "You're impossible, you know that?" He teased her with a lopsided grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're eating for two, and yet I still have to beg you."
"Don't lecture me, Brian," Vanessa quipped, sticking her tongue out at him. "I'm the one carrying all the weight, remember?"
The exchange made Vincenzo pause at the doorway, a rare smile tugging at his lips. For a brief moment, the tension that had been gnawing at him all day dissipated as he watched Vanessa's playful antics.
"Alright, alright, princess," Brian said with mock defeat, rising to his feet. "But don't think this is over. Tomorrow, I'm making you finish the whole plate." He winked at her before heading out of the room.
As Brian passed Vincenzo in the hallway, he gave a slight nod. "She's in good spirits tonight, boss. Take care of her."
Vincenzo stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Vanessa turned to look at him, her pout still lingering, but her eyes softened when they met his.
"You're spoiling Brian," Vincenzo said, his voice laced with amusement.
Vanessa shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eye. "He's fun to tease. You should try it sometime."
Vincenzo chuckled softly, moving closer to her. Without a word, he reached down and gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek. The playful atmosphere shifted, replaced by a sudden intensity that made Vanessa's breath catch.
"What's wrong?" she whispered, her eyes searching his.
"Nothing," Vincenzo murmured, his voice low. "I just... I needed this."
Before Vanessa could respond, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. She froze for a moment, startled by the suddenness, but then melted into him, her hands instinctively reaching for his shoulders.
The kiss deepened, a mixture of desperation and tenderness. Vincenzo's grip on her waist tightened as if grounding himself in her presence. Vanessa kissed him back with equal fervor, their emotions tangling together in the space between them.
When he finally pulled back, Vanessa was breathless, her cheeks flushed. She blinked up at him, her lips slightly parted as she struggled to gather her thoughts.
"You... you're going to suffocate me one day," she teased, her voice barely above a whisper.
Vincenzo smirked, his forehead resting against hers. "Then I'll make sure to bring you back to life."
Vanessa laughed softly, her hands sliding down his arms. "You're impossible."
"And you're mine," he said, his tone firm but filled with affection.
---
After the Moment
They sat together on the edge of her bed, the quiet hum of the night settling around them. Vincenzo ran a hand over her swollen belly, his touch gentle, reverent.
"Seven months," he murmured. "Time's moving too fast."
Vanessa placed her hand over his, lacing their fingers together. "We're going to be okay, Vincenzo. I trust you."
Her words were like a balm to his frayed nerves. He kissed the top of her head, letting the moment stretch between them. But deep inside, the unease remained.
He knew the danger hadn't passed. Whoever was behind Folly's betrayal wasn't finished yet.
And Vincenzo wasn't going to rest until he finds the betrayal