Hidden Flames [The Ludovicas: Second Generation Book Three]

Twenty-Four | Unhinged

IRENE

Kian wasn't in bed when I woke up but I didn't mind it. He held me all night, he was there when I needed him the most, it was more than enough.

I don't know what I would have done had he not pulled me into his arms.

I had been trying so hard to control my tears yesterday, I didn't want to be so vulnerable in front of him but then he hugged me and...I couldn't take it anymore.

Having shared everything, I felt relatively better. It didn't change the fact that my boss freaking assaulted me but it made me realise that I had someone trustworthy to rely on.

I checked the time and my eyes widened. It was almost noon. How the hell did I sleep for so long?

There was a message from Kian, which was sent two hours back.

Hubby: Don't panic and eat something when you wake up. I'll be back.

I smiled as I read his message, then read it three more times.

Last night, I had an overwhelming realisation. I love him.

It's scary, so fucking scary but I can't control my feelings. I just love him.

I will deal with the consequences, with the eventual heartbreak.

I finally left the bed, got ready for the day and then went down to eat something as Kian had instructed me.

The cook gave me a bowl of chicken salad to eat and I sat down at the kitchen island, slowly eating that while checking my phone.

A notification popped up on my phone, a message from Lina.

Lina: Did you hear?! Mr Torres is dead! Murdered. Brutally. Someone circulated the picture and I threw up on seeing it.

What the fuck?

Me: Are you sure? It's not fake news?

Lina: No. Did you not check the news? The picture was horrifying. All his fingers were cut off and then his arms were cut off too from the shoulder. He was stabbed multiple times all over his body as he bled out to death.

Even without the photo, I could picture it and a bile rose to my throat.

Lina: Am I a bad person if his death makes me feel relieved? He had been harassing me for a long time, yesterday was the first time someone witnessed my breakdown.

Me: He deserved what he got.

Lina: I know right? Also, your ex is dead too. Did you not hear?

Me: WHAT? When?

Lina: This morning itself. He was castrated as I heard. Where have you been?

Me: I was sleeping.

Lina: Both these murders were close apart, according to the reports, it must have been the same person.

I knew exactly who it was.

I quickly ended my conversation with Lina, unable to talk about that any longer.

I didn't know how to feel about any of this.

Kian had to be the one behind it.

I knew he was a mafia leader, he had no morals but having him kill for me felt...I don't know how to feel exactly.