I’m falling in love with you, I thought as I searched Alessio’s face for any hint of emotion. And I don’t know how I can stop myself before it’s too late.

18

Beth

Alessio and I had wild, crazy sex in the back of his limo that left me panting and craving more. By the time he dropped me off at home, I was so tired that I fell into bed still wearing the remains of my dress. Hooking up with Alessio is bad for my wardrobe, I realized with a smile as I drifted off to sleep. He keeps ripping up my clothes…I’m gonna really need to go shopping soon.

In the morning, I woke up in a better mood than I’d felt in a long time. It was a beautiful day outside – the sun was shining and it was unseasonably warm for the winter. I made myself a big pot of coffee and sat by the window, sipping and just enjoying the morning sun.

I knew I should feel guilty about being so involved with Alessio. But being around him was like being on an incredibly addictive drug. I couldn’t think straight – I couldn’t even see straight when Alessio’s powerfully hypnotic eyes focused on me.

My phone buzzed and I smiled. I can’t believe he’s calling me again, I thought as I reached down and grabbed it. It hasn’t even been twelve hours. Maybe men really can change.

“Hey,” I said. A smile spread across my face. “Didn’t think I’d be hearing from you so soon.”

There was a cough – a distinct sound that I knew wasn’t coming from Alessio. My heart sank and my cheeks reddened.

“Beth, this is Detective Aberson. I’m sorry to ask on such short notice, but would you be available to come down to the station? I’d like to speak with you.”

My cheeks burned flame red and I nodded mechanically. “Of course.” My voice came out as a squeak and I coughed, clearing my throat. “I mean, of course,” I said smoothly. “When?”

“Today,” Detective Aberson replied. “This afternoon. In about an hour, if you’re free.”

My eyebrows flew up and I blinked. “That is soon,” I said. “Are you sure this can’t wait?” My heart was pounding and a cold taste of fear seeped into my mouth. “I mean, I can come in later this week, maybe that would be better?”

“Today, Beth,” Detective Aberson said. For the first time, his voice sounded truly cold. I shivered.

“Okay,” I said. “I’ll be there soon.”

An hour later, Detective Aberson met me at the police station. We shook hands, then he led me into the same room where I’d spoken with him before. I was so nervous that I was shaking.

Detective Aberson looked deeply into my eyes, like he was searching for something hidden.

“We’re very close to pinning Amoruso down,” Detective Aberson said. He cleared his throat. “I know this has been a long time to wait for you, Beth, and I wanted you to know that we’re sorry.” He smiled grimly. “The wheels of justice turn slowly, so they say.”

I nodded. “It’s fine.” There was a lump forming in my throat and no matter how many times I swallowed, it was still there.

“Do you have anything you’d like to share?”

“Excuse me?” I squeaked loudly. “What?”

Detective Aberson frowned. “Have you noticed anything unusual, Beth? Has Amoruso tried to contact you?”

I shook my head. “No,” I lied. “I don’t know anything about what he’s doing right now.” That, at least, was technically not a lie – Alessio hadn’t mentioned any plans for his day.

“Okay,” Detective Aberson said. “Well, I get that you’re still working through a lot of grief, Beth. But this is very important to us. I’m counting on you to testify – that’s what’s going to play on the jury and send that scum to prison for the rest of his life.”

I nodded mechanically. “What if…” I trailed off, biting my lip. “What if the family retaliates against me for speaking up? Couldn’t they come after me, and make my life miserable?”

Detective Aberson frowned. “Well, that is a possibility, but they would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law if they were to try anything like that,” he said slowly. “Are you really that worried, Beth? When we spoke before, you were very determined to do this.”

I nodded. “I know,” I said slowly. “I’m really sorry, Detective. I think I’m just afraid.”

Detective Aberson nodded. He closed his notebook. But when I started to rise from my chair, he held his hand up.

“Not just now, Beth, if you don’t mind. I’ve got a few things I’d like to say first.”

My heart slammed against the walls of my chest and I gaped. “Are you kidding?”

Tags: Mia Ford Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net