Falling Deep Into You Trilogy Box Set

by Terra Kelly

  He shrugged his shoulders. “We had to go through them, but Cooper wanted to make sure you had them. You and Cris deserve to know the truth.”

  She sat down at the little table in the kitchen, let out a deep sigh, then moved her finger across the opening to separate the two sides. Before pulling out the letter, she glanced up. “What if the mystery kid was under our noses all along?” Letizia still couldn’t wrap her head around the fact that Alessandra was okay with giving up her baby to take her brother’s daughter to America instead.

  Finley shook his head. “I don’t see that happening, but I’ve been wrong before.”

  As Letizia read the first letter, words were popping out at her, acting as trigger words. They used little and forever a lot. With each letter she would grab, her heart was sinking just a few notches more. There was no mention of their baby. Nothing. Then, about three-quarters of the way through the stack of letters she found that mystery answer. Letizia inhaled and straightened. “Here.” She pointed to the letter. “Daniella. It’s a girl. They had a girl.”

  Finley grabbed the letter and started reading the contents. “Holy shit. They were open in this letter, almost like they didn’t think they were being watched at all. Why the sudden change in MO, though? All those years they were cautious, then for one letter they let their guard down. We’re missing something.”

  Letizia ran that back and forth in her mind. “What about Johnny? Maybe something changed between him and the mob boss?” This all just seemed fucked up. “Plus, why did he come back and knock her up fifteen years later? That makes no sense at all.”

  Cristiano was just walking into the room at that comment. “Was I an ‘oops’ child?”

  Letizia stood and pulled him in for a big bear hug. “Never. She never treated you that way. If anything, you were extremely spoiled from the moment you were born.”

  Letizia and Cris both leaned back and said at the same time, “Making up for lost time.”

  Zia nodded. “Exactly. She missed out on the first child, so she was going to enjoy every moment with you.” She couldn’t imagine giving up a child; just thinking about that made her cringe.

  Finley seemed confused. “So, she gets pregnant with the one man who she knew was dangerous. How does Giano fit in all this? He has no clue about all this.”

  Letizia rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Or does he? We know he wanted to get me out of the picture, just to ensure I never talked about a murder that happened when I was four.” She shook her head. “Like I’m supposed to remember shit that happened at four.”

  Cristiano sighed. “And side story, Johnny wants his family back together. You know, the dysfunctional family that was created on lies and deceit?”

  Letizia grabbed his hand. “So, the question is, have they been working together? My guess is, when Johnny noticed me that day he kept silent about us to Giano, but he planned to get his family together. Dysfunctional or not.”

  Finley laughed. “What a fucking mess.”

  Letizia shook her head. “You think?” She needed another cup of coffee and now, maybe with a shot of bourbon.

  Cristiano headed outside. “So now what?”

  Finley smiled. “We lie low, fit in down here, and wait it out.”

  Zia nodded. “And you don’t plan on leaving us at all?” She couldn’t do this alone; she needed Finley here with them.

  Fin shrugged his shoulders. “Where else would I go? For now, we’re just waiting to see when Giano and Johnny pop up. The team has seen all the after effects of what Giano and his men can do, we won’t let that happen to either of you.”

  Letizia walked over and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Are you sure we’re safe down here?” She didn’t feel safe anywhere.

  He pulled her onto his lap. “I promise I won’t let anything happen to you, bella.”

  She kissed his cheek. “Superman, we both know nothing can stop the mob from getting what they want.” Those words were so true, too. She knew Giano would stop at nothing to see her dead. When—that would be was the question. “He thinks I have his money, and he’ll do whatever is necessary to get what he wants.”

  She loved how serious he looked. Finley glanced between her and Cris. “He will not hurt you or Cristiano ever again.” Letizia still found those words hard to believe.

  Dego was sitting in his car set back from the drive-way away from the cottage that held the targets. “Hey boss, I have eyes on them.”

  Giano sounded pissed off. “Stay out of sight.”

  Dego seemed confused by that request. “What are the plans, boss?” He thought this trip would be in and out—kill the targets and go home to his family.

  Giano growled on the other end of the line. “You’ll fucking wait for my call. I have Daniella all set; she called yesterday and said the nurses are back at work tomorrow.”

  Dego didn’t seem surprised by that declaration; Giano always had a plan in motion. “So, lie low and wait. What are you planning up there?” He had to know, this whole situation had massively blown out of proportion.

  Giano laughed. “Well, I plan to hit them right where it hurts the most: the heart.”

  Dego’s eyes widened. “The nurse.”

  Giano made a noise. “Exactly, we hurt the people they care about most. They will come running back to Toronto in no time, then we will have them right where we want them. I know they have my money, and I plan to get it back.”

  Epilogue

  Vikki felt exhausted after traveling. Then having a quick turn around and working bright and early the next morning didn’t help one bit. She walked back to the nurses’ station and plopped down in the chair. “This body can’t take thirteen-hour days like it used to. I may need to rethink my career choice.”

  Ella was the other nurse on duty. She was entering notes into the computer. “Oh please, you know you would miss us too much to even think about leaving.”

  Vikki laughed. “I would adjust.” She found a few ounces of strength to lean up and add her notes for the patients she tended to earlier. “I would need to find a new hobby. Maybe dancing?” She loved going to The Flying Monkey.

  Ella laughed. “But would you get paid to dance?”

  Vikki rolled her eyes. “Party pooper.” She stopped typing and turned towards Ella. “Hey, want to join me tonight at The Flying Monkey? Preslie said she needed to catch up on lost family time while we were away.” She was missing her bestie, between all the family time. Preslie struggled with making time for her lately. Vikki was upset. No, she was feeling a little jealous. A part of her was ready to find that right guy, but how the hell was any woman able to trust just any guy these days? It didn’t help that her friends had both been through traumatic life threatening situations. Plus, what were the odds that anything would happen to her? It seemed mathematically impossible.

  Ella smiled. “Sure, that sounds fun.”

  Vikki clapped her hands together. “Awesome! Let’s meet up around 9:00 p.m.?” She was hoping to go home soon and get a little cat nap in before going out. Torn Pieces was playing tonight, which meant Ricky would be there. They had this weird chemistry between them, and he had yet to make any kind of move to advance their friendship. A few weeks back Vikki realized she would grow old waiting for the guy and moved on to other fish in the sea.

  She spent the remaining few hours updating the charts and restocking the rooms. Once 5:00 p.m. hit, she flew out the door. She only lived about twenty minutes from the hospital, so it was an easy drive home. Vikki was so exhausted she practically floated to her bed and stumbled the last few steps, falling onto the silky soft comforter.

  About two hours passed and her body was still in the same position it was when it fell earlier. There was a low beeping sound that continued to get louder as she came to. Moaning, she reached over to her nightstand and grabbed her cell phone that was becoming unbearable. In a raspy voice she replied, “Yeah?”

  Ella was on the other end. “Hey hon, you still want to go to The Flying Monke
y?”

  Vikki grumbled. “What time is it?” A part of her wanted to go out, but the other half could’ve easily just stayed right in this warm comfy bed for the night. “Yeah, sure.” Pushing herself up into a seated position. “Give me twenty minutes to freshen up.”

  Ella laughed. “I’ll meet you there at 9:30 p.m.”

  Torn Pieces had been busy with shows lately after tonight Ricky was looking forward to two weeks off. He still had his day job, but he needed to have a weekend to himself. “Hey Miles, you have made no changes to the tour schedule, right?”

  Miles laughed. “Nope. I need those next few weekends, the kids are begging us to go to a zoo. They need to meet the gorillas.”

  Ricky shook his head. “Just let them know Uncle Ricky is out of town.” He wasn’t, but he needed a break from everything and everyone.

  Miles slapped him on the back. “Will do. Got a hot date?”

  Ricky headed toward the back door. “No. Well, yes, a hot date with my chair and the remote.” He grabbed his guitar. “You got everything packed up?” His friend just nodded. As Ricky was heading to his car he could hear several men laughing and cheering each other on. They looked young. He was hoping all the women had avoided those idiots. They seemed scary as fuck.

  He threw his guitar in the backseat of his Suburban and took a moment to scope out the gaggle of men still cheering each other on. It was just men; he couldn’t see a female body in the vicinity. He said a little prayer they had just consumed too much alcohol and were acting stupid.

  Ricky started up his vehicle and was about a quarter of a mile down the road when he noticed something white moving in the grass on the side of the road. At first, he thought it was maybe a deer, but as he approached the figure, he realized it was a woman crawling to the road.

  He slammed on the brakes and got out to go check on the figure. As he advanced on the mystery person he realized it was a woman. Her clothes were torn, her hair was askew, there was blood and dirt covering her from head to toe. She was sobbing and seemed confused. When Ricky bent down in front of the woman he was knocked back. It was Vikki.

  He placed his hand cautiously on her shoulder. “Vikki? Can you hear me?” He pulled out his phone and called Miles immediately. “Hey, I’m about a quarter mile away and need you here ASAP.”

  Vikki recoiled at his touch. “No, please, no.”

  He worked on getting her attention, she seemed so disoriented. “Vikki, it’s me, Ricky. Vikki, can you look at me?” When she did look up, her eyes were blood shot and she had cuts all over her face.

  Vikki’s eyes went wide. “Ricky?” Then she fell into his arms and passed out.

  Ricky let his mind wonder back to the men cheering at the bar. Was this related? He carefully picked her up into his arms and carried her back to the Suburban. “Vikki, what happened to you? Whatever it was, I promise I won’t let anyone hurt you ever again.” He bent down and placed a light kiss on her blood splattered forehead. “I’m so sorry, baby.”

  I adore Letizia and Finley’s story!

  I hope you had fun!

  Thank you so much for taking the time

  to read their story!

  Now let’s find out if Giano will

  finally get what he’s owed?

  Grab a cocktail and join my closed reader group on Facebook to share your thoughts and say hi!

  Volume Three

  Rescue This Aching Heart

  Synopsis

  Vikki has become the pawn in Giano’s twisted game.

  When Ricky finds her left for dead on the side of the road with no memory of her attacker, Toronto’s most infamous mob boss is one step closer to getting what he wants.

  A life for a life.

  Now Ricky plans to take down the vicious criminal who attempted to kill the woman he loves–only he didn’t expect for his past to collide with his present.

  It’s a race against time, and the task force is prepared to fight.

  Get ready for the last chapter in the Falling Deep Into You Trilogy.

  Dedication

  To Brian and our many hours enjoying

  crime and mystery stories..

  One

  “No, don’t touch me,” Vikki yelled and crawled backward toward the corner of the room.

  “Vikki, it’s me,” Preslie said and pulled her hand back.

  “Leave me alone. No, please stop.” Vikki had her hands wrapped around her legs, her head bent, and she was rocking back and forth.

  “Maybe you should try, Ricky,” Preslie insisted and stepped away.

  When Ricky had found Vikki on the side of the road, she was close to being unrecognizable. Her vibrant red hair had been the only thing familiar when he’d stepped around his truck and saw her lying partially on the road.

  “Me? Um, okay.” He squatted down. “Hey, kitten, you’re safe now.”

  The moment the first words slipped out of his mouth, she lifted her head. Vikki’s eyes went wide. “Ricky?”

  “Yeah, baby. Do you know where you’re at?”

  “No,” she sighed and reached up to fist her hands in her hair. “My head won’t stop spinning.”

  He knelt down to get closer and placed his hand on her knee. “Do you remember what you did last night?”

  She paused for a moment and then nodded. “Ella and I went to The Flying Monkey to watch you play. I can’t remember anything after we arrived.”

  “Ella?” He turned to Miles and Preslie who were sitting on a small couch about two feet away. “Do we know Ella?”

  Preslie whispered, “That’s a co-worker at the hospital.”

  Now Ricky was confused. “Vikki, did Ella hurt you?”

  She stood and backed the rest of the way into the corner of the room. “What? No. Ella would never hurt me.”

  “Right, I’m sorry. That was wrong of me to ask.”

  “Just leave me alone. Please,” she yelled.

  Ricky lifted his hands in surrender. “My time has expired.”

  Preslie grabbed for his hand. “I think we need to give her a sedative. Whatever she had last night is not wearing off. We need to find out what was possibly slipped into one of her drinks.”

  “You really think someone drugged her?” Ricky asked and proceeded to pace the length of the room. “I bet it was the guys I saw when I left after our set.”

  Miles turned his head to the side. “Guys?”

  “Yeah, I noticed five guys celebrating something. They gave each other high-fives and kept laughing at some inside joke.”

  “I need to get my team and go back to the bar. If there are surveillance videos, we need to find every last one of them,” Miles said and left the room.

  Ricky glanced at Preslie and back toward Vikki. She was facing the wall and sobbing. “Vikki, baby, do you want to sit down?” He reached his hand forward and brushed his finger lightly across her shoulder.

  She jumped. “No, why won’t you leave me alone. I said no the first time.”

  “What the fuck did they do to you?” Ricky whispered.

  Twenty-four hours later…

  “Jesus. Did someone smash a glass against my head or something?” Vikki said and rubbed her temples.

  “Or maybe a bowling ball,” Ricky teased. He was sitting in a chair about a foot away from her bed. After they’d given Vikki a sedative, he’d asked to stay with her until she woke up.

  She turned his way. “Ricky? What are you doing here?” Vikki pulled the covers up higher and fisted her hands in the blanket by her chest.

  “I found you last night and just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

  “Found me? Where was I?”

  “Wait.” He stood up from the chair and stepped closer to the bed. “You don’t remember when I found you or when we arrived at the hospital?”

  “Should I remember?”

  “Well, I don’t know. We thought you would once you arrived here.”

  “We?”

  “Preslie, Miles, and myself.”


  She loosened her grip on the blanket. “Ricky, you’re scaring me.”

  “I’m sorry.” He reached back and pulled the chair closer to the bed. “Listen, you mentioned going to The Flying Monkey with Ella last night. Do you even remember that?”

  She sat there, fiddling with a loose thread on the corner of the blanket. When Vikki looked up, she said, “I do remember our car ride over to the bar, then everything goes blank.”

  “Let me go grab Preslie and let her know you’re awake.” Ricky realized he was in over his head at the moment. “Do you need anything?”

  “Just my memory.”

  “We’ll find it, I promise.”

  Just before Ricky left the room, she called, “Ricky.” Vikki reached for the cup of water on the little table beside her bed.

  “Yeah.”

  “Why did you volunteer to stay with me?”

  “I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

  She felt speechless. “Thank you.”

  He turned the handle, but before he opened the door, he said, “Let me get, Preslie.” She watched him turn back toward her. “Vikki, I’m sorry it took me this long to come to my senses.” Then he opened the door and disappeared.

  She flopped her head back against the pillow and closed her eyes. Her head hurt. Her legs hurt. Hell, everything hurt. One too many dirty martinis maybe.