Page 28 of Diamond

He blinks in surprise. “You have a daughter?”

I nod. “They said I was an unfit mother. My ex, he planted drugs and made up lies about me, but none of it was true. He did it to hurt me. They took my baby away. When I saw you with Charlotte—” Tears leak from my eyes at my confession. “Yes, I spied on you after our first encounter, and I’m sorry for that, but she reminded me so much of Annalise when she was that age.”

I don’t know what I expected, but he brushes away the tears with his thumbs. “I would never judge you because of your past, Diamond. I know the system is set up to fail the vulnerable, especially women. I know you have a good heart. I believe every word you said.”

“You don’t have to just say that because you’re still inside me.”

“I’m not,” he says, lifting himself slightly. His blue eyes shine in the darkened room. “Exes can be shitty people. I hope he got what was coming to him.”

“He did,” I say, “but it took years and the help of Bane from the Ridgehaven Hellions. I finally got her back, but she was a teenager by then. I’ll never forgive myself. I guess that’s why I’ve pushed away whoever got too close. I was scared.”

His eyes soften. “How is your relationship with her now?”

I smile softly. “It’s fantastic. She holds no grudges, and she understands. I still remember the day he took her. There wasn’t a thing I could do about it. If I’d have known sooner, I would’ve run away with her.”

“The love you have for a child is different,” he says quietly. “There is nothing you won’t do to keep them safe, but you have to forgive yourself. What matters is the present, not the past.”

“You’re right, but it’s taken me a long time to come to terms with that. I really thought you having a daughter and being on the outs with your ex—” I pause, swallowing sheepishly. “I thought you’d believe the lies… It’s still on my record, though it was all false. I fought hard, but with Annalise? I had to go through the legal channels. Hiring a hitman wouldn’t cut it.”

“I’m glad you got her back,” he says. “I’d love you to meet my little girl.”

My eyes blink in surprise. “Really?”

He pecks me on the lips. “You have to meet her sometime, right?”

I wrap myself around him even tighter. “Did anyone ever tell you you’re quite the smooth talker?”

He grins. “Like I said before, I’ve been called worse.”

EPILOGUE

NASH

One week later

My daughter smiles at Diamond, excitement on her face. Today is her first riding lesson, and the smaller pony, Jessie, is still a little big for her, but I trust Diamond. Charlotte’s face lights up, and honestly? My kid’s a natural. She’s always been like this: fearless.

We thought it best that we introduce Charlotte to Diamond slowly, and the ranch was the perfect backdrop. I know Charlotte was all gun-ho about me dating, but she’s seven. Diamond and I both agreed that we need to get to know each other better because it’s a big step when kids are involved. Not that I’m not ready; I am. I’m holding back because I want to give Diamond space and time.

The night she confessed about her own daughter being taken away made me not just sorrowful for her predicament, but I saw her in a whole new light. Now I understand why she tries to save every woman who comes into her life. In some ways, she sees her own child, and herself, in those women—some of them never had a voice. It makes me love her all the more.

Yeah, I’m kidding myself if I think this is just some fling that I’ll get over. There isn’t any getting over Diamond Velente. She’s the one for me. The more time we spend together, the more I know. The more I feel it in my bones.

The Lanzetti war may just be starting. No matter what happens, I will protect Diamond from anyone who tries to hurt her, this ranch, or her Stiletto Riders.

You could say I’ve fallen hook, line, and sinker for this raven-haired beauty, and I’m helpless to stop it.

“Daddy, Daddy!” Charlotte calls out as she holds the reins, a big grin on her face. She’s so cute all decked out in her riding gear. “Look at me!”

“I see you, honey!” I shout back, waving.

Diamond beams down at her. “I think Cookie really likes you.”

Diamond had to explain, over several giggles from Charlotte, that Cookie was indeed the horse’s real name.

It’s early days. I know that, but I can’t help but wonder what the future may hold. One thing is for sure… I’m not gonna let this woman go. She’s strong, capable—and sometimes downright scary—but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Our eyes meet across the ring, and I give her a chin lift.