Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 75585 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75585 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“I would not ask that,” my father said.
Lucien rose from his desk and walked over to the long window where he could look out on the courtyard behind his family’s townhome. I took the chance to glance behind me at Lucien’s brother Angelo and our cousin Devil. They were watching him, clearly assessing what he was thinking. The three of them were very close, and I had no doubt that if we angered Lucien, the two of them would be on us in a moment.
Our odds against them were not good.
As the silence grew longer, the air seemed to press down on me. I wasn’t going to give in without a fight. if I lost everything over this, then so be it. I would fight to the death to protect Liam.
When Lucien turned back to the room, his gaze landed on me. “I’m ready to hear from you, Valentino. Tell me why I should go to so much trouble for this young man who owes us. Why does he deserve my help?”
“I love him.” For just a moment, Lucien’s eyes widened. He recovered quickly, returning his expression to neutrality. I shouldn’t have told him before I said the words to Liam. I needed to tell him as soon as I could.
“Do you love him or are you obsessed with him?”
Devil made a sound like he was suppressing a laugh. Lucien scowled at him. “That’s enough.”
From what I understood, Lucien had been wildly obsessed with his boyfriend, Peter, when they’d first met. He’d fallen fast and hard. I was counting on him remembering how that felt and thinking what it would be like if Peter was in danger and needed protection.
“At first, I thought it was just obsession, just a desire to possess, but then I realized it was more than that. I would die for him.”
Lucien didn’t speak. He just studied me, clearly assessing what I said.
Angelo cleared his throat, and Lucien turned to him. “Do you think you’re in charge here?”
“You know Val’s telling the truth. You can hear it in his voice. We’ve all been there.”
Lucien glared at his brother before turning back to me. “Let’s go see the O’Keefes.”
“Now?” Lucien’s glare let me know it wasn’t my place to question him.
Devil spoke next. “Are we just going to show up with no invitation?” He sounded eager rather than disapproving.
“There’s no reason to give them warning.” Lucien said. “Valentino, you will come with us. Dominic, I know you would prefer to stay behind.”
My father nodded. “Yes, thank you for understanding.”
“Why expose our family’s most mysterious weapon when we can keep everyone guessing?”
My father gave him a rare smile.
“We need a good showing of numbers,” Lucien continued. “Vito and Tony can accompany us as well.”
I didn’t like that plan. “Sir, Tony is with Liam now. I don’t want to leave him alone.”
“I’ll look after Liam,” my father said.
I froze. The last thing I wanted to do was subject Liam to my father without me there as a go-between.
“I’m certain one of the guards could—”
“I said I would take care of it.” My father’s tone made it clear I was not to argue. All I could do was pray Liam would still want to be with me after the encounter. I knew my father wouldn’t hurt him physically, but emotionally, I couldn’t be sure.
38
LIAM
Ilooked down at the text I’d received from Val.
Meeting with your family soon. Tony is needed with me. My father will take care of you. Don’t be afraid to stand up to him. He won’t hurt you.
I stared at the phone with my heart beating wildly, no longer able to breathe.
“Liam?” Elio said. “Are you okay?”
Tony’s phone buzzed before I managed to respond. He looked up, confusion on his face. “Lucien wants me with him. Dom is going to take over watching Liam. A car with one of his guards is on the way.”
“I’ll go with Liam,” Elio said.
Tony shook his head. “Liam has to go alone. That was made clear.”
I tried to speak, but my mouth was too dry for words to come out. I swallowed and tried to take a breath, but my lungs felt constricted.
Elio laid a hand on my shoulder. “You can do this. He just wants to meet you and probably test you. Stand up to him and stay strong.”
I wanted to ask questions to find out what they knew about Dominic, but the doorbell rang before I could say anything other than “thank you.”
Tony motioned for me and Elio to stay back. He checked the peephole with his hand on his weapon. He must have recognized the man who stood outside because he unlocked the door and opened it.
A big man in a black suit stepped into Val’s apartment. He nodded to us in greeting, then turned to Tony. “I’m here for Liam. I was instructed to tell you to drop Elio at home and meet Lucien and the others at headquarters.”