by Piper Stone
Her face a beautiful warm blush, she waited until he was gone before leaning over the table. “That was unfair.”
I leaned over as well, folding my arms and staring into her eyes. “I never said I was a fair man.”
“Oh. You.”
Another laugh surfaced. What an enjoyable dinner.
“Bananas Foster. That was delicious.” She swung her arms back and forth as we walked down the street, still people watching as if it was an actual sport.
“But? And don’t lie to me, Acadia. There is always a but in your sentences.”
“I prefer an ice cream sundae. You know what I’m talking about. Three scoops of ice cream with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and bananas with a cherry on top. If you’re very good, you might get sprinkles.”
Sundaes. The word brought back too many horrible memories. When I remained quiet, she stepped in front of me.
“Did I say something wrong?”
“No, of course not.”
“You’re lying to me. I’m sorry if that bothered you. I did enjoy dinner.”
“You didn’t say anything wrong. I know an ice cream sundae far too well. That was Bella’s favorite food in the entire world.”
As with almost every moment with Acadia, when she took my hand, I was surprised. Maybe more so by the fact I didn’t stiffen this time.
We walked slowly until a thought suddenly came into my mind. “Would you like to surprise your biggest fan?”
“I don’t think I actually have any fans.”
“Oh, that’s where you’re wrong. Come on. Let’s surprise her.” As I dragged her across the street, she continued to dart glances in my direction.
“Should I be afraid?”
“Maybe. The woman you’re about to meet is almost exactly like you are. Feisty as hell.”
“I think that’s translated into a pain in the ass.”
I nodded several times. “Yeah. I think you’re right.”
“I told you that you are mean. Right?”
“Several times between you calling me a monster and a murderer.”
“Maybe I’ll have to come up with some different words to describe you.”
As we rounded a corner, a smile remained on my face. “I have no doubt you will.”
“An art gallery? Now I’m confused.”
“You’ll see. Let’s go inside.” I hadn’t been in the gallery since the pottery event for the love of Lucian’s life. In fact, I wasn’t very close to Angelique and I felt a hint of regret. I’d never been her favorite brother by a long shot. She called me aloof and uncaring. Another woman who was spot on about me.
After going inside, I could see Acadia’s eyes lighting up. Whatever artist Angelique was highlighting this week, the artistry was erotic in nature. Highly so. That didn’t surprise me in the least.
However, when Angelique didn’t pop out of the back room immediately, my hackles were raised.
“What’s wrong?’ Acadia asked, seeing the change in my expression.
I reached for my weapon before rethinking the decision. “Just stay here. I need to make certain everything is all right.” I didn’t wait for her answer, moving toward the back room. Then I heard noise.
Growling, I threw back the curtain, storming inside.
Then I nearly exploded.
“What. The. Fuck?”
The sight of Dimitri embracing Angelique pissed me off. I wanted nothing more than to beat the shit out of the man. How dare a Capo touch my sister.
Without hesitation, I yanked Dimitri away, tossing him against the wall and shoving my arm under his chin.
“What are you doing?” Angelique screeched.
“That’s my question. What the hell are the two of you doing? You know better.”
Dimitri held up his arms in acquiescence, but his dark eyes were cold and angry.
“I will never be good enough. Is that what you’re saying?” he managed.
I smashed my arm against his throat. “You aren’t allowed to touch her.”
“Get your hands off him, Vincenzo,” Angelique demanded, punching me in the kidneys.
Hissing, I glared at Dimitri. I knew he wasn’t the one to blame. My sister had been teasing him for years, acting as if he was fair game in a life that rarely allowed finding love, let alone selecting our mates. The thought hit me entirely differently.
“Vincenzo,” Acadia finally admonished.
I snapped my head in her direction, my initial reaction furious that she interfered with the family business. Then I backed down, releasing my hold. When I stepped away, Dimitri cursed under his breath, his Russian accent more intense than normal.
Snarling, I turned away, running my fingers through my hair, angry with myself that I’d reacted so strongly.
“My God, Vincenzo. Why would you attack Cristiano’s Capo? Dimitri has done nothing to you or anyone else in the family for that matter. Except protect us with his life. Besides, you have no right telling me who I can love and who I can’t.”
Love.
What the hell did my baby sister know about love?
I closed the distance, crowding her space. “You’re in love with him?”
Obviously perturbed by the question, she folded her arms and glared at me. “What the fuck do you care? Brother?”
“There is nothing going on between us, Vincenzo,” Dimitri said a few seconds later.
I hung my head, trying to squelch my anger. “I know otherwise. Does Cristiano know about this?”
“He’s not stupid,” Angelique snapped, blinking furiously. “Dimitri is right. It was only a kiss. Nothing more.”
“Does anyone want to explain what the hell is going on?” Acadia asked from the doorway.
“A family matter. Nothing more.” My answer was curt, much more so than she deserved.
“You need to apologize,” Angelique insisted. “And who is this girl? Your latest arm candy? That’s all you have in your life. Right? You could never love anyone but yourself.”
Her statement was riddled with innuendos, the same ones I’d heard for several years. I finally laughed. “Actually, I came here to surprise you.”
“Yeah? Well, you certainly did.” Angelique moved around me and directly in front of Acadia. “I don’t know who you are, but you need to stay the hell away from my brother. He’ll only destroy you piece by piece.”
The quiet that settled in the room was disarming.
Acadia didn’t back down, dropping her gaze from my sister’s shocking blue hair all the way to the combat boots she wore. “While I know you’re Vincenzo’s sister, that doesn’t give you the right to tell me who I should spend time with. That also doesn’t give you the right to judge him so harshly. Vincenzo is a good man. Whether or not you know it, he has a heart of gold, although it’s wrapped up in some kind of ridiculous armor. If I had to guess, I’d say the entire family acts the same way.”
My sister had never been known to back down from anyone. I anticipated a nasty scene as Angelique critiqued my little rebel, taking her time to study her intently. Then she smiled. “Wait a minute. She’s the one. Isn’t she?”
“The one?” Acadia questioned.
“Of course. My God. I’ve seen Cristiano go through this and Michael as well. Even Lucian, which shocked the shit out of me. He’s in love with you. I suspect you’re in love with him.” Angelique seemed pleased with herself, jumping up and down several times.
“No, we’re not in love. He could never love me. But that doesn’t mean he couldn’t love someone,” Acadia countered. She backed away, shifting into the main room.
“Who is she?” Angelique asked in a confrontational manner.
“Someone I thought you’d want to meet. Rebel from Rebel’s Cause?” I returned my attention to Dimitri. The Russian had never backed down to anyone. He didn’t owe me any loyalty, but he did to the family. However, he deserved an explanation at minimum. “I’m sorry that I overreacted, however, you will not date my sister without Cristiano’s approv
al. Got it?”
“Oh, I got it,” he said through clenched teeth.
“That’s not Rebel,” Angelique huffed. “I know all about Rebel’s Cause. I don’t know what you’re trying to prove, or maybe she duped you.”
I laughed, the entire situation ridiculous. “Why don’t you go ask her?”
“I think I will.” She stormed out of the room, flicking her hair before leaving.
I walked closer to Dimitri, taking several deep breaths. “You’re required to protect her. Not fuck her. Do you understand?”
“Clearly,” Dimitri huffed. “However, you should keep in mind that your sister is allowed to have the life she wants. That’s something the entire King family doesn’t seem to understand.”
My gut reaction was to fucking put a bullet in his brain, but through all my hatred and rage, I knew he was right.
The sound of Acadia’s voice drew my attention. It was the same song I’d heard from the night at the club in Texas. She was belting it out with gusto. I took a deep breath before moving into the other room.
Angelique was shifting back and forth, her eyes shimmering from delight. “You were right. That’s my Rebel. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you.”
“It’s the blonde wig.” Acadia continued to give me a harsh glare. “I’m glad you enjoy my music.”
“Forget what I said about my brother. Marry him.” Angelique had all forgotten about the altercation, but it was something I wouldn’t be able to put aside. If she entered into a relationship with Cristiano’s Capo, then there was a possibility my brother would be compromised, the relationship considered a weakness by our enemies.
A discussion would need to be had with Cristiano.
“Uh, that’s not going to happen,” Acadia laughed nervously, darting several looks in my direction. “I love the store.”
As they bantered on, I drew Dimitri aside.
“I wasn’t trying to disrespect your family,” he stated, refusing to look me in the eye.
“While I appreciate your service as I’m certain Cristiano does, you’ll need to take that up with him. I am going to give you a directive. You will honor it.”
He exhaled before turning to face me. “Of course.”
“There’s some bad blood out there. My gut tells me the family has been targeted in its entirety.”
“A past enemy.”
“Yes. If I’m right, then there could be an attempt made to harm Angelique. I don’t give a fuck about your feelings for her. Perform your duty. Protect her at all costs.”
Dimitri searched my eyes, as if attempting to dig past my anger. “In case you haven’t realized it, I will do so with my life, as I would do for any of you.”
“Fair enough, Russian. I will hold you to that.” I glanced out the giant plate glass window, the store located in a busy street. I suddenly felt uneasy, the bright lights of the gallery obstructing the full view of the darkened streets and buildings. “We need to go.”
“Hey, brother of mine. Did you ever apologize to Dimitri for your bullshit?” Angelique threw out.
“He doesn’t need to, Angelique. Your brother is right. I crossed a line, one that can never be crossed again.” Dimitri gave me a nod.
Angelique walked closer, lowering her voice so only I could hear. “You have no right to tell me what to do. None. From what I can tell, you care about that girl. If you do, then I suggest you yank the holier than thou stick from your ass before someone lights it on fire.”
As she walked away, I took a deep breath.
“Nice to meet you, Rebel. It was a lovely surprise,” Angelique added before moving toward the other room.
I took Acadia by the arm, pulling her toward the door.
“You can be such an asshole,” Acadia huffed, jerking away then yanking open the door and walking out.
I gave Dimitri one last commanding look before following her. “Acadia. Do not walk away from me.”
“What the hell do you care? Oh, yes. You have to run everyone’s life. Don’t you?” She continued to walk quickly and the moment I snagged her arm, she twisted forcefully then slammed her fist into my chest, the momentum enough that it pummeled both of us by several feet.
I’d always had an instinct, an innate split second prior to the onslaught of danger. As a cold chill shifted down my spine, I yanked Acadia’s arm, prepared to pull her away from the streetlight.
All time seemed to stop, the air ripped from my lungs.
Just as a shot was taken.
Pop!
“No. No. No!” I yelled, trying to reach for my gun as Acadia’s full weight fell against me, the light in her eyes immediately fading. As I backed away, her head lolled on my shoulder and in the shimmering light of the fluorescent fixture, I could see the ring of crimson forming on her back.
I pulled her down to the sidewalk, cradling her body in my arms.
Her beautiful, broken body.
And I tipped my head back and roared.
Chapter 13
Acadia
“Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.”
Jack Thorne
“You know I love you.” I could tell by the way he was staring at the ocean that he hadn’t heard my whispered words. A strange moment of sadness crept into my system. I wanted nothing more than to reach out for his hand, but another wave of fear prevented me from doing so. A man so dark could never love a woman like me. As I started to turn away, I was surprised when his hand reached for mine, grasping my fingers and squeezing. When he pulled me into his arms, a small moan escaped my lips.
“You shouldn’t love a man like me. I’ll do nothing but hurt you.”
“Will you hurt me? Is that what you want, to break me into little pieces?”
“Yes,” he said in a low, husky tone, fisting my hair as he stared into my eyes. “I want to lock you away so that no one ever touches you again. I long to feast on you every night, wrapping my arms around you to ensure you never get out of my grasp.”
“What makes you think I don’t want that?”
“Do you? Do you want to be consumed by a monster?”
I brushed my hand against the side of his face, caressing his skin. “You’re not a monster, just a man who’s been lost. But I found you and if you’ll let me, I’ll never let you go.”
His nostrils flaring, he pulled me onto my tiptoes, shaking his head slightly. “Be careful what you ask for, my little rebel. Because once you give in, there is no going back, no chance I’ll ever let you go.”
“Then don’t let me go. Keep me captured.”
A single tear slipped past his long lashes, slowly trickling down his face. “I love you, my sweet rebel.”
As he captured my mouth, my heart fluttered, his touch searing my skin. There was nothing like the taste of him, the man who’d protected me. Cherished me.
Saved me.
And I loved him with all my heart.
“Come back to me, Acadia. Please.”
I was yanked from the beautiful moment, swirling through a bleak darkness, my body twisting and turning as I struggled to fight my way to the surface. All I could hear was the sound of his voice calling to me.
“I’m here.” I was unable to make the plea, still sucked in a cold and horrible vacuum. A sudden beeping sound drew my attention. Where was I? What was happening?
Light.
There was a beautiful wash of light splashing over me.
I fought to breach the surface, lifting my arms as air filled my lungs. After a few seconds, I managed to open my eyes, still fighting to understand.
“I’m here,” I whispered meekly. Had anyone heard me?
“Vincenzo. She’s awake.”
The voice. I recognized the soft lilt but from where?
“Oh, my little rebel. My Acadia.”
Vincenzo.
Blinking, the light was almost too bright, the sounds echoing in my ears. I felt warmth against my skin, the touch gentle and comforting. A haze surro
unded my eyes, but slowly I began to focus.
Then I saw his face.
The man I loved. Mmm… But that couldn’t happen. He wasn’t romantic. This wasn’t a fairytale. Woozy, I tried to think straight but shadows continued to drift by my field of vision. Think. Think. Why was I here? But he was here with me.
Him.
“Hi,” I managed, my voice little more than a croak.
Vincenzo lifted his head, both hands holding one of mine. “Oh, God. I wasn’t certain you’d come back to me.” He rubbed his fingers across my forehead, shifting hair out of my eyes.
“What happened?” Wincing, I managed to glance around the room, the simple shift of my body painful. A hospital. My God. I tried to move, struggling to sit up, unable to remember anything.
“No. You need to rest. You’ve been through a hell of a lot,” he said in his commanding tone. I could barely see anything clearly, but I could easily tell he was terrified.
Of losing me?
No.
Wait…
“No. Rest. Fine. I’m…” Was I even speaking coherently?
“Maybe I should get a nurse.”
I lifted my eyes, noticing the woman standing over him. Long blue hair. Gorgeous cheekbones. Angelique. Oh, yeah. Dinner then the gallery. Walking outside… “No. No!”
“Shh… You’re okay. You’re in the hospital. You were shot.” Vincenzo kept his voice low, trying to calm my nerves. “You’re on a lot of painkillers so relax.”
I tried to move my legs. They weren’t working. No. No. No! I heard a yelp and realized it had come from my throat, but it didn’t sound like me.
“My legs. I can’t move them.” I panicked, thrashing in his hold.
Vincenzo sucked in his breath. Suddenly, he was standing over me, holding my arms. “Listen to me. You’re going to be just fine, but you can’t try and move right now.”
I was unable to breathe, gasping for air. Why I couldn’t remember what happened? “Please. Are you okay? What…”
Beeps and clicks.
