by Piper Stone
There was a full minute of silence.
“The great Vincenzo King,” he finally said. “I was told you’d be here.”
His statement confirmed what I already knew. Another chapter to the game. I cocked my head, studying him intently.
When I didn’t acknowledge his presence, he walked even closer. “Vincenzo King. I have a message for you.”
Inhaling, I curbed my anger before speaking. “From whom?”
“A man you shouldn’t have crossed.”
When Cobra took a step closer, I held out my arm. “As you can see, I’m finished with playing your game. I suggest you provide your message and I’ll give you one to return.”
He lowered his arms, the action forcing my soldiers to raise their weapons. “Every man has a weakness.”
I bristled hearing the few words but refrained from attacking him.
“It simply takes time and provocation in order to find the single flaw. He found yours,” he continued.
“For what purpose?” I hissed.
The asshole kept the smile on his face. “You took from him all the things he held dear. Now he’s returning the favor. You were warned. Now the time of reckoning is upon you. Tick. Tock.”
As his words settled into my system, I realized exactly what the person responsible was doing. He’d waited, baiting us with his lame attempt at destroying a portion of our business. That had never been his intent. Images flashed in my mind. Acadia’s face. Bella’s. The women my brothers loved.
And the beautiful children.
A sudden haze formed over my eyes, my heart racing to the point I couldn’t breathe. My God. We’d all been stupid, careless in our actions. “Take care of him. Send the fucker a message,” I told Cobra, already backing away, struggling to reach for my phone.
“Boss. Where are you going?”
“To stop the madness.” I turned, racing away from the dock, able to hear the asshole laughing. Nothing mattered any longer but getting back to New Orleans. My hand shaking, I managed to grab my phone just seconds before I heard the muffled sound of a single shot. I dialed my father’s number, disgusted that it went straight to his voicemail.
“Pops. You need to call me right now. Lock down the house. Make sure Mother is safe. If De Luca has a name, we need it now. But I already know. It’s Vendetti.” My instinct was never wrong. While it was always possible to send a message from prison, even while spending twenty-three hours a day in solitary confinement, the fact we had two loyal inmates inside watching the fucker as well as the guards didn’t bode well for my anger.
I flew through the parking lot, yanking out my key fob and unlocking the door. Once inside, I started and gunned the engine before calling the soldiers responsible for watching the jet. “Get the jet ready. I’m returning to New Orleans now.” I didn’t wait for an answer, merely dialed Cristiano’s phone number before rolling out of the parking lot.
“It’s almost three in the morning,” Cristiano huffed, exhaustion in his voice.
“You need to listen to me. The fucker is coming after our families, not the business. And it’s Vendetti.”
“That’s not possible. I already told you that.”
“Yeah? Well, I think you knew there was a goddamn chance and you never said anything. I could kill you right now for placing our family in danger. Whatever the fuck Father did to that family continues to burn deep inside Enrico.”
Cristiano hissed. “We need confirmation.”
“We need protection for our women and children, for God’s sake. I can’t reach Pops. At this point I don’t give a damn.”
“I know what to do. You’re coming back?”
“Fuck, yes. Then there is going to be hell to pay all around. If anything happens to Acadia, I’m going to hold you responsible.”
“Trust me, brother. Nothing is going to happen.”
“You’d better be right. Brother.”
I took a deep breath, clamping one hand tightly around the steering wheel as I dialed Alejandro’s number.
“Boss. What’s wrong?”
“I have a feeling there’s going to be another hit made on Acadia. Do not leave her door. Do you understand me?”
“What the fuck?”
“No time to explain. Just guard her with your life.”
“You know I will.”
Yeah, I did. I’d been a fool not to find out more about Enrico Vendetti and his purpose for the assassination attempt on my father’s life. Cristiano had been vague, allowing the man to walk away, even believing that by turning him over to Griffin Williams that he was doing the right thing. As if the damn prosecutor was going to stop at prosecuting a single man within the ranks of organized crime.
Griffin was out for blood, likely using any tactics he could. Fuck. Fuck!
I was blinded by anger, spots forming in front of my eyes. As I powered through the streets, running every red light, the rush of sensations was almost debilitating.
My mother had accused my father of being too blind to see, his arrogance his single weakness. The attribute ran in the family, every single brother following in my father’s footsteps. I’d allowed my desire to increase wealth, even notoriety to interfere with everything in my life.
Including my heart.
I couldn’t get images of Acadia out of my mind. Sick with anger, I was lightheaded. I would save her. The fucker wouldn’t take her from me. Goddamn it. I pressed down the accelerator, daring any officer of the law to interfere.
Minutes later, I rolled into the small airport, tires screeching as I rounded a corner. The soldier had heeded my demand, the plane standing ready. Barely getting the car into park and the engine shut off, I jerked open the door, racing toward the jet.
“You okay, boss?” my soldier asked.
“We’re leaving. Now.” I hopped on the plane, waiting impatiently as the door was closed, the pilot given the okay.
An hour flight.
It was an hour too long.
As the plane took off, I said a silent prayer to a God I’d never believed in. I only hoped that I hadn’t been completely forsaken given my blasphemy. I also made a promise to myself and to my beloved. If she was spared from my world and the darkness the King family had perfected, I would learn to become a better man.
Somehow.
Some way.
Five minutes out. No phone call. I was prepared to toss my cell phone against the side of the plane. As I paced the area, I played back everything that had happened over and over again. The one thing our father had taught us was that once an enemy had been identified, you never turned your back.
And you never left him alive to make another attempt.
Why Vendetti had been left alive was a great King secret. No more. Cristiano and my father were going to come clean.
When the phone rang, I snapped it to my face without bothering to look at the screen. “You better have answers.”
“You have your confirmation, at least from Luciano De Luca.”
I now heard the anxiety in Cristiano’s voice. “Where the hell is Vendetti?”
“Still trying to find that out. From what I know, he wasn’t released from prison.”
“Well, you damn well better. The plane is getting ready to land.”
“I’ll head for the hospital.”
While a part of me wanted him to take the brunt of my anger, there was no way I’d allow him to leave his lady and unborn child unprotected. “No. Don’t leave your house yet. If the asshole is prepared to finish what he started a year ago, he’s hired more assassins to help him in his endeavor.”
“Then they’ll all be killed.”
My entire world seemed to come to a screeching halt as the plane landed. A heavy weight remained in my gut as I raced to the car, every action I made stilted. Streetlights flashed in front of me as I raced toward the hospital. The pulsing lights only added to the apprehension. When I pulled into the parking lot, I didn’t give a shit I was parking in the emergency zone. I had to get to h
er. There was no doubt Vendetti would go after her first.
Refusing to wait for the elevator, I took the stairs two at a time, shoving my hands against the door then flying down the corridor. All I could think about was getting to her.
Acadia.
The woman I owned.
The woman who’d smashed through my armor.
The woman I loved.
As I approached, Alejandro stepped closer, a pensive look on his face. “Jesus. What the hell is going on?”
“We know who’s responsible. Have you seen anything?”
“Nothing out of the ordinary. The doctor just went in.”
The doctor. Not a chance in hell at almost four in the morning. With no hesitation, I ripped out my weapon and burst into the room. The man in a white coat stood over Acadia. I pointed the barrel toward the back of his head. “Get away from her.”
His hand was on her mouth and she was struggling, her hands ripping at his arms.
There was no movement, no sound. I inched to the left and closer. “I said. Get. The. Fuck. Away.”
His attention drawn away for a few seconds, my little rebel took the opportunity to punch him in the face. As he tumbled backwards, she refused to back down, lunging toward him and off the bed. When they both dumped on the floor, she continued to pummel him with one hand, her other wrapped around his wrist. In that hand was a syringe. There was no time to waste.
I took the shot, hitting him right between the eyes.
Chapter 15
Vincenzo
“Vengeance is in my heart, death in my hand. Blood and revenge are hammering in my head.”
William Shakespeare
Yelping, Acadia scrambled away from the carnage, crawling toward the wall.
Her legs were moving.
She was alive.
She was safe.
“It’s okay. Baby, it’s just me.” As Alejandro and the other soldier rushed into the room, I took long strides toward her, dropping onto the floor and yanking her into my arms. “You’re all right. Look at me. It’s Vincenzo.”
Gasping, she lifted her head, a smile crossing her face. “You saved me. Again.”
I cradled her against my chest, holding her tightly enough I feared I was crushing her. I closed my eyes, saying a thank you to whatever entity had allowed me to get to her in time.
“What happened?” Acadia asked as she clung to me. I found it hard to believe that there was no fear in her voice, just relief that she had her arms around me.
“Fucking Christ,” Alejandro hissed. “You okay, boss?”
“I’m fine. Get him the hell out of here and make certain no one comes in the room.” I heard the slight beeping sound from the fact she’d yanked out her IV. It was only a matter of time before someone attempted to get into her room. “Just hold on a second, honey. I’ll be right back.” I pulled away only long enough to turn off the machine. That would only buy us a short amount of time.
“My God,” she whispered. “I was dreaming you were killed. Then he was standing over me.” She stared at the fallen man, shaking her head.
“I’m so sorry I wasn’t here.” I dropped to the floor, shielding her view as Alejandro removed the asshole’s body. “Your legs.”
She hadn’t paid any attention to what she’d been able to accomplish. Shifting closer, she pulled one leg in front of her then the other. “I can feel them.”
“I’m so glad.” I snarled as I scanned the perimeter of the room, furious that I’d let my guard down. The entire family had.
Pushing away from me, she gave me a hard glare. “Tell me what’s going on?”
“Nothing you need to worry about.”
“Don’t do that, Vincenzo. Talk to me. I’m a big girl and obviously I can take care of myself.”
“Yes, you can. You’re one sassy little vixen.”
She huffed, lifting a single eyebrow. “I’m not a sassy vixen. I just refuse to allow some asshole to come into my room and try and kill me.” As if suddenly realizing what she was saying, she started laughing.
Chuckling, I pressed my hand against her cheek. “As far as what’s going on, it’s getting close to the end of the nightmare.”
“Is it? Won’t you always have a nightmare following you? Won’t there always be instances like this? I don’t know if I can take it, Vincenzo. I’m not programmed that way. I can’t stand the thought of worrying about if you’re going to be lying dead somewhere in a pool of blood. That’s not fair.”
“What are you saying?”
“What am I saying? Isn’t it obvious? I love you.” As soon as she said the words, she groaned and put her hand over her mouth.
“You love me, huh?” I couldn’t believe I was hearing the words, ones I never thought anyone would be able to say to me.
She hissed, rolling her eyes. “You’re so damn stubborn. Yes, I do, but I shouldn’t. I just… I don’t know, Vincenzo. I think I’m your weakness just like you are mine. There’s no room for someone in your life. There can’t be. Someone will always try to get to you through anyone you dare to care about. I mean, if you do. What am I saying? You don’t care about me. Well, maybe a little. And I’m rambling.”
“Something else I adore about you.” My lovely little rebel had no idea how cathartic her words truly were. I cupped the side of her face, rubbing my thumb back and forth. “Hear me. I love you, Acadia Chenault. While I can’t promise you that my world will be entirely different, I will try and do everything in my power to keep you from exposure to danger.”
I could tell by the glisten in her eyes that she was surprised at my words. Hell, they shocked the shit out of me. But I did love her. There was no use in denying it any longer.
“I don’t know if that’s going to be enough for me. We’re from different worlds. And I’m so tired. I don’t know what I’m saying.”
The beautiful woman with the heart of gold knew exactly what she was saying. So did I. As I gathered her into my arms, easing her back into bed, a part of me realized she was right. She was a weakness I couldn’t afford to have. I was the nightmare she couldn’t afford to live. After tucking her in, I thought about what needed to be done.
Revenge remained in my heart. There was no denying what had to be done, no matter the lengths that would need to be taken.
“You’re leaving again. Aren’t you?”
“Only for a short period of time. I’m not leaving town. There’s no need to any longer.”
“And my brother? Please tell me you didn’t kill him.”
I lowered my head, pressing my lips against hers, enjoying the few precious seconds of warmth.
She moaned, fisting my shirt. “You did.”
“No, I did not. As a matter of fact, your brother proved his worth as well as his loyalty. And I can tell how much he cares about you.”
“Maybe. I’m not sure I care.”
Who was I to tell her how to feel? “When I get back, I’m going to see about having you transferred to another facility, at least I can bring you home.”
“Home. I don’t have a home, Vincenzo. That’s your home. Remember, I’m just your toy.”
The words were said with bitterness, the sound haunted. Until the situation was solved, I couldn’t give her my full attention. I loathed the family business for that alone. “You’re much more than that, Acadia. Get some rest. All personnel will be required to show identification before they get into the room. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
She took a deep breath, purposely turning her head away.
I brushed my fingers down her arm and walked toward the door.
“Remember that you’re much better than you think you are,” she said quietly. “But you have to believe it.”
I remained with my hand on the door, thinking about her words. She really didn’t know me at all.
A kingdom.
My father had called our little family unit a kingdom from the time I could remember. While he’d told grandiose stories by a roaring fire, pretending
as if our kingdom was just as important as any other monarchy. I’d regaled in the stories as a child, but I’d come to realize over the years that we were kings of our own making.
Except our crowns were constructed of blood and thorns.
I’d never been called a prince, my older brother taking that title long before I was born. I was simply the middle child, the one who watched as my brothers had gotten the accolades as well as the love from my father. Had I been jealous? Fuck, yes. Now that Cristiano was in charge, I had the distinct feeling that he was consumed with regret and constant fear.
Fear of losing the woman he loved, a child he’d yet to christen.
Acadia’s words remained in the back of my mind. In order to truly love someone, you had to give all of yourself. But in our family, I wasn’t entirely certain that was even possible.
I’d always known there were secrets within the family, ugly tales required to remain in dark places. If our enemies discovered those secrets, they would use them in order to drive our less than perfect world into extinction. My father was a private man who’d mostly kept to himself. He’d never been forthcoming in stories regarding how he and Mother had gotten together. All of us knew the topic was off the table.
However, I’d bugged my father constantly to hear more about a grandfather I’d never met. He once told me I reminded him of the great man. When he did, I’d seen sadness in his eyes.
Now my brother held secrets. Maybe we all did. Maybe that was another aspect of our way of life. However, this secret had come back to haunt us for a second time.
There would not be a third.
“The man I just eliminated was not Vendetti,” I snarled. “Just another asshole doing his bidding.” I hadn’t bothered to call. I’d simply appeared in Cristiano’s doorstep. If another incident would have occurred within the family, I would have heard about it.
For once, my brother appeared exhausted, as if the worry regarding the entire family was a boulder he’d forced himself to carry. “I heard.”
“I’m sure you did. Two minutes later and Acadia would likely be dead, although I will admit that she gave the asshole a good fight.”
