by Aria Ford
The front porch step creaked under my weight, and I held Aya close to my side. Anxiety thrummed between us like a physical current, but for the moment I ignored it to grab the door handle. Her proximity did nothing to soothe the writhing, black mass that festered inside me, but she brought me a comfort.
As long as she was close to me, Sylvi wouldn’t shoot her. As long as I didn’t make the mistake of thinking distance would help, she would be safe.
Safety- it was a strange notion. Wanting this woman safe, to keep her safe, was a desire I’d never felt before. Drawing my brows together, I pursed my lips as her hot, shallow breath flowed down my arm. Vengeance danced with desire in my chest, slithering down to my hand to twist.
In the pre-dawn hours the house was quiet, but I knew it was an illusion. Swirling shadows and whispers betrayed the stillness, and a gruff noise lodged in my throat. My hand swung to wrap comfortably around my gun pommel, finger itching for the trigger even as a wave of irony slammed into me.
Sylvi’s home had never felt so uninviting before, and a grimace painted my face as I dragged my feet across the threshold. Aya clung close to my side, her heart sputtering and starting against me. My gaze narrowed on the gloom, searching for the faintest hint of light, the tiniest shimmer of movement. Carefully maneuvering through the living room, I held my breath behind barred lungs before a shuffling sounded from the second floor.
“Luciano- holy shit. You’re not going to believe this.” Half hanging over the banister, Tyler motioned towards himself with stiff movements. His expression terse, eyes narrowed; even in the dark he looked annoyed and somewhat shocked. Grinding my teeth together, I hauled Aya up behind me as I took the stairs two at a time. She stumbled against my back, her little breaths culminating in a gasp. The sound echoed in my ears, and I glanced back at her pensive, tight face to grimace.
“So, before we get to the safe, I figured out why Aya’s parents were doing drugs in the first place.” Tensing up at the topic, I clenched my jaw as the three of us crowded into Tyler’s little room. Dropping into his chair, he crossed his long legs and slouched while Aya sidled up next to me. I couldn’t bare to look at her face, knowing exactly what I’d see. With each passing moment my heart rate doubled and my chest tightened until I was no longer breathing.
“They were trying to get pregnant. Ever since she was 7. First they tried to do it the old fashioned way. Then, three years later, they started IVF. Ten treatments over two years- ten takes- ten miscarriages before the fourth month. They were doing drugs because their losses and failures were too much.” Finally look down, I took in the stoic, detached expression Aya wore through narrowed eyes. Anxiety buzzed in my veins, but she seemed more nervous being in an unfamiliar room than anything else. “It was the mother’s fault- she just couldn’t carry. I dug into it a little. Found out it’s genetic, which means Aya will have a hell of a time. Probably for the best.”
Facing the harsh lights, Aya looked as pale as a corpse while I was struggling to keep myself from melting. The force of the heat bubbling inside me squeezed my heart, and I tightened my grip on her arm.
No children. Probably for the best. Vivid green eyes met mine, and I sucked in a sharp breath before forcing myself to look away. Aya was empty, as if what she’d just heard was incredibly sad but had nothing to do with her. Clearing my throat, I turned my gaze to Tyler while he observed silently, his pupils mere points.
“Fine. Tell me about the safe.” Gruff, my demand sounded tight even to my ears, and I pursed my lips tightly together. What the fuck is wrong with me? The question blared in my mind’s eye; Aya wasn’t affected by any of this, so why was I?
“Uh, well, there was more money. Another $10 million was found in the safe in bank notes. When Marco brought back the urn, I checked the date of death- which is fake, but the name and date of birth are real. Carl Montoya. I managed to track down an alias of his out in Vegas. Seems like he faked his death.” Tapping a few keys, Tyler brought up a photo on one of the monitors. The man was unremarkable in looks, with bland brown eyes and dead hair that curled around his ears. His longish face was gaunt, but he couldn’t be older than 25.
“I don’t know how he’s connected with Trevor yet, but you should probably take Aya to the law firm and talk to the partner- see if the name rings a bell. I’ll do some more digging. Luciano…” Snapping to Tyler, my eyes narrowed at the grim expression on his face. “Marco wanted to see you.”
An itch shot down my arms to settle in my knuckles, and I curled them into fists. Turning on my heel, I grabbed Aya’s bicep to pull her out of the room. Slamming the door behind us, I let out a hot breath and tried to get my pounding heart under control. Soft hands trailed up my chest, and my cheek twitched at the sensation. Pressing her lips against my jaw, she pressed against me as the feel of her sucked the tension from my body.
“What now, Luciano?” Her question flowed down my neck, and I released her arm to wrap my around her back. My mind churned, torn between dropping this whole thing and seeing it through. Aya had been through enough- Trevor was dead, the Russians were out of the picture, and she had no more enemies left. She had $30 million and nothing to tie her down.
Nothing but me, and I sure as fuck wasn’t going to let her go.
“You need to eat and rest your feet.” Palming Aya’s hips, I hauled her off the floor to wrap her legs around my waist. Tiny spots of blood seeped through the bandages, and an irritated grunt past my lips. “Marco can wait.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
AYA
Staring at Luciano’s passive expression, I nibbled diligently on my bottom lip as deep, even breaths flowed from his nose. For once his brow was smooth, and the thin lines that marred around his mouth were absent. Smiling at how peaceful he seemed, I set my head back down on his shoulder to take a deep lungful of his smell.
“I told you to rest, mia Aya…” Luciano’s rumbling words were more felt than heard, and he shuffled onto his side to throw his arm around my waist. His expression never changed, and my smile widened at the notion that I was the cause of his peace. “Ragazza ostinata.”
“Will you teach me?” In the dark silence of my room my whisper was loud, and Luciano opened his eyes. His orbs twinkled with black light, and I wiggled closer as he let out a half groan, half sigh.
“Vai a dormire. Go to sleep.” Irritation leaked into his husky tone, and Luciano pushed his knee between my legs. The coarse hairs that covered his arm tickled my side, and I carefully mouthed the words he spoke before he reached to thumb my lips. “Why are you still here?”
My eyes widened at Luciano’s grumble, and I stiffened while his expression screwed. Jumping into my throat, my heart throbbed wildly as butterflies fluttered in my belly. No thoughts came to my mind no matter how furiously it worked, and I sucked my lips between my teeth, a crease forming between my brows.
“I- I don’t understand…” Panic slammed into my chest, and my ribs buckled from the force of it. Pulling me flush against him, Luciano’s hard body knocked the air from my lungs. His grunt was soft under the blood rushing in my ears, and I curled my hands into fists. Colorful spots dotted the void we were immersed in, and I blinked hard before coarse fingertips brushed my cheek.
“Stop panicking, Aya.” Softly caressing my hot face, Luciano’s command settled over me like a thick, heavy blanket. Dampening my anxiety, he nudged his knee farther up my inner thighs as he leaned close to me. “Tell me why you’re sti-“
“I love you!” Gasping loudly, I clamped my palms over my mouth as Luciano froze, turning cold like stone against my front. Tearing my eyes from his, I squeezed my lids shut even while his gaze bored into my crown. Dark, violent tremors slid down my spine, but I felt like a weight had been lifted from my chest.
Holding myself very still, I waited with screaming lungs for him to say or do something- anything. It was torture, the silence pounding against my skull.
“… Good…” Sneaking to cup the back of my head, Luciano’s palm w
as warm and strong when he tucked me tenderly under his chin. My breath escaped in a gust, and I relaxed into his body before he spoke up again. “Now, go to sleep.”
In the silence my mind worked at a pleased leisure, and a smile once again stretched my lips. Closing my eyes, I took a deep, calming breath as Luciano’s began to even out. Everything would be okay as long as I was right here; there was no doubt in my mind about that. His arms around me provided safety even in this war zone of a house. Not even Sylvi could get to me. Luciano was strong, warm, like a living wall that kept me in and everyone else out.
Alarm slithered up my spine, pulling me from my peaceful slumber with a violent jerk. Shooting up to sit, I tensed at the absence of protective arms around me. The place next to me was stark, and my heart beat harder in its cage. Looking around wildly, my eyes widened at the large body that lounged in a chair that hadn’t been here when I went to sleep.
The sun illuminated taut, tanned skin that covered thick muscle, but the longer I stared the more my gut churned. Long legs supported a lazy slouch, and my gaze flickered up to the multitude of tattoos etched into his flesh. Gulping down the lump in my throat, I held my breath before finally reaching his face. Intense, piercing, brown eyes met mine, and a shiver lodged between my shoulder blades.
“You’re awake.” Dropping to his lips, my eyes widened at how familiar he seemed, and he pushed himself up from his seat with the grace of a predator. “I’m Marco. Luciano told me to look after you.”
“Luciano did?” Clenching my jaw tightly, I scooted back when Marco stilled, like a lion whose prey had started to amble away. His calculating eyes scanned my form, and I pulled my knees to my chest. Slowly he stalked towards me, each step palpitating my heart and sending a shudder through my lungs.
“Yes. He doesn’t trust Sylvi, and I suppose it’s with good reason. That little shit has a grudge against you for taking away his best friend.” Stopping at the edge of the bed, Marco smirked even as his words rattled my brain. “I can understand it, but he should’ve just killed you. Now he’s just gone and made it worse, hasn’t he? Just goes to show that anyone that isn’t dead is a problem.”
The headboard stopped my retreat, and I cringed when Marco leaned down close to my face. His breath smelled like mint and eggs, mixing with whatever cologne he was wearing to send air into my skull. Boring into me, his gaze narrowed into fine points before he finally straightened.
“Don’t be nervous, ragazza di coniglio. The last thing I plan to do is throw myself in with a fucking idiot like Sylvi. Luciano will be back for you soon. I’ll be gentle with you, I promise.” Sauntering back to his chair, Marco dropped down heavily. His low grunt pushed stale air from my lungs, and I sucked in a breath as he jostled himself into a slouch. “I’m more than happy to simply look after you for the time being, ragazza di coniglio.”
Seconds ticked by in silence before I convinced my muscles to move, and I threw my legs over the side of the bed away from Marco. Staring down at my dress, I pursed my lips together as the lightly colored fabric brought back memories I just wanted to forget. Scowling lightly, I stood up to make my way into the bathroom as the dress irritated my skin.
It wasn’t as soft as Luciano’s shirts, and I shut the door behind me before slipping out of it.
Sweat and grime peeled from my skin in layers under the burning hot waterfall, and I lifted my arms over my head to turn my face to the shower head. The onslaught was welcome, and a small smile picked up my lips as heavy drops trailed down my chest and back. Steam started to build in the glass box, heating the tiled walls. Grabbing a bottle of shampoo, I carefully poured out its contents before working it into my hair with robotic movements.
Peeking out of the bathroom, my wandering eye easily caught sight of Luciano as he leaned on the footboard of my bed. His large, muscular body was swathed in a dark gray suit, and my tongue sneaked out to moisten my lips. Images flashed through my mind’s eye of what was underneath his clothes, and heat suffused my cheeks.
“Aya…” Jumping at the call, I blinked away my thoughts to fine Luciano watching me. His dark eyes shone with expectancy, and my face flamed as he clenched and released his jaw. “Let’s go.”
Squeezing out of the crack in the door, I smoothed my dress absently before Marco appeared in my peripheral. Stepping close to Luciano, he playfully punched his shoulder while my gaze slid between them. The similarities were shocking, and I sucked my lips between my teeth as Marco spoke up.
“You’re being rude, Luc. Tell her she’s very beautiful in her little, purple dress.” My eyes widened at the deep, dark scowl Luciano shot Marco, and his eyes scanned me from head to toe. The banter was almost playful, and shock blew up my pupils as they flickered from one to the other.
They’re siblings.
Stiffening at the realization, I dug my toes into the carpet as goosebumps washed my arms and chest. Across the room Marco turned his attention to me, a knowing smirk slipping between his cheeks.
“Luciano is my big half-brother- we share the same father. Although, I chose this life, while h-”. Cut off by a sharp shove, Marco stumbled lithely before Luciano stomped over to me. Tingles shot down my spine, and I gasped when he grabbed my arm. His gentle caress was a distant memory as he glared at his brother.
“Fuck off, Marco.” Pulling me towards the door, Luciano shoved past his half-brother as I gnawed on my cheek. “… or you’ll eat a bullet.”
“It’s not the first time you’ve shot me, Luc. I’m just excited to see that little wimp get the shit beaten out of him.” Behind us Marco clapped his hands, and I jumped closer to Luciano. Pressing against his side, I shivered at his brother’s gleeful tone. Licking my lips, my tongue caught on the crackled, dried skin before he glanced down at me. Luciano’s gaze bored into my crown, and I peeked up at him through my lashes. The hallway was ending, but he didn’t look away until we stopped at the top of the stairs.
The stairway looked steeper than I remembered, and I inched back as wooziness washed over me. Still holding my arm, Luciano tugged gently to catch draw my attention. His eyebrows were furrowed, concern deepening the creases around his mouth as he frowned. Blood flushed my cheeks, and I held my breath when he tugged me to him.
“I’ll carry you.” Carefully picking me up, Luciano dragged his palm down my leg to rub my foot. The tender gesture melted my heart, and I rested my head on his shoulder with a small smile. His touch prompted no pain, not even the slightest twinge, and he blew out a hot breath before descending the stairs.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
LUCIANO
Lunch was quiet, and my skin prickled with the nervousness radiating from Sylvi. He knew he fucked up, and a vicious satisfaction ripped through my chest. Squeezing Aya’s thigh, I leaned back in my chair to stare at a man I no longer recognized.
Not a man- just a pig.
Gnashing my teeth at the thought, I tightened my grip on my fork as Sylvi struggled to eat a single bite. The air was electric even though he wouldn’t meet my eye, and I suppressed a smirk as he squirmed in his seat. I’d never seen him so fidgety before, but he’d never pissed me off so much. Everything about Sylvi was neat, just like always; it was just his expression, his eyes, that gave him away.
“Cagna-!” Tyler’s harsh curse pulled my attention, and my gaze flickered to him as he shuffled in his seat. His sneakered foot shot out, and disgust twisted his face. Soft fingertips crept over the top of my hand as a pained squeal bounced across the table. I couldn’t see the whore he kept on her knees, and that was a relief.
“Get the fuck out of my sight.” Pushing himself up, Tyler wiped his jeans roughly while the sound of knees on hardwood pounded against my ears. His glare was hard and hot when he sent it Sylvi’s way, his eyes blazing and face contorting even more. “You just had to fuck everything up, Sylvi. And don’t even try to make up some shitty excuse. If you were pissed Aya took your man candy, you should’ve shot her- not tried to get her to run away. Seriously, how fucking stup
id are you?”
Next to me Marco chuckled lowly, and my fingers itched to reach for the gun tucked against my back. Instead I grabbed Aya’s arm, rubbing her frail, smooth wrist as I watched the drama unfold. Glancing over, I ground my teeth together at her pink cheeks and slight smile. She wasn’t pay attention to anything beyond her chicken salad and me, trusting me to be vigilant about her.
Rubbing my thumb over the top of her hand, I tore my gaze from her to beat back the twitch in my lips.
“Don’t blame me for your inability to train your whores properly, Tyler.” Grumbling from his seat, Sylvi drew my line of sight as he pushed around his food with his fork. He didn’t try to defend himself from the accusations, and Tyler groaned harshly before stomping towards the door.
“You’re so fucking insecure about your personal life- it’s insane.” Stalking out of the room, Tyler hissed out curse after curse before his footfall softened into nothing. The dining room was quiet, tense, and I pushed my loaded fork past my teeth before turning to my brother.
Marco had the nastiest smirk painting his face, his hands clenching and releasing on either side of a plate he hadn’t touched. I could see the images he conjured up in his mind, thinking of all the ways Sylvi would get what he was owed.
But I’m going to make him sweat a little longer.
The tension rose with each passing minute, and I set my fork down with a clatter before standing. Tugging Aya out of her seat, I rubbed my jaw with my free hand on my way out of the dining room. I couldn’t think of anything but smashing Sylvi’s face with him so close, but there were other things I had to do today.
I needed to take Aya to her dead father’s law firm. That knowledge twisted my face in annoyance, and I snatched my keys from the rack. It’d been months, and I kept putting off bringing her back.
“Where are we going?” My car roared to life before Aya posed her question, and I jerked on the gear before tossing her my pack of cigarettes wordlessly. Rolling down my window as we rolled out of the driveway, I adjusted my grip on the wheel to lean back into my seat. The smell of cigarette smoke plumed, and she waited patiently for me to take it between my lips.
