The Rossi Brothers

by J. L. Beck

  “Sure, this way,” Keira beams and leads her to the back.

  My gaze flickers to the girls on stage. I expect to find them dancing, but instead, they are all looking at me like I lost my fucking mind.

  Jesus Christ. I definitely need a drink. As I sit back down in the chair, the side entrance door opens again. Diego fist bumps Hero as he walks through the door.

  I smile. “Hero, you just missed the show. We had some great girls audition today. Would’ve been nice to have your help selecting a few.” I smirk, wiggling my eyebrows. Elyse walks closely behind him.

  He shakes his head, disgust filling his features. “Next time. Maybe.”

  Elyse apparently doesn’t think anything I’ve said is funny and elbows him in the ribs. He holds his side, pretending it hurts, and I almost roll my eyes. As much as I hate affection of any sort—except showing Keira love—I really do care for Hero and Elyse…which is weird to think about since I tried to kill Elyse at one point.

  “Keira just took the wedding planner lady to my office. They’re making final decisions today or something,” I tell Elyse with a shrug. I pretend like I have no clue what’s going on, but I’ve helped Keira select everything she wanted for our wedding, down to the damn napkin color.

  Elyse smiles, but I still see the lingering sadness in her eyes. Even though me helping track Hero’s father down probably saved her life, I still don’t think she likes me very much, but she tolerates me, and that is good enough in my eyes. She’s been through hell and back, and I cannot imagine how I would feel if something like what happened to her happened to my Kiera.

  “Yay. Let me go help them then.” Elyse gives Hero a kiss on his cheek before heading toward the office.

  Hero sinks into a chair beside me and watches Elyse walk away. Once she’s out of earshot, he speaks. “I’ve never really thanked you for what you did that day. I mean, without you, I might have gotten there too late.” I hear the anguish in his voice. Finding her like that broke him, ripped him apart inside, almost more than killing his stepfather.

  “You’re welcome.”

  “While she was in the hospital, we found out she’s pregnant.”

  My eyebrows lift in surprise at his confession. Holy fuck, Hero is going to be a father? The idea seems ridiculous, but the more I let it sink in, the more it makes sense. Hero and Elyse are having a baby. Keira and I are getting married. Two ideas that would have been nothing more than a joke a few month ago are now a reality.

  “Congratulations, Hero.” I slap his back, recalling when he told me loved her. How stupid I thought he was. Now look at me. Funny how karma comes around.

  Hero smirks. “You're next.”

  I shake my head. “No. I want to enjoy Keira for a while on my own.” I don’t dive into the technicalities of the marriage. I’m sure Hero has thought up his own reasons for it, reasons that probably make me look crazy as hell being that the last time he saw me with her I was a raging dick.

  “I didn’t think I’d want kids. Like ever. Not after everything with my own father.”

  I clench my fist, understanding far fucking more than he thinks. “Love changes people,” I state, looking him head on.

  “Sure fucking does,” he chuckles.

  I guess it’s never too early for a glass of whiskey—not with all the happiness surrounding us. It’s almost like we’re fucking normal, instead of overrun with crime and drugs.

  “Candy, bring me two glasses of whiskey, please,” I yell over my shoulder.

  Hero’s eyes go wide. “When did you start saying please?”

  I grit my teeth. Fuck, he noticed.

  “Recently. I’m trying to be fucking nicer to people. Not everyone deserves my dick tendencies—or at least that’s what Keira says.”

  I can tell Hero thinks it’s funny as hell, but he’s just as whipped and in love with his woman as I am.

  Candy appears with two glasses of whiskey. I grab one and hand the other to Hero. He eyes me for a moment, waiting until Candy is out of earshot, then he lifts his glass for a toast.

  “To being pussy whipped.” The shit eating grin is a permanent fixture on his face, and I can’t fucking believe I’m toasting to this.

  I shake my head and raise my glass to his, and we clank them together. “To being pussy whipped.”

  The whiskey burns my esophagus, blanketing my belly in warmth.

  “Are you excited to be married?” Hero asks after downing his drink in one gulp. He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. He’s still working for me, but not as much as before—and I understand why now.

  I shrug. “It’s marriage. I doubt anything between me and Keira will change.”

  “Do you love her?’

  His question hits me right in the chest. I've never confessed to anyone but Keira how much she means to me. I don't plan on hiding it from anyone, but I don’t want to make it known either.

  If hiding my feelings from everyone but her protects her, then that's what I'll do.

  “Yes. At first, I wanted to hate her because she got under my skin and refused to listen to me.” I think back to how big of a pain in the ass she was.

  God, she was a thorn in my side.

  “Yeah, I can relate. Our women fight tooth and nail even when we’re trying to do the right thing by them.”

  “That's what we should've toasted.”

  Hero laughs. Then the ringing of my cell interrupts our conversation. My mood sours as soon as I see Xander’s name flash across the screen.

  “What?” I growl, trying to sound as annoyed as possible.

  Of course Xander completely ignores my attitude—which pisses me off even more.

  “Damon, I need you to come to the mansion. We have some important matters to discuss, and you should bring Keira as well.”

  It’s enough that he’s commanding me. Now he wants to tell Keira what to do as well.

  My annoyance turns into anger. I hate that he has such a hold over me. I need to find a way out of this mess. But for now, it will be best to keep him happy.

  “We’ll be there tomorrow night.”

  “I would prefer you come today.”

  He's not asking, he’s telling.

  But I have something with Keira planned—something far more important than meeting my brother’s needs.

  “Well, I’d prefer not to come at all, but we both know how that would go over…so how about we come tomorrow?”

  “Suit yourself.” His tone is clipped.

  My mouth pops open—a response is on the tip of my tongue—but I don't get to say shit because, like always, the bastard hangs up.

  What the fuck was that?

  I shake my head, slipping my phone back into my pocket. If I look confused, Hero doesn't say shit.

  “All done,” Keira chirps behind me. When she comes into view, I see a huge smile on her face. Her eyes are bright and full of happiness. I hide my features and smile back at her. The unease I feel from talking to my brother consumes me.

  My brother’s a dick, but he doesn't do shit or ask for shit unless it’s truly needed.

  Maria joins us. “Yes, Mr. Rossi, we are all set. This will be a beautiful wedding. I think you will be very pleased with the outcome.”

  Of course. After all, she's getting a big fat paycheck when this is over.

  I’ve drowned out the dancers on the stage—as have Hero and Keira. Maria and Elyse, however, are clearly uncomfortable with the half-naked girls dancing in the background.

  “Well, if no one needs anything else, I guess we’ll see each other at the wedding.”

  Maria tries to hide her discomfort by being overly chipper. Armed with her stack of folders and books, she walks out the door like she can’t get away fast enough.

  Watching her leave reminds me I want to get out of here too. But boss duties will keep me here most of the day. The excitement of what's to come tonight eases some of the tension from my veins.

  I've got it all now. What could possibly go wrong?


  I can’t believe how fucking nervous I am. It’s just a stupid ring. It’s not like I'm asking her to marry me. So why does it feel like someone kicked me in the stomach ten times?

  I wipe my sweaty palms against my dress slacks. She’s already agreed to marry me—not that she has a choice in that matter. Even if she said no, I'd still make her mine. I grab the little black velvet box from my pocket.

  Keira is curled up on my couch, reading a book. I had planned on giving her the ring at dinner, then at dessert, and then I pushed it back to…when we arrived at the house.

  I feel sick to my stomach, thinking she may not like it. Maybe I could give it to her after she’s done reading. It’d be rude to interrupt her, right?

  Fuck this, I’m being ridiculous. I just need to do it.

  I waltz over to her, and she looks up from her book, confusion written all over her delicate features.

  “I got you something.” I pull out the box, then sit down next to her. “I hope you like it.” I swallow my anxiety. Her eyes go wide, and understanding settles onto her face , as a softness takes over her features when I hand her the tiny black box.

  She doesn't say anything until she flips open the top and sees a two-carat diamond ring set in a white gold band.

  “Damon,” she gasps, her hand clutching her chest. “It’s beautiful.”

  “You really like it? We can get something else if you don’t.” I rub the back of my neck. My cheeks heat. Fuck…how long has it been since I felt this way?

  Keira gazes up at me, her mouth gaping open. “Are you kidding me? It’s stunning. I love it! We’re not returning it, and we’re not getting anything else.”

  I take the ring from the box, grab her hand, and slide it onto her slender finger. Thanks to Candy’s trickery, I obtained Keira's ring size without having to ask…thank fuck. Simply so I’d be able to see this moment as it should be seen. Her eyes sparkle as she tears up. She looks at her hand a few more moments, then throws them around my neck and crawls into my lap.

  I hold her tight against my chest, burying my nose into her hair so I can breathe her in. She’s soft, and I run my hands up and down her body. I want to strip her bare and hold her close while I move in and out of her with a rhythm that might kill us both.

  My lips are seconds from pressing against her skin when the fucking doorbell rings.

  Who the fuck has the balls to ring my doorbell?

  It rings so seldom, I hardly know what it sounds like, but right this second, I want to disable the fucking thing and rip it from the front door.

  “Wait here,” I mumble against her hair. It’s probably nothing, maybe a Girl Scout selling cookies, but I’d rather check and be safe—especially when it comes to Keira.

  I’m irritated as fuck. My fists are clenched. Fucking people are always ruining shit. Once I look through the small pane of glass and see who it is, my annoyance reaches a newfound height.

  Motherfucker. No.

  What the fuck is she doing here?

  I yank the door so hard, I worry I might break it. I open my mouth to tell her off, but I can’t even get a fucking word in.

  “Damon, I’ve been trying to reach you.” Hayley’s high-pitched voice makes my ears start to bleed.

  “And the fact that I’ve ignored every one of your calls and texts didn’t make it clear enough for you?” First, she fucks with Keira. Then she shows up on my doorstep and ruins my fucking night. And for what?

  “Just...just give me a chance. I’ll do whatever you want. I’ll let you fuck me whenever you want.”

  Tears swim in her eyes, and I might be a cold, callous asshole, but I don’t care.

  “Get the fuck off my property before I have you removed.”

  Hayley shakes her head, hiccupping as she takes another step forward. I’m seconds away from slamming the door in her face when she rushes me. Her small frame slams into mine, hardly moving me, but it’s enough for her to gain entry.

  It’s not her throwing herself at me that causes me to lose my fucking mind, though; it’s her lips crashing into mine. Disgust and anger fill my veins, and without even thinking, I push her away, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.

  I’m not one to hit women, but I really, really want to fucking hit Hayley right now.

  She steadies herself as if she’s prepared for me to push her, and then I see it—the metal glint of a gun pointing in my direction. I can disarm her in a second, but it takes less than that for a bullet to release from the chamber.

  She points the gun at me, and I don’t even flinch.

  “It’s because of her, isn’t it?” Hayley screams and looks past me.

  I glance over my shoulder looking, following her gaze. When I find Keira standing a few feet behind me, I nearly come unglued.

  My heart pounds out of my chest. Fear cripples me when I hear the click of the safety being released and see Hayley pull the trigger.

  There’s no way I can stop the bullet—no way—but I still lunge for it. Everything happens impossibly fast, yet I feel like I am moving in slow motion. I’m trying to shield Keira with my body, but I am too slow. I feel the bullet whizzing by my head before I hear the bang. I’m so close to the gun, I can’t hear anything but a ringing in my ear. My head swings back to Keira. She looks scared and shocked, but unharmed. Relief hits me like a wave, but then washes away just as quickly.

  Keira is still in danger. I turn back to Hayley. I am right in front of her—fully shielding Keira. The gun is still pointed at me, but Hayley makes no move.

  Anger like I’ve never felt runs through me as reality settles in. She shot at Keira. She fired a gun at my soon-to-be wife. All-consuming fury floods my veins, shutting down common sense and reasoning, leaving me to act on pure instinct. My most primal instinct tells me to protect what’s mine.

  I close the distance between me and Hayley with two long strides. All the blood drains from her face. Her hand is shaking so fucking hard, she drops the gun.

  Her eyes are so wide, they look about to come out of their sockets. I can see her mouthing, “Please,” but I’m too far gone to register her pleas—or even care.

  My hands move effortlessly, of their own accord, wrapping around her thin neck. I grab the base of her skull. My fingers dig into her flesh, and with one hard twist, I feel her bone crack as I snap her neck.

  I peer down at her face. Her eyes go vacant in an instant, frozen in time, never to blink again. Her body goes limp in my hands. Adrenaline courses through my veins. My heart races furiously.

  As soon as I realize she’s dead and I have eliminated the threat, the fog of fury lifts, allowing me to think for the first time in minutes.

  Shit. I just killed her in my house…with the front door wide open. Fuck.

  My house is fairly secluded—covered by trees and bushes. But there’s still a chance someone could've seen us, and even if they didn't, they certainly could’ve heard the gunshot.

  I drag her farther inside and shut the door.

  Only then do I let go of her, and the lifeless body falls onto the hardwood floor with a thump. I gaze up at Kiera. She’s still standing in the same spot—her entire body has turned to stone.

  “Keira, it’s going to be fine.” Even I’m surprised at how low and calm my voice sounds. Holding my hands up, I walk toward her slowly, like I’m trying to sneak up on a wild animal. Her eyes are fixated on Hayley’s body until I step into her line of vision, blocking her view.

  God, I wish she wouldn't have seen me do that. And yet I don't feel a smidge of guilt. Only guilt that my sweet Keira had to witness it.

  I gently place my hands on her shoulders—the same hands that killed someone a few minutes ago. I've killed for her now. And given the chance, I'd do it again if it meant she’d remain safe.

  I expect Keira to pull away and run, but she makes no moves. Her eyes move from my chest to my face. I see fear leave her gaze when our eyes meet, relief flooding her features.

  In an instant, she leans into
my body, her tiny arms wrapping around my middle.

  A sob rips from her throat, and she cracks straight down the middle.

  “Everything is going to be okay, baby. No one is going to hurt you. I need to make a phone call, and then we are going to go somewhere.”

  “You could’ve died.” It sounds like her heart is breaking, and then I realize what she said. I. Could've. Died.

  Those three little words nearly send to my knees After all she witnessed, watching me kill a woman right before her eyes, and she’s worried about me dying. She’s worried about me fucking dying. My heart soars from my fucking chest, and I reach down and pick her up, placing my hands under her ass.

  I hike her up my torso, and she wraps her legs around my middle with little effort. I carry her into the kitchen and settle her onto the counter, inserting my body between her legs. Her face is still buried in my neck, each little breath she takes fanning my skin.

  As badly as I want to calm her down, nothing I say is going to help until I get Hayley’s body out of the house. I pull out my cell and glide my fingers across the screen, pulling up Toni’s info. I hit the green call button and bring the phone to my ear.

  Keira pulls away slightly, her brown eyes peering up at me.

  “Boss,” he answers casually.

  “I’ve got a body I need dumped. It’s at my house.”

  “Sure thing. I’ll be over with the men in just a few.”

  I hit the end key and pocket my phone. I can’t imagine being in Keira’s shoes. These things are normal to me. I’ve seen more people die than be born, so death is nothing to me. Calling Toni to remove a body? Normal.

  It’s normal to Toni too—just another day of work. But to Keira, my fragile beauty, it’s not, and I don’t want her to ever look at me differently for the things I did tonight.

  “Are you okay?” I lean down, inhaling her sweet scent. I’m so far gone, so fucking in love with this woman, I’d burn down the fucking world. I’d kill anyone or anything that tried to take her from me.

  “Yes, I’m just…” Her lips tremble as she tries to speak. “I was afraid I might lose you back there. Afraid she was going to take you from me.”