“Darby knows who you are.”
“And?”
“And he’s coming here. He is demanding you give her back—that you lied about who you were and gained entry illegally to his event. Not to mention the money was never actually deposited into his account. He did some major digging and has tied it back to us.”
“Fuck.” Cristian rubbed his palm over his chin. “Who told him?”
“One of Alessandro’s men. Money talks, Brother, and Darby paid the price.”
“Darby can’t have her back.”
Everly’s eyes widened when she heard him speak. “No… please.” She moved away, forcing her back against the headboard.
“I know, Brother.”
“Where is this traitor? I want his head on a stick.”
“Bastian has him at the warehouse.”
“I’ll be there in thirty. And Matias,” Cristian gripped the phone so tight he nearly cracked the screen. “He’s not getting Everly.”
“I figured. See you in a bit.”
Cristian’s eyes held Everly’s as he stalked toward the bed. He could see her body shaking the closer he got. He reached out, pausing as she jerked away in fear.
“I’m not going to hurt you, Everly.” He watched as she inhaled and relaxed her frame. “I will not let anyone take you. Do you understand?”
“Yes.” Her voice was barely a whisper. Her eyes were wide as she watched his every move.
Cristian sat down on the edge of the bed. “You’re safe with me.” He blew out a breath as he ran his palm down her cheek andcupped it. “The only reason you will leave this place is because it’s safe and because you want to go.”
“Okay.” Everly processed his words. Hanging on to the tidbit about wanting to go. “You think I will want to stay here?”
“Yes.”
“Why?” Everly turned her head away from him. The pink of her embarrassment covered her bare skin.
“Everly.” Cristian pushed the hair from her shoulder. “You won’t understand this, but the moment I saw your photograph, I knew you were mine.”
“Of course, you did. You and a half dozen other men, Cristian. I was for sale like a prized steer.”
“It wasn’t in an ownership way. I couldn’t stop thinking about you. You consumed my every breath, my every thought. I had to find you and set you free—no matter the cost to my heart.” Cristian stood. “I have to go.”
“He wants me back.” Everly tucked her knees to her chest, causing the towel to slip from her body, exposing the peach flesh beneath it.
Cristian growled as his hand found the doorknob. “He isn’t getting you back.” Everly watched as he exited the room and paused. “You’re free to leave this room. The staff have been informed to give you whatever you ask for. But please don’t leave the property. I can’t protect you if you do.”
BythetimeCristianhad made it to the warehouse, his blood was like a raging firestorm coursing through his veins. This man Darby had destroyed so many lives, and now he thought he could demand that Cristian give him back Everly. Well, it would not happen.
His brothers smiled as he stepped into the cool metal room. Bastian was propped against the wall behind a man strapped to a chair. Matias was seated in front of him, his leg crossed over his knee. It was as though he was relaxing with an old friend. But the swollen and bruised marks riddling the man's skin proved otherwise.
“Brother.” Matias grinned. “You made it just in time to watch me destroy this motherfucker.”
The man grunted, tugging at his restraints. “Fuck you.” His thick Spanish accent echoed around the room. “I’d rather die than tell you anything.”
“You’re going to get your wish.”
Cristian stepped forward and grabbed his shirt. “Why’d you do it?” He spoke in Spanish, ensuring the man could understand him. “You sealed your death certificate when you did.”
