Rocco.
When I finish the call, I check my phone. Five missed calls from him. Heart rate ticking up, I return the call.
Before I can ask what’s up, he barks, “Jesus fuck, Sandro. Answer your fucking phone.”
I grind my molars in irritation, two fucking seconds away from reminding him I’m his Don, not just his brother.
There’s some shuffling and then he continues. “Listen, one of our men keeping tabs on a group of Bratva at their club hangoutoverhead something last night. They were wasted, bragging about some plan Toly has that will bring you to your knees. They said they know your weakness.”
A jolt of adrenalin sends a tremor through my body. Fear coils around my heart, squeezing like a venomous snake. “Lennon.”
A car door slams. “That must be what Giada was doing with Toly. Giving her up.”
Fucking cunt.I will end her. “Where is Lennon now?”
“At work.”
I hang up, grab my Beretta and slip into the elevator.
Chapter 31
Lennon
The waif of a woman sitting on my couch has barely said two words today. I’ve been working with her for almost a month now, and I don’t feel like I’m making progress. She obviously doesn’t trust anyone, but she’s staying in our safehouse, so counseling is mandatory. Unfortunately, I can’t force her to talk.
I have calming music playing and decide to lead her in a visual meditation instead. At least that will be good for healing her nervous system.
I ready the room, turn down the lights, add some lavender oil to the diffuser. “Okay, Anya, let’s just do a little visual journey to end our session. Get comfortable and close your eyes for me.”
Her cornflower blue eyes narrow, and she doesn’t move from her stiff position, but she does finally let her eyes flutter closed.
That’s the start of trust. I’ll take it. “Good. Now I want you to imagine a forest. There’s a light breeze, sunlight filtering through the trees. A path is in front of you.”
I watch her for any sign of distress as I lead her to envision walking down the path, deeper into the forest. Her shoulders finallyrelax. Her breathing grows even. We’re about five minutes into the meditation when her eyes suddenly fly open, her body trembling.
I move to sit next to her. “You’re okay. You’re here in the room with me, safe.”
She’s staring at me but not seeing me. “Anya.” I gently take her hand. “Look at me. What happened?”
Slowly, her eyes meet mine, and she returns to the present. Tears spill from her eyes, down her gaunt cheeks. “He was there,” she whispers. “In the forest. Blocking the path.”
Shit.“He can’t hurt you anymore. You’re safe.”
She shakes her head, her skin blotchy. “I will never be safe.”
And like the universe is intent on proving her right, the door bursts open.
Anya yelps and presses her body against mine.
I’m quickly moving from fear to anger as I stare at a visibly pissed-off Sandro. His 6’4 frame is filling the door, chest heaving with deep breaths, his eyes raking over me.
I leap up. “Sandro, what the hell?”
The front desk receptionist pushes into the room from behind him and glances from me to Sandro, her cheeks bright red. “I’m sorry, Lennon. He just barged in here. Do you want me to call security?”
I wave her off. “No, it’s fine, Vanessa. I’ll handle it.”
His shoulders fall and he rubs his forehead. “Sorry. I had to know you were okay. Can we talk?”
