He grabbed his real phone, turning it on for the first time since arriving at the house. The single blip meant a text. He stared at the screen, a sickening feeling pooling into the pit of his stomach.
Angelo.
His younger brother never broke protocol. Angelo was the weakest of his two brothers, loathing his involvement yet succumbing to his father’s wishes.
And the man’s wrath.
How many times had Wrath protected his baby brother from the violence his father enjoyed?
Call me. This is vital.
What. The. Fuck. He debated for a full ten seconds before making the call. “What?”
“I thought you were dead, that’s what,” Angelo half whispered. The tone of his voice was a dichotomy of fear and anger.
“Why?” Wrath yanked his gun from the holster, moving quickly toward the window and peering outside.
“Alessandro has been murdered.”
The news hit him right between the eyes, but not enough to shed a tear. He also wasn’t as surprised as he should be, although the timing was interesting. Even within their ranks, there were others who would give all they had to see members of the consortium executed. “Who’s responsible?”
“Not known.”
“But you have a suspicion or you wouldn’t be calling.” He checked the security monitors, moving from camera to camera. While there was nothing he could detect, hair stood on the back of his neck.
Angelo exhaled and Wrath could hear rustling sounds even before his brother answered. “I have my ideas.”
“That didn’t answer the first question.” Wrath moved out into the living room, carefully peering out the windows. He slowly closed the blinds then headed into the kitchen, repeating the action.
“Your concubine is being hunted.”
He snorted, taking the news as he did any other, with a full understanding that there would never be a day he wasn’t on someone’s hit list. This time, the order just happened to be issued by the Dark Haven. As far as the way Sophia was being considered, there was no understanding of her training or her importance to him and they would never know. “Alessandroissued the mandate before he was murdered.” The comment was stated with no emotion.
“You knew. Of course you would.” Angelo half laughed.
“That’s why I’m in charge and yes, I suspected. When can I expect company?”
“Any time,” Angelo managed. “And there’s more. You’re on the list as well.”
Wrath paused, rubbing his fingers across his brow. He remained emotionless even as his brother was attempting to warn him. There were no surprises any longer. Only realities. This was certainly time for a stiff drink. “And the assassin sent?” He yanked a glass, finding the scotch with ease and pouring close to the rim.
The hesitation pissed him off.
“Just say it, Angelo. I’m in no mood for the bullshit.” He heard the slight creak of a floorboard before sensing her presence. He heard his brother’s answer the same second his lovely submissive entered the room.
Still, this time, the news was the final nail in the coffin.
“Did you forget about our deal?” Sophia asked.
Wrath chuckled under his breath, taking a gulp of his drink. “I have to go. Your warning is duly noted.” Sighing, he slipped the phone into his pocket, his respect for her gaining another notch. He didn’t have to hear the snap of the ammunition magazine as it was positioned into the gun, he could almost smell the steel. Her weapon. From the very secure cabinet. “What a clever girl. You managed to figure out my locking system.” After sliding theglass onto the counter, he held out his hands and slowly began to turn around.
“Very slowly drop the gun onto the floor and kick it in my direction.” Sophia had an edge in her voice.
Wrath couldn’t help but smile as he faced her, enjoying the way her training had taken over, shoving aside everything they’d shared. Bending over, he dropped his weapon on the floor, kicking it away. “And what now, sweet Sophia? Did you call the cavalry already?”
“I think we can cut the crap, Wrath. Don’t you? You never meant to honor your end of the deal, but then again, if you thought I was foolish enough to believe you would, then you underestimate me. The sleeping pills were a nice touch, but also anticipated. You are not the mastermind you believe yourself to be.”
“And what if I refuse to cooperate? Are you going to shoot me?” He darted his eyes back and forth before taking a step toward her.
