Usually, we’d meet somewhere neutral. It took balls to come to my home with only one guard. I had more respect for Massimo Rossi than for his father. And my curiosity got the better of me. It had been weeks since I had left the head of one of his men on Vittorio’s doorstep. What was so urgent now that we had to meet?
“Bring him. Strip their weapons. If he refuses, send him away.” Torin nodded, about to leave when I stopped him. “Where is Willow?”
Under no circumstances would I let them anywhere near my omega.
“Last I checked, she was still in your room, reading a book by the fire. Aileen brought her a snack before dinner.”
I adored the image of my omega eating in our room while cuddled up by the fire. The only thing that would make that picture better would be me there with her, feeding her. My lids grew heavy, imagining slipping my fingers into her panties to find her hot and wet for me.
“It’s her room now too,” I corrected, and Torin smirked.
“Yes, Boss.”
He didn’t even try to stifle his laughter as he left the room.
Bastard.
Sixteen
KAELEN
Torin left.
I poured myself a double shot of whisky before lowering myself into my chair. I debated checking on Willow.
Last thing I wanted was for these bastards to get anywhere near her. And while I was confident nothing would harm her behind these walls, it still made my skin prickle, thinking of Massimo Rossi and his vermin breathing the same air as her.
Nothing would make me happier than sending Vittorio’s heir back to him in pieces if he so much as blinked at my omega.
Lost in my musings, the floor creaked as Aidan and Liam entered, asking me a silent question. I beckoned them in, not knowing what to expect from Massimo.
Whatever it was had to be important to show up on my doorstep unannounced. A small part of me tingled, hoping he had finally decided to overthrow his worthless father and wanted help.
Unfortunately for me, Massimo Rossi was loyal to a fault, andwould never betray his blood. Even if it led to his death.
A faint knock echoed. I drained the last of my liquor, relishing how it burned its way into my stomach.
“Come in,” I said, my detached voice chilling the room.
Massimo strode in with his broad shoulders thrown back as his obedient hound followed him. He was all tanned skin with dark hair and even darker eyes. Torin closed the door behind them, rocking back into the wall, carefully scanning the room.
Thick tension mingled with the lingering scent of wood smoke from the smoldering ashes in the fireplace. I steepled my fingers under my chin, impressed by Massimo’s unflinching demeanor. He was twice the man his father was. It was the only reason I let him in. Vittorio must have known that if he came knocking, I would have turned him away.
“What is so important that you had to show up atmyhome, unannounced?” I asked, my words cutting through the silence.
“I believe you have something that belongs to my father,” Massimo said, his tone eerily calm, setting my teeth on edge.
“What could that be?”
The muscle in my neck coiled uncomfortably tight. I licked across my teeth, not having patience for games. If they didn’t speak plainly in the next three seconds, I would ruin my custom floors with Italian blood.
“You were seen at The Ruby Slipper with a date,” Massimo said. “Willow Sterling.”
“Don’t,” I hissed, the threat chilling the room. “Say my omega’s name.”
The veins in my hands pulsed as I flexed my fingers, choking down the violent words lingered on my tongue. I’d skin Patrick alive. How the fuck did Italians swindle their way into my casino? I knew being public with Willow would bring the wrong sort of attention to her.
Granted, I didn’t expect it so quickly.
