“Can I ask you one question?” I nodded. “Do you have any regrets for what you did?”
I studied my laced fingers for a bit, trying to find the right answer to that question. The answer that would make it all seem right. I lifted my eyes and nodded. “My biggest regret is hating two people who loved each other so hard that they don’t even understand the level of their affection for each other.”
“Then it’s time to make them understand.” He drummed his fingers on the tabletop then asked, “I take it you know where to find him?”
Looking at the man in front of me, I now understood why he was so highly respected in our town. The times I visited with Rayden, I’d often found myself listening when Mr. Princeton shared stories with his kids. The fact that he hadn’t batted an eyelid when I mentioned who Rayden was in love with spoke to his fair and objective character. I knew he’d right a wrong, I didn’t understand, in more ways than one and I was willing to help.
I nodded.
Chapter 49
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LORENZO (40YRS)
Fury simmered in my blood, and I pressed the knife harder until the tip pierced his skin. “Because of you, people I love almost died. And I don’t fucking take lightly to that.” I dragged the blade down, slicing a thin line across the thick flesh covering his chest, blood oozing out as his screams bounced across the empty room.
“Please, stop! Don’t kill me!”
“Save your breath, Tommy. There’s only one thing that will make me stop,” I sneered. His black eyes wide, he shook his head, already knowing the answer. “Your death.”
I glared at the man responsible for the attack on the island. Tommy Dumbass, I wasn’t bothered with details. The security guard I’d shot at my home for punching Rayden. It seemed like that punishment hadn’t gone down well with him. The fucker sold information to the D’Angelo’s. Even planted a bug in my home. It was how D’Angelo knew about the baby and where to find me and there was no fucking way he’d live to enjoy the money they paid him.
Having already flayed both his arms, I didn’t intend stopping until he bled to death. I turned as the door to the room opened. We were down in the basement, under the club. Frowning, I glared at Dario, taking in his flushed features and the agitation rippling his brow. “What’s got you rattled?” The only person likely to ruffle my bodyguard’s feathers was Remo and he was miles away.
“There’s a Drake Princeton at reception. Says you’ll want to see him and he won’t give me any more details. He’s not who I think he is, is he?”
“Rayden’s father.” Although I grinned, I wondered what brought him to my club.
“You’re shitting me. Fuck, you’re hardcore but that man’s arrogant as shit,” Dario snorted, shaking his head. “My gun didn’t even faze the man.”
“Like father like son,” the words brought an immediate flash of Rayden’s last look before he walked out. I looked at my bloodied hands and at the sobbing fucker. “It’s your lucky fucking day, Tommy,” I hissed and his breath hitched. “You get to die slower.” I dropped the knife. “Give me a few minutes then bring him up,” I said to Dario.
Upstairs, I washed my hands and face in my private bathroom, dried up and moved to the closet. I changed my clothes for a clean dress shirt and pants then walked out. With my hands in my pants pockets, I moved to the window and took a moment to breathe, wondering why Rayden’s father was here. I’d given Rayden what he wanted. He chose. The last two weeks had taken its toll on me. I’d been in a rage, to the extent I’d killed men without thinking. Not that they didn’t deserve it. I needed to find the snitch and I did. Still, Remo believed I was losing it. Cupping my nape, I rolled my neck. One drink, that was all it took for that boy to weave himself into my heart.
The knock on my door had me turning. I stared at the man entering my office. He was the same height as me, just as broad shouldered, same lavish taste in suits and if I had to guess, as imposing in his field as I was in mine. I grinned to find him conducting an appraisal of his own. His expression clear that his hand was very rarely forced.
