He shrugged, squeezing my hand. “I really care about you, Zena and only when I stepped outside, did I realize that if they had seen me, they’d come after you. I couldn’t risk putting you in danger.”
I suddenly felt like a complete bitch for thinking his affection was just puppy love. Leaning my head on his arm, I closed my eyes, praying that we’d walk away unharmed. It was insane to think these men were capable of remorse or letting witnesses live but something told me Lorenzo liked Rayden. Maybe that care, however small, might stand us in good stead.
Chapter 7
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RAYDEN (18YRS)
When we arrived at the estate about forty-five minutes out of the city, I was surprised they hadn’t blindfolded us. I should’ve been scared they hadn’t because it could easily mean they planned to kill us. I glanced down at Zena. With her head in my lap, she’d slept most of the way there and a part of me was glad she did. Only because I had no idea how to convince her I could protect her. Fuck, I had no idea how to protect myself either.
Arguing with mafia killers wasn’t the most intelligent thing I’d ever done but it was worth the try showing them I wasn’t in the least bit intimidated by them. Although, I’d nearly crapped my pants when Remo pulled out his gun. It had taken every ounce of effort I could muster to appear totally in control of my emotions. I might’ve fooled them but something about Lorenzo had me in a spiral. The man was fucking unreadable as shit. He had that whole suave thing down pat and admittedly it was thrilling as fuck meeting a man like him. Yet watching him almost squeeze the life out of Zena, his expression lacking in remorse, I wondered if he felt anything at all. Or maybe being so rooted in the whole mafia life, he’d been raised without a heart.
I could imagine Austin’s response if I told him what had happened to us. Knowing my friend, though, he’d probably laugh it off as some sick joke. Speaking of which I had no idea how to contact him or my parents. Dario had taken our phones the second we stepped into the vehicle. And even though I’d sent Austin a text telling him I was heading home, he probably wouldn’t check in on me until he was sober enough to walk. Judging by how piss drunk he was before I could go down to the storeroom, he’d recover in a day or two. My father wouldn’t question my absence until about day three because he was accustomed to me spending days at a time with Austin or one of the other guys.
Shit. I was so screwed.
I shook Zena’s shoulder lightly as we passed through tall, black gates into a sizeable property almost as large as my family’s estate in Granger Valley.
She stirred, opened her eyes then vaulted upright when I offered her a light smile. Her gaze darted around anxiously as the vehicle slowed to a halt. “Where are we?” She swallowed nervously.
“Your boss’ estate.”
“Shit.” She shoved a hand through her hair. “Did they say anything?” Her bottom lip between her teeth, large eyes roved over my face.
I shook my head. “Hey.” I grasped her hand in a gentle squeeze. “I don’t think he’s going to hurt us.” I wasn’t sure if I was calming her or myself.
Dawn was cresting over the horizon as we climbed out the vehicle and followed the driver into the house. I couldn’t help admiring the sleek modern décor. It was an ideal man’s pad. Everything from the ceilings to floors to the walls were white, broken either by black or chrome furnishing, rugs or paintings. The entire home was made of glass walls. One could literally see everything from everywhere except for the bedrooms which I discovered had frosted glass when we got there.
The driver ushered Zena into a room and I stepped forward to follow her, but he shook his head. “Not together.”
Zena’s face grew anxious, and she reached out for me. “Rayden, don’t leave me, please.”
My heart clenched to comfort her. “It’s going to be okay, Zena. If they wanted to hurt us, they would’ve already,” I lied, not believing my own words. I knew shit about their intentions. “Can’t I stay with her, just for an hour, please,” I asked the driver.
He shook his head, his expressionless eyes staring at me. “You have to ask the boss. I don’t break the rules, boy.”
