I broke the kiss off slowly, a moment later, and stared down at her.
“You play a dangerous game,” I whispered.
“Please…”
“But you do not sell your soul to a devil and expect to win,” I continued. “I am not a boy who is interested in games. The next time you make a move on me like that, I will fuck you into oblivion. Do you understand?”
Her cheeks flushed pink at my words, and she took a step away.
“Go to bed. The doctor is coming in the morning to see you. You will be alone for the next week. I suggest maybe reading a book during that time.”
“Please. Anson?—”
I closed the door on her before she could beg me for my son again, the lock clicking in place.
It didn’t drown out the sound of her crying, though.
And I didn’t walk away.
I wasn’t sure what that said about me.
19
ALESSIO
“Where are we going?” I asked as I drove Klaus through Chicago. I’d found him getting into his car after he’d stormed out of Matteo’s and knew the fool would drive wasted.
I couldn’t let that happen, so I promised we could drive anywhere he wanted to go if he just got into my car.
Which led us to this moment.
“I-I don’t know,” he said, staring out the window at the world going by. “I don’t even know where to begin to look for him.”
I was quiet for a moment as I thought over everything.
“Perhaps I could call Vincenzo. He may be willing to speak to me,” I murmured. I’d drugged him months ago in the hopes of keeping him away from Matteo’s angry rampage and had fought with Teo about bringing our sons into the fold. I did not want harm to come to my boy. He may hate me, but he was still my son.
Everything I’d ever done was for him.
He likely didn’t see it that way, though, but I would accept that if it meant he remained safe.
Klaus looked over at me. He knew as well as I did that Vincenzo was unlikely to pick up a call from me, but I’d try anyway. I’d been giving him as much space as I could after the Bianca ordeal.
“Do not upset him or yourself with my issues,” he grunted.
I shook my head and quickly hit my speed dial.
I didn’t really think he’d answer, but after several rings, his groggy voice came on the line. He’d clearly been in bed.
“Father,” he mumbled. “What’s wrong?”
“I would like to speak with you if you have a moment,” I said.
He sighed and was quiet for a moment. “I will join you if you need me to. In the fold?—”
“That is not why I am calling,” I said, interrupting him.
“Is it B? Is she OK?” He sounded more awake now, the panic evident in his voice.
