I just couldn’t handle it. Not now.
I’d done everything I could to make amends for my father’s atrocious behavior. Now I had to get back to my life.
Just like they wanted.
Just like I hated.
“Ugh.” I pulled away from the window, staring into my cup. Even my favorite blueberry cobbler coffee had no flavor this morning. I headed for the kitchen, glaring at the clock before dumping the contents. It was almost ten. I should get dressed. Hell, I should take a shower. I yanked a bottle of water from the fridge.
Then I felt a presence.
For a crazy split second, I was certain it was one of the Wild Boys, but the aftershave was entirely different, the stench disgusting.
“Hello, Cassie. I think you and I are going to become good friends.”
His voice was deep, laced with evil. As I slowly turned around, I bit my lower lip to keep from whimpering. He stood in a dark suit, his arms crossed in front of him. In his hands was a weapon held casually. That didn’t terrify me as much as the smile on his face. It was one of knowing, and of taking something that didn’t belong to him.
I’d seen his picture. I knew his identity.
Rocco Luciano.
Flinching, I darted a quick glance at the knife block on the counter. When I did, he laughed.
“While I’m certain you’re the kind of woman who will eventually try, I’ll make a strong suggestion that you don’t start playing with knives. I don’t want to hurt you, but I’ll do so if necessary.”
“Who are you?”
“I think you already know. I must admit that until just yesterday, you remained a mystery. But something clicked when yourfather retired. All I had to do was connect the dots, linking your brother to the school, of which I’m on the board by the way.”
As soon as he said the words, I recognized him from my stupid visit to the university. Oh, my God. HewasRocco Luciano. My heart thudded against my chest, and I did my best to keep my mind from being shaken by terror.
It wasn’t working.
“Then I remembered that you were there asking questions. One thing led to another and here I am. It would seem you’ve drawn the attention of… the Wild Boys.” He laughed, the sound just as dangerous as the man. “What a ridiculous name, but they were formidable in the day. To think I wanted to join them. Oh, well. The past is the past.”
“You killed my brother. Didn’t you?”
“Very good, although I wasn’t inside that prison. I had some very loyal men do that for me.”
“You bastard.”
“I heard he cried like a baby.”
That was all I could take. I lunged toward him without thinking, punching him square in the jaw. As I tried to kick him in the balls, he grabbed a fistful of my hair, yanking me against him then sliding his forearm under my chin.
“Such a bad girl. Goodness. I can see I’ll need to deal with that right away. Now, you’re coming with me. We’re going to have some fun, you and I. And I’m going to send Alexander daily pictures. I think he’ll enjoy that.”
“That’s not going to happen, Rocco.”
My heart skipped a beat as I heard the second voice. Alexander.
Rocco placed the weapon against my forehead, dragging me back by several feet. “I don’t think you will be that stupid, Alexander. I don’t mind pulling the trigger.”
Alexander offered a smile, then darted his eyes in my direction. He held his weapon much the same way Rocco had been a few seconds earlier. I almost whimpered when Daniel moved from behind him, the look on his face one I would never forget. Two of my heroes had arrived to save me. How had they known I was in peril? Tears threatened to give away how terrified I was.
Rocco squeezed me tighter then kissed the side of my head. “I’d hate to kill such a pretty little thing.”
“You’re not going to.” Brogan’s voice boomed in the room. “Sorry I’m late. I had a few items of trash to take care of.”
