While I couldn’t see Rocco’s face, I sensed his increasing anger by his ragged breathing.
Brogan moved around from the other side, shifting to within a few feet of Rocco, his weapon pointed directly at Rocco’s head.
Alexander walked closer. “I’m well aware that you didn’t keep your word, Rocco. I know about your plans to infiltrate New York. That isn’t going to happen. As of now, the Luciano family no longer has a hold on any city.”
What was he doing?
Rocco laughed, still nuzzling against the side of my head, his stench making me gag.
“Then I hate to tell you that you will lose someone you care about. Again. I suggest you place your weapons on the table.” Rocco’s defiance was absurd. He was outnumbered.
Alexander locked eyes with mine. Then he raised his arms, showing his weapon and easing it down as Rocco had demanded. What the hell was he doing?
Brogan shifted closer, the barrel of his weapon only a few inches away from Rocco’s head.
“You’re such a coward, Alexander. As always, you’re going to make someone else do your dirty work,” Rocco huffed.
There was something in Alexander’s eyes that I’d seen more than once. At that moment, I knew that not only could I trust all three men, but I realized they were all my heroes and would always be. Everything happened so fast, but as soon as I felt Rocco’s hold slipping, I jerked free just as the bastard swung his arms toward Brogan, prepared to fire.
I heard the shot, a single, popping sound that echoed in my ear.
“Not this time, fucker,” Alexander hissed, still holding his weapon in his outstretched hand after taking the shot.
Brogan grabbed my arm, yanking me away, his hand planted on the back of my head as he pulled me against his chest. “It’s okay, baby. You’re safe now. Safe.”
That’s when I lost it and I knew that I never wanted to spend another minute without them.
My bad men.
My heroes.
My wild boys.
CHAPTER 17
Cassie
One month later
“Come here,” Alexander beckoned, using his index finger to try to draw me out of my seat.
“The pilot hasn’t told us we can move freely about the cabin,” I said as I threw him a look.
Daniel laughed as he looked at me. “Nice try. We’ve been in the air for hours. I think the little bird needs a lesson in obedience.”
“Yes, she does,” Brogan added.
“That’s not fair. I’ve done everything you asked,” I purred, as if that was going to do any good. The three men had staked their claim after Rocco’s attack, refusing to let me go. While I’d been given a full month to get my affairs in order, when I’d requested a few more days, they’d told me in no uncertain terms my time was up. They’d even chartered a flight to ensure I arrived in New York on time.
Of course, I hadn’t been alone to handle quitting my job and selling most of my things. I’d had one of Alexander’s soldiers close by at all times. All three men had feared some retaliation after Rocco’s death.
I continued to think about that horrible day, but this was a new beginning, although they hadn’t provided a single detail about what that meant. Now I was on a plane bound for a mysterious location, although I suspected we were returning to the island where it had all begun. I felt confident of my thought process given the ridiculous but colorful tropical shirts they were wearing. I was still shocked to see Alexander in particular in an orange Hawaiian shirt.
Our strange love affair.
“Uh-huh. You are a very bad girl, and you know it. Come here.” I could tell Alexander wouldn’t allow me to continue disobeying him.
After unfastening my seatbelt, I sashayed over, taking my time. When I was close, he jerked me into his lap, cupping my face. There was such a difference in his eyes, as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
