“I was not involved in the planning. I did not know they were a target. My target was Ethan Masters. I didn’t even know Fox Evans was a target. I did my job as required. Everything else was a surprise to me.”
Rosalie breathed out a sigh of relief.
I nodded. “Thank you for telling me.”
He inclined his head at me. “Anything else?”
I closed my eyes for a moment and gathered myself before opening them and looking at him.
“Were you involved with Vander Veer and helped set things in motion?”
Church smirked at me. “Are you asking me if I set you up with Celeste? If I helped put it into motion?”
“Did you?”
He was quiet for a moment. “Yes.”
My heart dropped.
“Dante… what?” Rosalie choked out.
“In the underground, I was forced to hurt Fox. One day, I was told to go to Ethan. It was right before he was rescued. I went to his cell, hoping to give him medication, food, and water under the guise of torture. I found him being fucked by Celeste.” Church paused and closed his eyes. “His mother was with Celeste.”
“What?” I snarled, getting to my feet. Rosalie let out a soft cry.
“What do you mean his mother was with Celeste?” I demanded.
“She was with her. Fucking, Enzo. Do I need to spell it out for you? Ethan was raped by them. He was completely out of it. I was not brought to that room to torture him. I was brought thereto be torturedbecause my father knew I cared about Ethan. It was my punishment.”
Rosalie wept softly at the information.
“So I put a little bug into Vander Veer’s ear. I said you would be the one Celeste should marry because I knew you loved your brothers and I knew you would end her life. Ethan does not know what his mother, Alina, did to him. All the pieces were in place, and you played the fucking game. You won. And here we are now.”
I choked down the bile burning my throat. “Where is Alina? Where is she now?”
“Below our feet,” he said softly. “Perhaps I can introduce you to her once you’re feeling more up to it. Or maybe Ethan would like to speak to her. I will give him one free hour with her to do as he pleases in our weapons room. But if he prefers his bare hands, then I find that acceptable.”
“Dante, you waited this long?” Rosalie asked, wiping her tears.
“I only recently acquired her. Ethan deserved to know at the right time. No time seemed right; it is why I am offering Lorenzo the hour with her instead if he decides he wants to do his brother a favor. Think on it. Let me know.” Church stood, face to face with me, his voice low. “I knew the ending before you even started the story, Lorenzo. Be careful out there. It’s not safe.”
He stepped away from me and went to Rosalie. He helped her to stand before he hugged her to him. I couldn’t hear what he said to her, but she didn’t hug him back. He pulled away and kissed the corner of her lips tenderly.
“I love you, sister. We will speak soon.”
And with that, we were dismissed.
“What’s wrong?”I demanded as Memphis pulled along a side street.
“I don’t know, boss. I’m not getting any power. I don’t understand.”
I sighed and opened my door. “Pop the hood.”
Memphis did so, and I peered beneath the hood. He got out and looked with me.
“I don’t get it. It was fine before. I’ll call Elijah and have him come. Get back into the car, boss. It’s not safe out here for you.”
Rosalie came out to join us, and I put my arm around her waist.
