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I’m like a fucking junkie in need of a fix.
But she doesn’t discover my hiding place. She doesn’t even come close as she starts to cut through the light traffic to get to her apartment on the other side of the street.
“I’ll have more information today. Don’t worry; you’ll be the first to hear.”
“The first?” Hunt pauses, and I can already sense the direction of his thoughts. “What happened to your new lapdog?”
“My new one?” His a
“I’ve never been your bitch,” he growls. “Never will be. Unlike Luca, I’ve got a fucking backbone. But you know as well as I do that I’m the best person to have at your side.”
“He does his job. I have no complaints. And I’m pretty sure you were one of his cheerleaders when he got you and Sarah out of that warehouse alive.” I cut the ignition and slump back in my seat. “You, on the other hand, fucking betrayed me.”
“Jesus Christ,” he mutters. “Not this shit again.”
“It will continue to be this shit until I quit questioning your loyalty.”
Anissa reaches the door of her apartment building and stops before the security panel to enter her three-digit code. I can’t help reciting the numbers in my head as her finger works across the buttons. One-four-eight. Her deceased mother’s birthday.
It was too fucking easy for Decker to get the information. A heat-sensor camera focused on the keypad was all it took. The additional pinhole device he planted between the brickwork was overkill. But I’ve taken advantage of the screen time it provides.
I watch her more often than I care to admit, trying to read what’s going on behind those hard eyes.
Like every morning this week, she disappears inside with another cautionary glance over her shoulder. And like every morning this week, I ignore my disappointment at her not finding me.
In another forty-five minutes, she’ll be back, showered, dressed, and wearing one of those fucking suits I’ve grown to hate. But I won’t be here. I need to return to the family restaurant and concentrate on the things that matter.
Things like my father’s fucking court case, and the shipment of blow that came in ten bricks short.
“Just let me do my fucking job,” Hunt growls.
“Unfortunately, I can’t. Trust is important. I hope this is a lesson you won’t forget.”
Like Keira, he recently showed his allegiance to someone other than me. Information was withheld. Friendship came before the family.
That shit is never acceptable. And he should know; he was the one who previously punished those who betrayed me.
“Don’t even fucking start,” he snarls. “We’ve gone over this. I’ve told you. I’ve explained. So either man the fuck up and let it go. Or tell me to cut and run, and I’ll walk out of here and never look back. I’m sick of being treated like an ex you want to bang when it’s convenient, but can’t stand the sight of every other second of the day.”
“Nice analogy,” I drawl. “Fits perfectly.”
He mutters a string of curses under his breath. And yeah, I get it. He’s pissed at me. He’s pissed at himself.
That’s the price he has to pay for making mistakes.
If I let it slide without penalty, any motherfucker will think he can run rings around me. Hunt’s just lucky very few people know about his blunder.
“Look, we’re as good as we’re going to get for now.” I glance up at Anissa’s window on the fifth floor, hoping to catch another glimpse. “Luca will remain at my side. But I have plans for you. Ones I can’t entrust with anyone else.”
“What plans?”
“We’ll speak later.”
I won’t discuss the necessity for a recruitment drive, even on a burner. Not when I’ve been paranoid enough to switch phones every other day.
We have to boost our numbers. Expand our presence. Increase our power. All outstanding favors need to be claimed. Anyone with even a glimpse of loyalty has to be enlisted into my outer circles to keep my family safe.
And Hunt is the guy I want on the job. He sees through the bullshit, sometimes better than I do. And when my focus is shot to shit, it’s a smart move to let him do what he does best.
“Fine. I’ll meet you back at the restaurant this afternoon.” There’s another pause. “You can leave now. I’ve got her covered.”
I don’t appreciate the nudge. Or the reminder he’s going to be taking over my part in this game.
I hate anyone else’s involvement. If I had my way, I’d be the only player. I want full responsibility.
Unfortunately, my empire won’t run itself.
“I’ll leave when I’m ready,” I mutter.
Which doesn’t feel like it’s going to be anytime soon.
I disco
My hands return to the steering wheel, my fingers tapping out an agitated rhythm, but it’s the devil on my shoulder causing the burn in my chest.
I’ve denied the impulse to mess with her for longer than I thought possible. I’ve fought and fought the nagging urge even though anticipation has had me by the balls.
I don’t think fighting will be enough today.
I need something more. The slightest hint of her apprehension. The sweetest taste of her fear.
I’m going to have to succumb.
Just a little.
As much as I don’t want to buckle, it’s time to start toying with my prey.