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“Don’t be ridiculous.” I spread an arm along the backrest of the chair. “It’s better to get over the shock now. There’s no point ru
“I insist.” He starts for the house. “We will have less interruptions this way. I don’t want any more distractions while we discuss business. And let’s not forget that woman of yours. We need to discuss her, too.”
The mention of Anissa has me blinking back rage. “She’s not worth mentioning.”
“Really?” He continues to the house, forcing me to push to my feet and stalk after him. He doesn’t pause until he reaches the door to wait for me. “I think your toy may have a vital role in establishing a new partnership between father and son.”
“What kind of vital role?”
He glances over his shoulder, and paranoia leads me to believe he’s testing me. His lazy scrutiny digs deep, searching for secrets to expose.
“Stop.” The feminine scream carries from inside. From Pe
I don’t have time to think before my father shoves the door aside and stalks forward. I follow close behind, reaching for a gun that isn’t there.
“What’s going on?” he bellows.
Pe
He looks guilty as fuck, the red stain of a slap mark on his cheek turning the taste in my mouth sour.
“Someone better start talking,” I seethe. “My patience is growing fucking thin.”
“He didn’t do anything.” The i
“You saw what happened?” my father asks.
“I was snooping.” Tobias takes a tentative step into the room. “I know I shouldn’t, but Pe
“And?” I grind my teeth to lessen the aggression in my tone. “What happened?”
“Nothing.” He shakes his head. “The man was being nice and Pe
“What, son?” Luther approaches him, placing strong hands on tiny shoulders. “What was she doing?”
The boy keeps his head lowered. “She was being mean.”
Luther stiffens and stands to his full height. “You dare to make a guest of mine unwelcome?” He swings around, approaching her, making her cower.
She turns her face away, her arms wrapping around her stomach. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”
“Fucking stupidity, that’s what.” He looms over her, his fists clenched at his sides. “Do you need to go back to basic training? Maybe I should send you to the farm so you can be reminded how well you’re treated here.”
“Please.” She drops to her knees and grips his trousers. “I didn’t mean it. I apologize.”
I can’t step in. Whatever the fuck she’s done, I can’t save her. I can’t show my cards until I’m ready to shoot my way out of here. And I can’t fucking do that without a goddamn gun.
“It’s my fault.” Luca’s voice is calm. There’s no hint of panic. “I got carried away. I tried to make small talk, and when I mentioned her past, I think she took it as a taunt.”
Luther grips her chin, forcing her tear-soaked eyes to meet his as he raises a hand. “You need to be punished for your disobedience.”
“Dad,” I warn. “I’m growing tired of the adolescent distractions from these women. Can’t we get the fuck out of here already?”
I pray he hears the insult. The subtle stab at his pride is the only thing capable of lowering his hand. Yet the threatening position of his arm doesn’t lower.
“Fine. We’ll leave.” I start toward Tobias, offering my palm for a high-five he barely taps. “Until next time, little man.”
I walk by him and into the hall, Luca following behind.
I only make it a few yards before he grabs my arm.
“I can’t leave.” His voice is low, his eyes wild, his nostrils flared. “He’s going to hurt her.”
“This isn’t the most opportune time to fall victim to your conscience,” I snarl under my breath.
His admission is dangerous. Fucking reckless. If we’re overheard—if my loyalties are questioned—I’ll make it out of here because I’m blood. He won’t.
“Just keep walking. My father will follow.”
“And if he doesn’t?”
I shrug off his hold. “We just keep walking. We have no other choice.”