Страница 323 из 349
“Morning, son.” My father holds out his palm to help Pe
“And if I’m not interested?” Obviously, I am. Despite my concern over Luca dragging Anissa back into the thick of this, I’m done waiting.
This shit ends now.
“I’ve already lost a brother.” Luther continues his gentlemanly act, helping the kid disembark. “I can’t live through losing a son.”
I give a bitter laugh.
That’s not why he’s here.
Luca was right.
I showed my hand yesterday. I let this asshole know how important Nissa is to me, and after I made light of taking Pe
He needs to reassert his power.
“We’re unarmed.” He steps onto the jetty and flicks open his jacket, exposing shadows beneath. “Feel free to pat us down if you like.”
Now he’s adding a game of chicken, daring me to refuse the offer.
“Thanks.” I bet he thinks my pride will get in the way of checking him for weapons. At one time, it would’ve. But I can’t be self-serving anymore. I refuse to let Anissa get hurt again.
I walk toward him, a smile stretching my lips as I skim my touch over his arms, waist, back, and legs. I check everywhere and come up empty.
He’s clean.
Confusingly vulnerable.
“I’ve never known you to go anywhere unarmed, old man.”
He inclines his head. “And Chris is as well. It’s a show of good faith. I’m here to apologize.”
“I’ll believe that once I check him, too.” I motion for Chris to get off the boat and then follow the same routine, checking his arms, waist, back, and legs.
He snickers as I pat his ankles. “While you’re on your knees...”
I rage against my pride. I fucking battle self-control when all I want to do is slit this asshole’s throat.
“Don’t start,” my father growls. “Cole, an apology isn’t the only reason I’m here. We need to have an important conversation that should’ve happened a long time ago.”
I stand and take a backward step, placing necessary space between us. “If you came to talk, why did you bring a woman and child as a shield?”
“A shield?” He balks. “Do I need one against my own son? Because I brought her here as a peace offering. The woman is yours.”
He pushes Pe
No. This isn’t right.
There’s an ulterior motive to his submission.
He must have found out why I want her, and now he’s dangling success in front of me.
“You’re handing her over?” I scrutinize the woman’s face, seeing the undiluted panic in her eyes. She’s filled with fear. More so than yesterday. I don’t know if that means she’s truly panicked over being handed over, or if there’s a bigger picture sparking her horror.
Either way, I guess it doesn’t matter.
They’re unarmed and I’m sick of second-guessing his intent. I reach into my jacket, no longer willing to play a role.
“Cole, I need you to listen. There’s something I have to tell you. It involves you and your sisters.”
I pause, my fingers brushing the grip of my pistol.
He’s triggered the only thing capable of making me hesitate. The only fucking thing.
“What about my sisters?” I return my hand to my side, granting him a temporary reprieve.
“Can we at least sit inside? The boy is tired.”
I scoff. “Probably because you brought him out here when he should be in bed.”
“Well, I couldn’t sleep after yesterday, and there’s something on my mind that can’t wait.”
“Fine.” He might think he’s manipulating me, but being inside works in my favor. I’ll have an extra gun on my side. Two if I count Nissa’s. “Go ahead.” I indicate for them to start walking.
“Pe
She complies, holding out a hand for Tobias to join her.
Chris continues a step behind, then my father starts his progression, stopping a few feet later to glance at me over his shoulder. “Are you coming?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” I lag back, not getting within arm’s reach for the duration of our friendly stroll.
Chris remains quiet. Pe
There’s nothing out of the ordinary. No hint of betrayal as Pe
“Go.” Luther shoos her forward. “Get inside.”
“Wait.” I claim control, deliberately throwing my weight around. “You, the woman, and the kid can go inside, but your dog isn’t welcome.”
My father bristles, a few heartbeats passing before he nods. “Whatever you say.”
I don’t understand the compliance. I refuse to believe yesterday triggered the respect I’ve always struggled to earn. He shouldn’t feel comfortable being separated from his thug-for-hire. Not unless he truly is here to talk.
“I guess I’ll stay here then.” Chris steps out of my way. “Just so you can feel like more of a man for keeping me outside.”
I clap him on the shoulder as I pass. “If I were you, I wouldn’t forget your best buddy ate lead yesterday because of me.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll never forget.”
“Good.” I follow everyone inside, locking the door behind me and sliding the sheer curtain across to block his view.
Luther has already claimed the recliner, while Pe
He eyes me, as if waiting for company.
“The boy’s no longer glued to your side?” I ask.
Luther shrugs. “We heard you’re leaving. I guess he wants to make the most of the moments you have together.”
I’m about to call bullshit when Luca walks into the room, his face a mask of indifference.
“What’s going on?” He eyes me casually, not showing a hint of panic.
“I’m not sure yet. But apparently, my father comes in peace.”
He doesn’t react, neither in belief or concern. I’m not given a hint to his mindset or what was happening inside the house before our visitors arrived.
“Is my little fox still sleeping?” I need to know what he’s done with her. Is she safe?
He holds my focus for long moments. “She’s back to the same tricks as she was on her first night here.”
Her first night? When she hid outside?
Shit. Did I lock her out with Chris?
“Is there anything I need to be concerned about?”
He pauses. Shrugs. “No.”
The response took too long.
He’s worried.
“Go check on her,” my father encourages. “By Amar’s account, she took quite a beating yesterday. She probably shouldn’t be left alone.”
“You spoke to him?” My face heats, the anger quick to infuse my veins. I approach the sofa, taking a seat beside Tobias to look my father in the eye. “How is my old friend doing?”
“I received a call from him last night. He mentioned you might be enjoying his boat.”
“I’m surprised that fucker survived the swim.” I stretch my arms along the back of the headrest, flaunting my lack of concern.
“A boat of tourists picked him up. But I appreciate your leniency. I would’ve understood if you took harsher measures.”
No, he wouldn’t. For reasons unknown, he’s telling me everything I want to hear.
Luther has no protection. No weapons. Nothing.