Treachery

Luca

What just happened?

Can the universe be even more screwed up than it already is? How did any of this happen?

Ta

I’m in shock at the moment. I don’t even care what Ta

But it can’t be all Ta

He didn’t cause that accident.

Yes, he’s still holding the divorce over my head, and yes, he’s still an arrogant ass that keeps attempting to con me into doing his bidding, but he’s not responsible for this.

The universe hates me.

Ta

I turn to him and study the way his strong jaw tics.

He’s angry.

That much is obvious.

“Did he say anything to you about what happened?”

Ta

I hate to think he’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. In looks, not attitude. But still, it’s hard not to stare, not to appreciate the strong features of his face, the golden color of his skin. My eyes trace lower, and I admire the way his black shirt is tailored over broad shoulders.

“He said the brakes gave out. It’s a damn good thing you weren’t driving it. You could have been killed.”

Glancing at me, he narrows his eyes, his lips a cruel line.

“What made you think it would be a good idea to drive that piece of shit out of state?”

Flinching at the rage in his voice, I shift in my seat, uncomfortable with the way he’s looking at me before he turns those moss green eyes back to the road.

“Maybe it was the only choice I had considering you’re holding my life hostage at the moment.”

That gets his attention, his eyes flicking back at me before returning to the road. I don’t like the way the corners of his lips curl as if he knows a secret.

His voice is a silky croon when he asks, “What’s out of state that can help you?”

My mouth slams closed, and I shake my head in an attempt to clear it. Still in such shock about everything else, I realize I almost gave away the one weapon I have against him.

“I was trying to get away from you,” I answer, not quite lying because the distance was an added bonus.

The tires of the car vibrate harder as we make our way onto a bridge, my eyebrows tugging together in confusion when I finally take a second to realize we’re leaving the city.

“Where are we going?”

“My house,” he answers, his voice clipped as he changes lanes and slams on the gas to get around a slow car. I grip the handle of the door, my heart in my throat because he drives like a maniac.

“Why?”

Another glance at me, his eyes locking to mine for just a second before he looks back at the road.

“Because I can’t exactly take you to my office.”

How did I even end up here? I need to get back to my car...or my apartment. Somewhere that I can think for a second without his dark presence.

“Turn around and take me back.”

He laughs, just one bark of sound that shakes his shoulders.

“Why? Where do you have to be? You don’t have a job. Your car is ancient history now, and judging by the state of your apartment, there’s not much to run back to.”

Irritation straightens my spine.

“I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for you. If you hadn’t shown up at that damn hearing, Clayton would have already paid me what he owes me.”

His gaze slides my direction, but before he can answer, his Bluetooth rings. I look at the screen and see Gabriel’s name.

Ta

There’s silence on the line for a few seconds, then that charming voice rolls through the speakers. I swear Gabriel’s tongue is dipped in silver.

“How are you doing, love? I take it if you’re with Ta

I want to hate him. But it’s impossible. Gabriel is as much of a player as the jerk sitting next to me. I know that. He’s good cop, as usual. Yet, I still grin to hear his voice.

“My day is sucktastic. Thanks for asking.”

He chuckles, the tone of it as smooth as his voice.

“Well, that might also explain why Ta

Ta

“I assumed you could handle it on your own. And when you’re done with that, I need you to come to my place. Tell the rest of the guys, too.”

“I’m sure Luca will be thrilled for the reunion,” Gabriel jokes.

“Not really,” I grumble.

It only makes him laugh again.

“Ah, well, I’d apologize for it, but I won’t lie and claim I don’t look forward to seeing you again, beautiful. You two kids behave until we get there. Try not to kill each other in the next few hours. As for the merger, I’ll take care of it.”

Ta

We’re pulling down the winding road toward his house when I glance at him again.

“Care to tell me why we’re having this reunion? Or is that going to be an unpleasant surprise as well?”

His lips twitch with amusement, but he doesn’t bother looking at me before turning into his driveway and directing the car around back.

A four-car garage sits in front of us as we make the corner, one of the large doors lifting automatically.

After pulling into the spot, he throws the car in park, the engine still softly idling as he twists to look at me, his arm sliding out to rest on the back of my seat.

Ta

It has to be fear.

Or anger.

Or even adrenaline after everything that has already happened today.

I can’t be so stupid as to still feel attracted to him despite everything he’s already done.

“Something has come up that I think is best we all know about.”

That’s odd. What could possibly have happened that I need to know about? Unless...

“Did you find Everly?”

He shakes his head, his gaze sliding down my body without permission, heat blazing behind eyes the color of a forest at midnight.

“Not quite. But I’d rather wait for everyone else to arrive before we talk about it.”

There’s a soft quality to his voice that touches me in places it shouldn’t, those eyes lifting to mine again to pin me in place.

“But it’ll be a few hours before they get here, and we’ll have to find other ways to entertain ourselves.”