Page 67 of Enjoying the Band in Lockdown

The only question still undecided was whether others would be punished for my crime.

No.

“Aren’t you going to invite me inside and to introduce me to your little friends, Neve?” As usual, Angelo de Rege held all the power by the nature of his money and muscle. How could my parents have ever thought he’d be perfect for their wild and free-spirited daughter?

“This isn’t a good time—” While I stood, knuckles whitening against the door, my first and only thought was to protect my boys. If I could grab my bag, go quietly with Angelo, surely he’d let them go?

They didn’t know.

It was all my fault.

He didn’t need to make them pay for my—

My only crime had been to run.

I’d embarrassed Angelo and my family by running.

Leaving with Angelo wouldn’t save the others.

“Is my brother with you?” My brother had introduced us when I was twelve and Angelo almost twenty. My awe and respect for my brother had instantly transferred to his best friend. Until I turned sixteen and Angelo turned me into a business arrangement. My hand for use of Angelo’s political connections. My parents thought they’d gotten the better deal, after all, they weren’t equipped to deal with a headstrong girl who asked more questions than followed rules.

One of Angelo’s goons started to shake his head before Angelo’s look served its purpose. Ronan was either staying in a neutral corner, preserving his relationship with mum and dad, or was waiting to get answers before declaring his vote.

I heard the guys thump their way downstairs. Despite sharing the bed last night, Xavier and I remained unresolved. Would he come to my defense? Possibly, out of pride. Chase and Devon would—but they wouldn’t stand a chance. Not against Angelo even if he was alone, and definitely not against Angelo’s thugs.

“Neve, Angelo asked nicely.” Only I knew when Angelo’s patience was wearing thin and the ramifications of making him repeat himself. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”

“No,” I stammered. “We’re in social isolation.”

“You have friends with you.”

“We’re in lockdown together. You must have heard the media, the rules.” I wasn’t making sense, even to me. But it was all I had. “You haven’t any reason to be here. You can’t be here.”

“Make me.”

“Jax!” I called out, thinking Jax was the only person likely to put self-interest above being a hero. “Can you call the police and let them know three fans are trying to join us in lockdown. They aren’t welcome. They’re from out of town and breaking social isolation.”

“Neve,” Angelo’s threat didn’t need clarification. “Is that anyway to talk to the love of your life.”

“You assume far too much,” I spat. Knowing this outburst could cost me more than my freedom, but needing to extract every ounce of venom while I still could.

“I’ve travelled a great distance for you. Come with me now and we can talk about your apology in the car.” He reached out his hand. The act of a gentlemen if delivered by any other man. With Angelo, even a smile held a threat. Offering his hand was akin to inviting me to strip naked and chain myself to a post in his garage while his beautiful German shepherd puppy roamed free. Jumping up for licks and pats, frustrated when my bound hands couldn’t stroke his fur.

“Angelo, it’s over.” If he insisted on marriage and the marriage would be until death do we part, then I knew what I had to do. Beg for my brother to listen, my parents to understand. If they couldn’t or wouldn’t, then it would be a very short marriage.

“Shall I get your father on the phone? He misses his daughter, perhaps as much as she misses his money?”

“Angelo you’ve got to go. Please leave.”

“Who’s this?” Instead of Jax with the police on speaker phone, it was Xavier who came up behind me. His tattooed arm snaking possessively around my waist until resting against my hip. My shaking lessened with kisses to my shoulder, but I could see Angelo’s thugs looking for a sign from their boss to tear my man apart.

No. Xavier was innocent.

“Xavier, this is my ex fiancée, Angelo de Rege, and two of his I assume business associates is the correct term?”

“Don’t be a silly little girl, Neve. Get in the car.”

“I could get used to whispering Neve when you come for me,” Xavier whispered, showering my neck with more kisses. Angelo didn’t need to hear what Xavier said, my punishment would be the same.

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