Page 29 of The Devil's Wrath

Sure, I’d love to. Meet you at Sal’s at noon?

The response came immediately.

Sounds good! See you then.

Setting my phone aside, I glanced at the clock. I still had a few hours before I had to go, which was plenty of time to clear my mindand shove any inappropriate thoughts about Theo into a dark corner of my mind where they belonged.

I busied myself with getting ready, taking more time on my hair and makeup than usual, covering the bruise on my face. If I was going to face the world, I needed some armor. The fall weather was in full effect, so I chose a cozy charcoal-gray sweater dress and pulled on a pair of knee-high black leather boots.

Glancing at my phone, I realized I needed to leave now if I was going to make it to the restaurant on time. I grabbed my black wool peacoat and burgundy scarf, looping it around my neck as I hurried out the door into the crisp autumn air. Multicolored leaves crunched under my boots as I walked the few blocks to Sal’s, a quaint Italian bistro that Gage and I had been coming to since we’d been kids. The familiar scent of garlic and herbs enveloped me as I stepped inside, instantly transporting me back to happier, simpler times when my parents had still been here and I hadn’t yet carried the scars from the fire that had burned them alive.

I spotted my brother already seated in our usual corner booth by the window, his dark head bent over his phone. He glanced up as I approached, a warm smile spreading across his handsome face. Gage was a few years older than me, and with his chiseled jaw, deep blue eyes, and athletic build, he had always been a hot commodity among my friends. But to me, he was just my goofy, overprotective big brother.

“Hey, Jellybean. Glad you could make it,” he said, using the silly nickname he’d given me when we’d been kids.

I slid into the booth across from him. “Hey yourself. I’m surprised you’re not sick of this place by now.”

He shrugged. “What can I say? I’m a creature of habit.” He signaled the waitress and ordered us both coffee before turning his attention back to me. “So, how’ve you been?

I shrugged, fiddling with the napkin in front of me. “Oh, you know. Same old, same old.”

His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied me. “Really? Because I heard through the grapevine that you and Connor broke up.”

I froze, my fingers tightening around the steaming mug thewaitress had placed in front of me. Damn it. News traveled fast in this town.

I took a sip of coffee, buying myself a moment to compose my thoughts. “Yeah, we did. A couple of days ago. It just . . . wasn’t working out.”

Gage leaned back, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “And by ‘wasn’t working out,’ you mean he was a selfish prick who didn’t appreciate what he had?”

A surprised laugh bubbled out of me. Leave it to my brother to cut straight to the point. “Something like that,” I admitted, taking another sip of coffee to hide my smile.

His blue eyes softened with concern. “You deserve better, Jellybean. I hope you know that. I never liked the fucker anyway.”

I snorted. “Yeah, I know. You made your opinion abundantly clear every chance you got.”

He had the grace to look slightly abashed. “I’m your big brother. It’s my job to look after you.” His expression turned serious. “I just want you to be with someone who treats you right. Someone who puts you first and makes you happy.”

My mind flashed unbidden to the pair of intense green eyes and strong hands gripping my hips. I quickly pushed the image away, my cheeks heating. “I know. And I appreciate it, really. But I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”

He held his hands up in surrender. “Alright, alright. I’ll stop with the overprotective big brother routine. For now.” He grinned crookedly. “But if any guy messes with you, I reserve the right to kick his ass.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t suppress my smile. “Duly noted.”

The waitress returned to take our orders. I got my usual chicken parmesan, while Gage opted for the lasagna. As she walked away, I asked, “So, what’s new with you? How’s the wholesaving gangsters’livesthing going for you?”

He chuckled and ran a hand through his short, dark hair. “Oh, you know, just another day at the office. Patching up bullet holes, setting broken bones. The usual.” His light tone belied the gravity of his work as a mafia doctor.

“I don’t know how you do it,” I mused, stirring cream into my coffee.

He shrugged. “Someone has to. It might as well be me. Besides, saving the lives of the Elite has its perks.”

“The Elite? You mean criminals? Scumbags? Lowlifes?”

Gage sighed. “It’s not that simple, Wren. The world isn’t black and white. There’s a lot of gray area between. You know that better than most.”

I arched an eyebrow. “Fifty shades of gray?”

He shot me an exasperated look. “Very funny. You know what I mean. These guys, they’re not all bad. They’ve taken care of me—of us since mom and dad died. They respected our father. They have a code, twisted as it may be. Loyalty, respect, honor. It’s just . . . directed in an unconventional way.”

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