Page 174 of Saving Her

“How did she know Anissa was a Fed, Luca?” The question is level, no rage, no menace despite both lurking in his gaze.

“I told her. I had no choice. She wouldn’t trust me when we were trying to gain the upper hand with Luther. She thought Anissa was a slave, and that we were involved in the trafficking.”

He takes another mouthful of coffee, those predator eyes scrutinizing me from over the rim of his mug. “You didn’t think to discuss it with me first?”

“I didn’t have time. I was in the middle of being attacked with a syringe, and if memory serves, so were you.”

“That may be the case, but you’ve caused complications. I know I don’t have to mention how important it is for a man in my position not to be associated with the Feds.”

“Maybe you should’ve thought about that before you stuck your dick in one.”

He slams his mug down on the table, the contents splashing over the rim. “Don’t fuck with me on this. Anissa is not to be discussed, not even mentioned. Wipe the name from Penny’s mind or I’ll do it myself.”

I grind my teeth. I can’t push him too far. This is my life now. He’s my general. My family. “I’ll make sure she understands.”

“Make sure you do,” he snarls. “Now there’s one more thing we need to discuss before you drag her ass out here. I told you to take care of her financially, yet she still stole from me. Why?”

I scoff. “What could she have possibly stolen?”

“Money. I’ve got a contact at the bank who’s been keeping an eye on my father’s accounts. He told me a stack of cash has been withdrawn.”

“And you’re pointing the finger at Penny? What about your dad’s informants? Or your sisters? How do you know they didn’t take the money?”

“Because I called them. Neither know how to access the accounts. I also mentioned the issue to Penny, and she didn’t deny it.”

I straighten, not believing his story. “So she confirmed it?”

“Not exactly. I’m well aware she’s not in her right mind at the moment. That’s why I need you to discuss it with her. Find out where she keeps the keycard and destroy it.”

“It’s fucking impossible. She came home from Greece empty-handed.”

“Her hands might have been empty, but did you do a cavity search? Or did you save that until you got home?” He winks.

“Fuck you.” My nostrils flare as I grip the chair tight enough to make my fingers ache. “I’m not sleeping with her. And I’d bet good money she isn’t responsible for touching your father’s accounts.”

He shrugs. “I’ll have proof in the form of security pictures soon enough. I suggest you speak to her before then. Now get her out here; I’ve got other things to do before the night is over.”

I pause a second, unsure if I should be placing Penny in front of his barely leashed mood.

“I’ll be civil,” he drawls, as if reading my mind. “Just get her out here.”

“You better be.” I call over my shoulder. “Penny, can you come out here?” I wait for a response that doesn’t come. “Penny?”

“For your sake, I hope she didn’t steal my car this time.”

“Very funny.” I start for the hall only to be stopped by her walking into the living area.

“You wanted me?” she asks.

Without doubt.

Always.

“Take a seat,” Torian instructs. “I need to get details on what happened tonight while they’re still clear in your mind.”

She glances between the two of us as she approaches, wary yet confident. She takes the seat to my right, sitting tall, her hands placed on the table. “I can’t tell you much.”

I fling out my chair and sit beside her. “What happened?”

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