Page 129 of Ruthless Redemption

“Nothing.” She shakes her head.

“It’s something.” I drag my attention back out the window. “Whether or not you want to discuss it with me is a different matter.”

“I’ve made my brother worry. That’s all.” She places her hand on my thigh, a gentle, reassuring gesture. “He keeps calling. I think he has a sixth sense that something is going on. I’ll need to speak to him once we’re finished here.”

“Are you asking permission?” It sounds like she is. “You know that’s not necessary.”

“No, I’m not. I just wasn’t sure what I should tell him.”

I place my hand on top of hers, impatient for Emmanuel’s death so I can have her to myself. “He won’t stop our plans regardless of what he knows if that’s what you’re worried about.”

She gives me a skeptical look.

“La mia stella polare, your brother is a man with a city.” I lean close to whisper in her ear. “And I’m a monster who decimated a state. I promise he won’t get in our way.”

She shudders. In fear or pleasure, I’m not sure. But it makes me fucking hard.

I’m still hungry for her. Always ravenous. Even after the half-hour session in the shower, my tongue in her slit, her hands in my hair.

I’m not sure I’ll ever be sated. Or if I want to be. The constant craving is an addiction I’m eager to remain bound to.

“You got the code, sir?” My driver pulls up at the wrought-iron gates blocking us from Lorenzo’s estate.

“Yes. And you already know I’m not willing to share.” I climb out and round the hood to the security panel, entering the digits to allow us entry.

The gates groan, bounce, then slowly slide aside as I circle back and climb into my seat.

“This is where Lorenzo lives?” Salvatore inches forward in the front seat as we continue down the curving drive. “I always imagined he’d live in a dark, high-rise penthouse for some reason.”

“He’s got one of those, too.” This place is more of a sanctuary. His hideaway.

“It’s beautiful,” Layla whispers.

I struggle to see it through her eyes.

To me, this place is a fortress.

The tall trees providing a canopy over the yard act as a shield from the outside world. The creeper vines twisted around the trunks hide the mass of mounted security cameras. And once we get outside, the air will be alive with the call of tropical birds from the massive aviary—nature’s own alarm system to back up its state-of-the-art counterpart.

The car stops in front of the sprawling house and the middle-aged Italian guard at the front door approaches the vehicle.

“What do I do?” Salvo lowers his sun visor and stares at me through the mirror. “Is there a certain protocol I need to follow? A secret handshake?”

“I’ll handle it.” I get out before the guard reaches the car. “Hey, Aldo. It’s been a long time.”

He inclines his head. “The boss wasn’t expecting you until later.”

“This couldn’t wait.” I reach toward Layla, helping her to slide across the seat. “Where is he?”

“In the backyard last time I checked. You can wait in the house until he’s ready.”

“Thanks.” I help Layla to her feet, keeping her close with a protective arm around her waist as Remy and Salvatore climb out.

“Is the car going to stay here?” she asks as the driver lowers his window.

“No. I might be the only one with Lorenzo’s gate code, but that doesn’t mean he favors me enough to allow my driver to loiter.” I jerk my head for the chauffeur to leave. “I’ll call you to get us once we’re done.”

He nods and shifts the car into reverse while my brothers stare at the grey brick mansion, their expressions masked, their shoulders taut.

---