Page 75 of Heir of Darkness

She helped Luna stand up, setting her down on the couch. Cecilia went into the kitchen, leaving Luna to listen to the boys, who talked rapidly and quietly, throwing their hands around in frustration as if they were personally offended.

All Luna wanted was Valerio, who was no doubt on his way by now. But he was still so far away. She needed his arms around her, his protection and warmth. She needed him to tell her he wouldn’t let anyone touch her ever again and that he was never going to leave her side.

She closed her eyes, leaning back on the couch. She felt defeated, the exhaustion overwhelming her.

The sound of footsteps thumping around the room had her jumping up once again. Her eyes were frantic, looking around for some new intruder, but there was none to be found. Cecilia sat beside her with an ice pack in her hands, her eyes holding a comforting look. This time both Blair and Gianna sat in front of her as well with worried looks.

Luna let out a deep breath. “When did you guys get here?” She cringed at how much worse her voice sounded; it was hoarse and broken, completely different from the way she usually sounded.

“A little bit ago,” Gianna said. “You were sleeping, so we decided not to wake you.”

“He called a couple of minutes ago,” Blair said. “He’s almost here.”

Luna nodded, leaning back. She must have been asleep for a little bit then. The body was gone, as were all signs of a fight in the room or blood on the floor. Allister now joined the boys sitting all around the room, taking up space wherever they could. It felt odd to see everyone together without threatening each other or pulling guns.

“We managed to clean up the blood from your face and most of your body while you were sleeping,” Cecilia said, pressing the ice pack to her neck once again. “You’ll probably want a nice shower when you have a chance.”

So much for the relaxing bath earlier. It was funny to even consider anything from earlier in the night as relaxing. How long had he been in her apartment? Did he watch her get dressed? Did he listen to her on the phone with Valerio? Where was he hiding? A harsh throbbing returned in her temples, reminding her that stressing about the situation right now wasn’t going to make any of her injuries better.

The door banging open had everyone swinging their heads around to see who it was. Luna could feel him before she saw him. It felt like everything moved in slow motion when his broad frame stomped through the doorway and into the room.

His eyes met hers, a deep frown on his lips. Luna jumped up instantly, running toward him, but he met her halfway. She threw herself into his arms, her body melting when she felt his warmth once again. He immediately enveloped her body, pulling her against his chest.

She didn’t even realize she was crying until he lifted her head, wiping his thumbs underneath her cheeks. He skimmed the bruised skin of her neck and her nose, his face transforming into a murderous look. The look of vengeance in his eyes was clear, but his touch was still gentle.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here,” he muttered, leaning his forehead against hers.

She shook her head. “It’s not your fault.”

“That doesn’t outweigh the fact that I should have been here. God, your precious voice,” he said. “I should have never left.”

“You’re here now,” Luna muttered, burying herself in his chest. “Please, don’t go anywhere.”

“Never again,” he swore. “I have a doctor coming to look at your throat. Where’s the fucking body?” The question was directed toward the other men, who now stood.

“On its way to the warehouse,” Allister said. “None of us could recognize who it was, but given how he managed to get in, he’s a professional. And a good one at that.”

Valerio’s jaw clenched. He looked over at Finn. “How did you get here so quickly?”

“She called,” he said. “I rushed here as soon as the call came through.”

Valerio was quiet for a moment. “You saved her life when I couldn’t. I owe you. Whatever you want, just name it.”

Luna’s eyes widened. Was this the beginning of a truce between the two of them? She could only hope so, but when Finn shook his head, reality hit her.

“She’s my sister,” he said. “You only proved you’re incapable of taking care of her.”

“How did he get in?” Valerio snarled. “My security would have never allowed this. If your father had allowed me to put my team here, I doubt we would be standing here right now contemplating how she was almost fucking killed.”

“We could all go back and forth all day, but how about we focus on the fact that someone wants her dead?” Dante spoke up. “That seems more important than anything else.”

“She’s not married yet, so she’s not under any protection,” Allister said.

Luna frowned. “What are you talking about? What does that have to do with marriage?”

“Since you and Valerio aren’t married, you’re still in the space where there is technically a way out of the contract. If one of you dies before the legality is set, then it’s like the contract never existed,” Allister said.

“You think it’s someone who doesn’t want this union?” Blair asked.

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