Page 64 of Deadly Vows

His eyes widen, and he pulls in a deep breath.

“I at least have to report his condition—”

I laugh, my eyes finding his badge name.

“Jacob. Do you like having a job, Jacob?” I ask.

He slowly nods.

“And do you like being able to walk to and from that job? To speak whenever you so please, and to go home and do whatever the fuck it is that you do at the end of your sorry days?” I ask.

“I—”

“Then hear me this one time because I won’t repeat myself again. I own you.” I step closer to him, letting my rage boil over as I look him in the eyes. “Now. What did I just say?”

“N…no record,” he whispers.

I continue to watch him, my eyes shifting over every piece of his face. I don’t respond, moving away from him to approach Enzo. I shift my attention briefly to Nicolai. The fresh stitching above his eyes is a bitter reminder of everything that ensued yesterday because of Enzo’s mother.

I had no intention of seeing Elise today, not after last night. We were ambushed, and Enzo’s mother thought it wise to back me into a corner while threatening my wife’s life. I blacked out after that. But when I came to this morning, Romelo and Nicolai explained to me what happened the remainder of the night. I am sure I terrified Elise in that moment. And this is the first time I felt any form of regret about it.

“Take the car Elise drove back and bring Enzo with you once you’re finished up here,” I say to Nicolai.

He looks at me in shock, his eyes shifting to where Romelo once stood.

“I thought Romelo—”

“I need a more empathetic hand when handling this kid. I trust you’re up for the task?” I ask.

Nicolai’s expression shifts, all of his shock disappearing, replaced with a serious expression.

“Of course, Capo,” he says.

“Good. We’ll discuss where to go from here once everything has calmed down,” I say.

I shift my attention to Enzo, and he’s still staring blankly at nothing. My judgment is once again clouded because of Elise. I am debating opening my home to the biggest threat in my life, all because my emotions are getting the better of me. Enzo finally looks up, his eyes falling on me. His expression shifts slightly,going from emptiness to fear. He knows he fucked up dragging Elise into this. And he knows from what happened to their family that I don’t mess around when it comes to mine.

But I don’t offer him any form of comfort as I hold his gaze. I want him to be frightened. I want him to know he is not on my good side at the moment.

I turn away from him, making my way out of the building to where Elise is waiting in my car. As I get in, I immediately notice her emotional state. Her head is in her hands as she tries to quiet her sobs. I know I should feel angry with her for leaving the safety of our home and driving into what could have been her death. The more I think, the heavier my anger comes over me.

She brought this one herself, just like she has done with every little setback in our relationship.

I release a huff of irritation, not bothering to offer her words of comfort as I put the car in drive, taking us home.

The drive home is silent, and as much as I thought I was giving Elise the silent treatment, it’s beginning to feel like I am the one getting it. The entire drive, she never once uttered a word or looked in my direction. She only stared out the window, letting her tears fall.

And as I pull into the garage, turning off the engine, she tells me why.

“It was you, wasn’t it?” she asks.

Silence passes between us. And for the first time in my life, I don’t know how to respond.

“You disappeared in a hurry yesterday and came back last night covered in blood—” Elise chokes on a sob. “And the next day, his mother is dead.”

She places her hand over her mouth, swallowing her nausea as she finds the strength to speak.

“Enzo told me he searched the house. He thought looking there was a waste of time because he had already done so. He came to our house, frantic because his mother was missing…”

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