Page 89 of The Prom

The torture in his voice will live with me to my dying day and Blade growls, “They need a doctor.”

The screech of a siren outside answers him, and Ryder’s concerned voice at my ear says gruffly, “The paramedics are here. They’ll take care of them.”

“I’m going with her.” Flash says gruffly and Ryder slaps him on the back, genuinely concerned.

“Of course.”

If ever there was a time I felt helpless, this is it. I failed. Imogen is here because of me—because I failed to protect her and I will never forgive myself, even if she makes a full recovery.

I can’t even find the right words to comfort Flash. He’s my brother, and I have done the unthinkable. I not only fucked his virgin daughter, but I let her down—both of them down.

Ryder places a strong hand on my back and says roughly, “Good job, soldier, but it’s not over yet.”

He issues his instructions like the commanding general he is.

“Take the girls to the ambulance. The paramedics have no other business here.”

He refers to the bloodbath in the room. As Reapers, we are used to cleaning up shit for the government and there will be no repercussions for what happened here tonight. However, explaining that to civilians is another matter entirely.

I watch helplessly as Flash carries Imogen out of the room, shielding her face from the carnage as she lies helplessly in his arms. Blade does the same for Delilah and I pray to God she makes it. It’s as if that fucking samurai sword is speared straight through my heart as I turn my attention to the job at hand.

Ryder approaches the Romanos, who are obviously pissed their prize has been snatched from them at the last minute.

He offers Lucian Romano his hand, and I’m surprised when he says gruffly, “Thanks. I appreciate your help.”

Lucian nods coolly. “I can’t pretend I’m happy about the outcome. I wanted nothing more than to deal with that creep myself.”

He sighs. “But the outcome is the same. It’s done and another sick society has been disbanded.”

Ryder nods, a grim expression on his face. “Your son.” He turns to Dante, who shrugs, apparently unconcerned his son was caught up in this. His words are delivered in a husky drawl.“Luca was acting for the family. He will never be contained when men like that prey on others.”

Ryder nods and I’m surprised when he says grimly. “That’s his excuse and I understand his involvement. I don’t understand Frankie Majerio’s.”

Dante grins as Lucian laughs softly. “Strange things happen when families work together. His uncle, Malik, was brought in when Frankie’s friend was involved. The Majerios are loyal to their friends, and Frankie required Malik’s help with that. Malik discovered that I was already aware of The Serpent Society and we pooled our resources. It was through his information that I learned of this place, the people involved, and the location of the other houses dotted around the country. As we speak, the rest of Club Mafia have carried out similar raids on their houses and every member of The Serpent Society is now presumed dead.”

“I see.” Ryder sighs heavily. “Then our job is done. All that remains is to clear up this shit and have a strong word with our kids.”

My heart physically shakes when a flash of anger heats his eyes, and I wouldn’t want to be Cassie or Jack right now when he turns his attention to them.

Then my heart sinks further when his gaze turns to me and he angles his head to the door.

“A word, soldier.”

He shakes the Romano’s hands and jerks his head toward the carnage left in the room. “We’ll clean up. Thank you for your time.”

As we walk away, the Romanos and their men slink back into the shadows and as we hit the wall, Ryder says in a low voice, “I’ll expect a full debrief in the morning. There’s enough to deal with tonight, and the questions can wait until then. Just one thing though before you leave?—”

My heart sinks.

“Flash is aware of your interest in his daughter.”

“You told him?”

I’m surprised at that and Ryder shakes his head. “No.”

“Then who?”

Ryder grins. “It appears that Imogen did what most girls do when they want their daddies knowing something.”

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