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“We know that already,” Zane spoke up, his cold voice slicing through the quietness of the room. “Now, are you going to help us deal with those who dared upset the order so much? The ones who took from us will pay, it’s up to you how far the price branches.”
Stefano’s jaw set at the threat as he leaned back, giving the three of us a once over, his gaze settling on me.
He swallowed as he studied me, as if he expected me to snap.
“Mercy was granted for what you did to my family, now it’s your choice on how this proceeds,” I said slowly as I looked at Patrick, hoping he was on board with all of this. We were definitely acting out of line, and even though I was as enraged as my brothers, I knew Patrick had the best interests of the entirefamily at heart. He wanted to do right by his sons, but he had to think of the big picture.
The good of the one didn’t outweigh the many. But he also knew his own sons well, and how this could turn into something out of his control.
“You assured us you could keep a handle over your family when we made our truce, that the rivalry would cease and we’d both lead this city into a prosperous future. Since then, that truce has unraveled, your men coming at us whenever they could. We have retaliated, and this has become a problem. You have a chance here, Stefano,” Patrick said as he tapped a finger on the table.
“We know those responsible, if we can come to a suitable agreement, then we will help you find them. This needs to stop before it becomes a war and the great city of Weststone suffers,” Stefano said as he nodded to his men. “For the good of the many, we will weed out those who seek to tear this family apart.”
“Good, I knew we could figure something out. So let’s hash out the details then. Boys, give us some space, you’ll have what you seek,” Patrick said as those dark green eyes cut to the three of us, urging us not to overstep further.
“Idle hands are the devil’s playground,” Kieran said, his smile not matching his words. “Don’t take too long.”
Zane cast his gaze around the room, nodding at Stefano before finally turning away.
I let out the deep breath I’d been holding. Kieran was a loose cannon now, and I’d half expected him to do something that’d set this whole room off. Hell, even Zane had worried me, this was all out of character for him.
And I’d follow my brothers through the gates of Hell if I had to, especially when their actions were that of justice.
13
VERONICA
Isat on the edge of the cot, still surprised that these men had a damn cell in their basement. I didn’t want to think too much about that fact and how many others had been in here. Nor did I want to look too closely at the wall across from me with the unsettling stain on it. It was just above my head level, and it made my skin crawl.
I pulled the flimsy blanket around my shoulders, hating how cold and enclosed this area felt. I hated basements, they’d always made me uneasy, being under the earth. Especially since the only window in this area was on the wall outside of the cell, and it was blacked out. My only light was a small lamp on the desk outside the cell. Were we somewhere with neighbors? Someone who could possibly help me?
My gaze slid to the bucket in the corner, and I scrunched up my nose. I did need to pee, but I also didn’t want to have to use the damn bucket. I was not some wretched animal.
But I was a prisoner. I closed my eyes as I pulled my legs up to my chest, playing with the laces of my runners. I wassurprised they hadn’t taken them. What if I attempted to hang myself with them?
Not that there was anything to hang myself from save for the cell bars. The small space couldn’t be any more than six foot by six foot, and the cot was bolted onto the wall. There wasn’t even a sink or light bulb inside my little prison.
My tears had run dry about an hour after I’d been carried down here and dumped in my new space. All it was doing was giving me a headache, and a numbness had settled over me now.
Was this acceptance of my fate? Of what I’d done to Callum? Was this how I’d die?
Well, at least I’d had a few perfect days with the brothers. I’d treasure those.
I dragged my gaze back to the ominous stain on the wall, a chill settling over me.
Had someone’s brains been plastered on it? Branding the fatal moment into the cream painted wall, now an omen of what awaited those who found themselves locked inside the tiny cell?
I swallowed, the dryness of my mouth becoming unbearable as I leaned back against the wall, the cot squeaking under my weight.
What were the brothers doing now? Were they out looking for me? That thought filled me with some hope, but I pushed it down. I couldn’t rely on anyone saving me. Realistically, how would they even find me? This would be a safe house or something, hidden from them.
I closed my eyes, the throb in my temple now becoming more prominent.
That’s what I got for crying.
The creak of the basement door opening had me stiffening, and I gazed towards the rectangle slice of light by the stairs, the actual staircase out of my sight around the corner.
Footsteps descended, and I clenched my teeth as a shudder coursed through me.
