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“They wanted to use me as bait, to lure you guys out, go after your dad at the same time,” I murmured.
“I know. Thomas told us everything while you slept in the car. It might’ve even worked,” he admitted, and I frowned. “I won’t pretend like we weren’t all struggling to keep it together, sending out men and trying to find you. I was worried Kieran might burn down the entire Moretti compound, and Zane would’ve made it known that this was not something he’d ever forgive.”
My heart fluttered despite the brutality of what the men would have done for me, but knowing they’d been so distressed still delighted a twisted part of me.
“I wasn’t sure what I would’ve done in all honesty. I wanted to hurt them too, but getting you back safe was our main priority,” he said as he rested his cheek on the top of my head. “Made us realize just how important you are to us.”
“Will Thomas be okay? He was kind to me, Enzo. Fed me, gave me extra bedding. He doesn’t fit in with this life.”
“Zane is handling that. His mother and sister will be picked up soon, our word is our bond, and we’ve sworn to protect them now. We’ll get his new identity sorted and have him moved somewhere new after faking his death most likely. Although,depending on how things go with the Moretti family, he may be given a pardon for helping the main family and sticking to their old values.”
“I hope they pardon him, although he would do better outside of the family. He’s too kind.”
“I’m glad it was him who you wound up in the care of then,” his words were rather gruff, and I recognized it. Guilt that another man had had to come to my aid.
“He got me back to you, that’s all that matters,” I said as I nuzzled his neck, inhaling his cologne that made me feel oddly at home.
“Yes. Where you’re safe.”
22
KIERAN
Istared at the blood red sky over a burning city, swiping my brush across the paint as I added a few more touches.
The men who’d taken Vee had vanished from the safe house, and I was beyond pissed.
I was murderous.
And there was no one I could take it out on. The Morettis were supposedly getting their new location for us, although they were dragging their heels now that we had Vee safe. If they wanted the truce to continue, they needed to offer them up, my father was making sure they were aware of that. You didn’t cross the Slades like this, and now that we knew Vee had been attacked, our father was pushing all the more for it.
Some low-life piece of shit had forced himself upon her, and the thought made my hand flex, red searing through my vision yet again.
I shook my head, glancing at the snapped paint brush in my hand before I tossed it across the room with the others. I wasgoing to run out of them soon, but at least I could bring my vision to life before me.
The city was burning, the sky and streets a matching red in color. I’d flood the streets with Moretti blood for what they’d done to Vee. It was a sin worthy of the most horrific death.
I ground my teeth as I stepped back to admire my painting, the splashes of red and black a reflection of the fury in my soul.
Vee, our precious little stray, the one who’d survived against all odds, had been hurt once more, and I’d not been able to do a damn thing to protect her.
I snarled as I threw my paint palette against the wall, seething as it stuck and slid down, leaving a trail of black and red in its wake.
I’d hoped painting would give me the outlet I needed, but this rage was refusing to burn off. Every time I thought about her, I’d see the way she’d cried into Enzo’s chest. How my outburst had made her break after everything.
I sighed as I sat back against the desk covered with tubes of paint. I’d made her crumble by giving in to my own emotions, by letting my other side shine through in her presence.
And it had scared her. I had scared her.
“Fuck,” I groaned as I ran a hand down my face. She hadn’t needed that right now. Not after everything she’d been through.
I had no idea how to make things right with her now. To make her understand that I was only wanting her safe, that her well-being was everything and I’d failed her.
I pushed off the desk, heading out into the hall and pausing at the first room. The door was slightly ajar, and I glanced in, the warring emotions within me settling somewhat at the sight of her sleeping, all curled up in bed.
I headed out to the living area to find Enzo standing at one of the large windows as he gazed out over the city.
“How’s she doing?” I asked as I stepped up beside him.
