Page 36 of Devil’s Candy

Because if left to my devices, I’d just think in circles about Sver.

I look back to see him leaning against the back of his car, watching my exchange with Angel. He feels so far away in this moment.

Have I finally found someone different or is he just the exact kind of guy I pick every time?

I know he’s helped me every step of the way since we met, but I can’t help but think I’m headed for the worst kind of heartbreak.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Sver

I watch Candy hug Angel and jealousy rips through me. I was playing it a little cool this morning. Keeping things light.

Killian and I…we’re on a crash course. And I don’t want to make too many promises. Popping open the trunk, I pull out a duffel bag and drop it on the ground.

“Angel.”

He looks up at me even as Candy disappears. “What’s in the bag?” He asks as he starts toward me.

I bend down, unzipping the bag and exposing the contents. “An insurance policy for Candy.”

I packed it early this morning while she was still sleeping.

Angel’s gaze is wary as he slows his pace, eyeing the bag. I get the problem. There isn’t much trust here and he’s afraid this is a trap. “I’ll empty the bag if it makes you feel better, but this is money for her just in case…”

“Just in case, what?”

I draw in a deep breath. “In case I don’t come back.”

“You’re that worried about Vinnie Morelli?” His brows lift.

I shake my head, scrubbing the back of my neck. “Vinnie is the least of my problems.” I’m not dragging Angel into the fight between Killian and me. Killian isn’t involving Angel either, and I respect that. But just in case things go south… “But if I don’t come back, that’s for Candy. Can I count on you to keep her safe?”

Angel blows out a breath as he looks in the bag. “How much is in there?”

My eyes narrow. “Why?”

“My safe is only so big.” He bends down and zips up the bag, picking it up. “If something happens to you, I’ll send Candy to Vegas. She can get tons of work there, buy a house, and live under the watchful eye of the Smiths⁠—”

“Not the Smiths.”

Angel cocks his head. “They have two of your daughters. Are you saying you don’t trust them?”

“With Sasha and Katarina, yes. With Candy? Absolutely not.” Like I said, I’m not putting Angel in the middle. “There is too much history.”

“I’ll ask Mason Kincaid then.”

“Thank you, Angel.” I turn back toward the car and then glance at Rock, who has been watching the entire time.

I know that Rock and Killian have spent time together. “I’m following Vinnie today. I’m almost certain he’s meeting with the Columbians. If Rock wants to come, he can give you a firsthand account of anything I discover.”

Angel’s eyes narrow. “Trust you with my brother?”

“Fuck you, Angel,” Rock spits. “You’re not my babysitter.”

But my answer is more direct. “Trust is the theme of the day.”

Angel’s nostrils flare. “You just gave me a bag of money. How much danger will my brother be in?”