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CHAPTER3
Valentin
Trouble.
That’s what the beautiful woman was with a capital T. The reason was simple. I wanted her. The darkness inside of me craved to sully her in the worst ways, stripping her of any concept of innocence she might have left. The filthy thoughts continued to push through my mind as I took another look at the son of bitch who’d thought I’d buy his round of bullshit.
Casimine had purposely sent him to the restaurant, likely to garner information. While the man was shit as a leader, even more brutal than I’d become, his conniving methods had already gotten on my nerves. I refused to allow my empire to be threatened, especially by a scumbag with a penchant for underage girls. I’d heard rumors the fucker had delved into human trafficking.
As she lay limp in my arms, I let out a long hiss. While I was troubled by the asshole’s brazen act, what disturbed me even more was that it seemed like his target was the lovely creature who’d descended on the restaurant. I doubted it was coincidence.
And I’d reacted like some Neanderthal, killing the son of a bitch in front of her.
Why the hell had she provided him with an excuse of any kind? In my world, when things didn’t add up, people died.
Fuck. At this point she could be collateral damage or worse, insisting on calling the cops. I could easily eliminate the problem, but the draw to her was a pull so deep a tether had already been formed between us. Nursing her back to health didn’t bode well for determining the next move against the Poles. I’d be forced to make an executive decision, providing more than a single message in order to get it through Casimine’s thick skull that fucking with the Vinchetis wasn’t in his best interest.
I eased her to the sidewalk, brushing hair out of her eyes. At least the bastard hadn’t caused her significant injury. Huffing, I shook my head, glaring at the asshole’s dead body before yanking him into the alley, dumping his body behind the dumpster. Then I dragged my phone into my hand, pressing Brando’s number.
“Yeah, boss?”
“I need cleanup in the goddamn alley next to the restaurant.”
“What the hell?”
“One of the informants for the Poles. Make certain to make an example of his body but be certain the cops are backed off. This could get ugly.”
“I’ll be right there.” His sigh annoyed the hell out of me, but he was well aware I was usually careful with how I handled eliminations, none of them in the proximity of prying eyes.
After glancing down both sides of the street, I gathered her into my arms then headed for the restaurant. The night had been nothing but a goddamn shitstorm. Becoming a hero wasn’t usually on my agenda.
As I yanked open the door, taking her inside, the feel of having her cradled next to my chest was far too enticing. I peered down at her angelic face, furious that the asshole had dared to attack someone on the street just outside. Given my reaction, I’d be forced to do a sweep of the entire block. Then I’d bring an end to the games Casimine was playing.
She stirred in my arms, her eyes opening. The fact she’d passed out had yanked on the protector inside of me. I carefully eased her onto one of the dining room chairs, crouching down next to her. She blinked several times, obviously trying to focus. Then she jerked her head up, her eyes boring into mine.
“What… happened?” she asked, her voice no longer holding the strong, confident tone as before. Her eyes were overtly large, her long lashes skimming across her flushed cheeks every time she blinked.
“You passed out briefly.”
“Jesus. I’m sorry. Bastard. Goddamn bastard.”
“There’s no need to be sorry.” I brushed hair from her face, glancing to see if she had any bruises. At least she remained feisty. She also could have gotten herself killed by attacking him. “How’s your head?”
“It’s fine, but my knees are worse for wear.” She laughed softly, the tone just as seductive as her speaking voice.
I peered down at her scuffed knees, shaking my head. “Let me get something to clean those with.”
When I started to stand, she snapped her hand around my wrist. The instant spark of electricity shot through me like a crack of lightning. She noticed the heated connection as well, her eyes growing even larger. I could sense she was quivering, trying to drag herself away from the enigmatic draw shared between us.
As a warm flush swept along her jaw, she chewed her bottom lip, an adorable, nervous gesture. “You don’t need to do that. I can take care of it at the hotel.” She was searching for answers, trying to ascertain whether I was a hero or the devil.
She wouldn’t like the answer.
My reputation preceded me; my intolerance for any betrayal, whether from one of my own people or a stupid often unwilling accomplice, usually kept the peace.
“You shouldn’t have fought back,” I admonished her.
She rolled her eyes, taking several shallow breaths. “I’m not going to allow some jerkoff to get away with stealing money or worse. No way. I just need a damn taxi.”
