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But I was sure I’d know if he was dead. He was still somewhere out there.
And despite not being able to return to Guyana, I wouldn’t rest until I either had proof he was dead or found him alive. Hopefully, Locked Security was as good as Gunner proclaimed and I’d find out what happened to my brother soon.
Chapter23
Everleigh
I spentthe next four days getting pampered while in a semi-drunk state. Thea went all out. But I still couldn’t sleep at night and found it hard to eat. Even Thea commented on my waiflike frame that seemed to shrink as the days wore on.
I’d called into work and would start back up next month. But not even the prospect of going back to a job I used to love did much to improve my mood. I pretended everything was fine, while inside I was crumbling.
I was lying in Thea’s guest bedroom between the softest sheets that had ever touched my body, yet I still couldn’t find a comfortable position. My thoughts were consumed with Lucius, my body aching for his touch. And then I got mad at myself for not being stronger. For missing someone I barely knew so much that I felt my heart would tear itself in half. It was ridiculous. But it was impossible to fight.
A noise outside set my alarm bells ringing. Something dropped to the ground, my body tensing at the sound. But that was impossible. Nobody could get in here. It was almost as secure as Gunner’s apartment. William didn’t take any chances with the things that were precious to him, which included Thea.
I sat up in bed, the silk sheets pooling in my lap. My moment of indecision cost me a chance to call anyone, because the curtain on my open balcony door moved.
Feeling the breeze and hearing the waves crashing usually guaranteed a good night’s sleep. Setting up everything like I usually did was my last attempt at clawing my way back to normality. Now I regretted allowing an intruder such easy access.
A large body stepped inside, and I scrambled off the bed, screaming.
Nope, definitely not hallucinating. Did they send someone to kill me after all? And did that mean Lucius was gone? Because he’d never let them send anyone after me as long as he was alive.
I couldn’t explain my unwavering trust in him. It just was.
“Everleigh, stop screaming. It’s me.”
My mouth snapped shut, cutting off my terrified scream. “Santino?”
“Mierda, your scream sounds like nails on a chalkboard.”
He stepped closer, the moonlight shining through the gaps in the curtains, giving him an otherworldly glow.
“Wh-What are you doing here?” I stuttered, my breathing slowly returning to normal.
For once, I was grateful for the size of the house. Thea slept in the opposite wing and rarely heard a sound. Not through her sleep mask and earplugs, and certainly not from that far away.
Santino’s impassive gaze swept over the luxurious room. “I need your help.”
“My help? With what?”
“Lucius.”
My heart went into a free fall, and I took an involuntary step closer. “Tell me.” My voice wavered, taking the sting out of the command.
“He’s back in Chicago and about to do something stupid.”
“He’s in the States?” And didn’t contact me. My unspoken words hung heavy in the air. But despite the betrayal and hurt I felt, if Santino sought me out to ask for my help, I’d give it.
“We got back yesterday. And he’s about to storm into the lion’s den with only me at his back.”
Without another thought, I went to my closet, pulling out jeans, a T-shirt, and a sweater. The last one was just in case, because in Chicago you never knew how cold it could get.
“Turn around. And then tell me why you think I can help.”
He turned around, and I pulled my clothes and shoes on. Santino talked while I braided my hair and looked for my new phone and wallet. “He’s going after Sam’s killer by himself. Because he thinks this is what it will take to earn forgiveness. Find the man who killed his team member. But all it will do is get him killed.”
I understood Lucius’s need to end this himself. But I also recognized the stupidity of it. If Santino was here, then that meant the chances of success were nonexistent. He’d never betray Lucius like this if there was any other choice.
