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“Swear to God, I’m slashing your tires,” Murder grumbles with a smile.
“No, you idiots. I mean, that’s it. That’s the connection. It has to be.”
Lucy leans forward a bit, searching my eyes. “Chuck?”
“Mm. Chuck was obsessed with the Cartwrights. Damian worked with Chuck. He also is apparently working with Norman—a known Cartwright associate, and now Damian wants the master code. I would say Damian was working with Roman, if it weren’t for taking you from him. Though, if he’s obsessed with you…”
I am a man who knows obsession. If I didn’t know every inch of my home, I’d suspect every nook and corner held some sort of spy equipment.
But that doesn’t mean he’s not watching her. Maybe Norman wasn’t telling Damian anything he didn’t already know. He could very well have plans to try and infiltrate us in some way, just for her.
I would.
Letting out a growl, I say, “Double verifications on…visitors from now on.”
I stare pointedly at my brothers until each nods.
She’ll need to stay away from windows, too. Never anywhere unchaperoned. My new life’s purpose is protecting her from—
“What did you say his last name was?”
“Waters, or something with a ‘W’.” She scoots forward, excitement in her eyes, probably at being involved. Even though I hate that she’s been forced into this life, I’m so thankful she’s here.
Waters, though, doesn’t ring a bell as any known associate of the Cartwright Family, based on our research.
“We have to figure out the connection to Roman. That’s the next step.”
Murder and Mayhem nod. “Sure thing.”
“On it, like a Murder on a ham sammy.”
Murder chuckles and shrugs a shoulder.
Lucy clears her throat. “I mean, I don’t know what the code is for, but as long as no one here finds it, he won’t get it.”
My brothers and I exchange glances. If she’s in the life, she might as well be all the way in.
Mayhem studies my face and quirks a brow. “I wouldn’t, boss. It’s a secret for a reason.”
Murder casts a confused glare at him before aiming it back at me. “You wouldn’t what?”
“Exactly what I’m talking about. Dumber brother.”
“Lucy,” I say, ignoring them. “The code protects our extensive records of every client who comes through our various…businesses. But there is no code to find. It’s only in my head.”
“Oh, what the fuck—why’d you tell her that?” Murder rises to his feet, rage flushing his face.
“Welp.” Mayhem rises slowly, letting his chair scrape across the floor. “I’ll go get the tat gun.” He pats Murder on the upper back and strolls through the space, popping another bite of bagel. “It’s branding time, boys.”
I hadn’t fully processed it when he said it the first time, but the thought of our family symbol on my precious Lucy’s skin, marking her as mine for eternity, sizzles my blood with desire.
“Tat gun? Brand?” Lucy’s eyes flare wide as she faces me fully in her chair. I can’t tell if it’s in genuine fear or excited shock, but I do know now’s not the best time.
“No Mayhem,” I call after him, just as the elevator arrives with a ding. “Not right now.”
“Yeah, when you do it today is up to you, but you’ll need it here, anyway. She’s one of us, now.” He steps inside and slaps the button without turning around. “Welcome to the Saint Family, Luce.” The doors close as silently as ever.
Murder is huffing breaths like a caged bull. Our baby brother, just like Mayhem, is fiercely protective of what we’ve built here. And of me.
