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My phone chimed on the vanity, pulling me from my thoughts and back into reality. Grimacing, I reached down for it, knowing it could only be one person. The screen lit up with a preview of the text and moisture coated my palms as soon as the name popped up.
Tommaso:The car is waiting for you outside, mi amore. Don’t keep us waiting too long …
My hand clenched around the case, and I suppressed the urge to chuck it across the room. The screen was already cracked from the other night when it had dropped from my hands, and I couldn’t let go of the only form of communication I had with the outside world. Sure, I’d have to get rid of it tomorrow before I left, but I couldn’t let the small illusion of a tether to the outside go, not yet. I’d have to leave it here to keep from leading him directly to my whereabouts. I had no doubt that he’d catch on pretty quickly, but hopefully by then I would’ve switched over to another bus. Or I could always drive as fast and as far as I could, and ditch the car, even sell it off to a chop shop. But that would leave too many witnesses … too many people looking for a quick buck who could recognize me.
I pushed those thoughts from my mind, I could think about all of that later, while I tossed and turned tonight, because there was no way I’d be getting a wink of sleep, not with the anticipation thrumming through my veins. For now I had to focus on getting through tonight alive. I could only hope neither Merrick nor Kellan would try anything stupid before then. But judging by how they hadn’t tried to stop me this afternoon, they knew it would be suicide to stand up against the Barones. And with me gone, there wouldn’t be any reason for them to plan anything, and they could get back to their lives with a clear conscience and forget about me … and that was a good thing, right?
EastHavenwasalwaysa small town, and we didn’t have most of the extravagant places that were found in the city. Quaint shops and restaurants were the most abundant, some in good condition like the ones I’d visited today, and others in a state of disrepair like Greg’s Diner. The class divide amongst its residents was worlds apart, either you owned a business here, you worked for one, or you worked for the Barones. But either way, it didn’t matter, everyone was beholden to them in some form or another. Because of the strong hold they had, many of their wealthy associates and politicians lived here while owning businesses in neighboring cities, their connection to the crime family giving them free rein to whatever they’d like.
They even had some legitimate businesses, like the place the long-armored stretch limo was about to pull into. Le Jardin des Roses was the place to hold anything in East Haven, but no one other than the Barones themselves and their partners could afford it. The driveway was similar to the house Tommaso had bought—to all of their properties for that matter. The sand-stoned cobblestone led up a steep hill, with a fountain in the center of it. Marble figures were posed within it and water flared around the couple embracing, their blank eyes staring at each other, appearing to most people that they were in love, but to me it looked different. The man’s arm was clasped around the woman’s waist, clutching her to him as she leaned away, like she was trying to break free from his clutches. He stares down at her with the hard edge of possession in his eyes while she glances off to the side, in a move that I knew was meant to be demure, yet her gaze looks vacant to me, numb while attempting to flee, her hope dwindling with every moment that passes.Or maybe I’m just projecting.
Blocking the statue from my view, I turn to the wall of smooth stone, hewn from large blocks imported straight from Italy. Why do I know this … because I’d heard the story plenty of times before. This place was his family’s pride and joy, and I’m sure they’d live in the enormous castlesque estate if it wasn’t for the notoriety of having an equally jaw-dropping home in addition to the space they saved strictly for large events.
The Barones never did anything halfway, so I was sure there’d be no expense spared with tonight’s party. A lavish event to remind both the town and their wealthy associates who was in control and who had the power grasped within an iron fist. My thoughts were confirmed as the limo came to a stop, the brakes squeaking lightly in front of a red-carpeted walkway. Red roses and peonies decorated the entry along with artfully shaped shrubs at the bottom of the wide, carved stone stairs leading up to the towering front entryway. The doors were splayed open, revealing the twinkling lights of the chandeliers just beyond them. Their real show of force though wasn’t their wealth. No, it was the twenty guards armed to the teeth scattered along the driveway. They all were outfitted in crisp black suits, their clear earpieces visible as they turned their heads. Some had semi-automatic rifles strapped to their shoulders and others had handguns holstered to the outside of their suits, stationed there to keep any undesirables at bay.
Drawing in a deep breath, I stole a few more minutes of peace before heading into the lion’s den, simply watching the guests walk up the sidewalk beside us and up the stairs. Of course I didn’t know any of them, and why would I? This was only supposed to bemyengagement party after all. But really, who would I even want to be here? Sure as hell not the guys or anyone from our old school.
My thoughts were cut short by a gust of the humid night air blowing into the limo’s interior as the driver pulled open the door. I internally scolded myself for letting my guard drop, I didn’t even hear the front door open or see him walk back to me. Swallowing back any lingering unease, I slid from the seat and wiped all emotions from my face before I faced the horde of gossiping busybodies inside.
“Have a good evening,” he murmured, and I thanked him in return. I wasn’t sure who he was, probably one of Tommaso’s parents’ staff, but it wasn’t his fault that he worked for them, not when those were some of the only well-paying jobs in town.
In this world you were either a predator or prey, and although some of the guards in New York had seen the way Tommaso treated me, I never let myself look like a victim, not in front of them or anyone else. I couldn’t allow them to see me as any less of a threat than the family they worked for, especially when I was supposed to become one. The only exception had been the two guards that caught me at the airport. They had seen me at my lowest point and savored it. I hated that they’d seen any weakness, but they would pay for their cruelty, especially now that I had a taste of that darkness. The devil within was no longer satisfied with the thrill of danger or watching others shedding blood. I wasn’t sure how I’d do it, but once I got away, once I started my new life, I’d find those two guards and watch their faces drain of color, the sick smell of their fear permeating my senses.
I pulled on that tendril of darkness I’d felt before, that sadistic glint that reveled in the pain, the fear, and took joy from it when aimed toward the right people. I let the feeling of satisfaction I’d felt when I pressed the taser into the singer’s skin wash over me, the excitement I felt knowing what Spade was about to do with him, his knife still gleaming with the deep red tint of blood. I imagined carving off a slice of his flesh with the knife, his face transforming to the two guards from the airport in my mind’s eye. I wished I could take turns with them, soaking in their screams and terror. A smirk tilted my lips as I strode up the stars, wicked delight gleaming in my eyes. I locked gazes with each of the guards, picturing them watching me dismember their colleagues. Each guard who met the barely caged bloodlust on my face glanced away, shivering at the violence emanating from me, despite them being armed to the teeth. I clutched my bag tighter, my hands picturing the hilt of the knife in place of my phone tucked within it. I watched as grown men literally shuddered at the brutality rolling off me, my satisfaction brimming.
I let the pictures playing through my mind fade to a close as I passed the last guard, holding on to a piece still as I walked through the open doors. I couldn’t let Tommaso see that, not just yet, not until I was ready to slide a dagger between his ribs. He too would be subjected to my wrath if I was able to ensure Kellan’s and Merrick’s safety first. That sort of defiance, promise of outward violence toward him or his family, might just land me in deeper trouble than staying would. Because if they thought I could be some sort of asset to them—aside from his son’s infatuation with me—there wouldn’t be anything in this world that could keep his father from using every resource to find me.
The interior was a wide-open expanse of wealth, with wood beams carving along the cathedral ceiling. The walls were covered in a red baroque wallpaper in the foyer, and a large oak table sat in the center with a massive floral bouquet perched atop it, mixed with peonies, roses, and greenery. The soft hum of a string quartet filtered through the murmured voices in the hall in a soft, lilting tune. A waiter approached me with a tray of champagne and before they could even get a word out, I slipped one off the silver platter and let the bubbly alcohol slide down my throat, my head tilting backward in a rush to get at least one drink in me before I had to see Tommaso and his parents.
“Thanks,” I breathed, placing the glass on the table where a few others sat ready to be collected and took another one to sip on. I’d have to nurse this one for the next hour or so to keep a straight head, but at least I’d have something in my system.
“No problem,” he chuckled, sliding his tray onto the table now that I took the last two. “I know how boring these events can be. Do you want me to stick by your side for the night? I’ll be sure to keep my tray fully stocked,” he whispered, winking at me as his dark-brown eyes slid up my body. The poor guy obviously must be somewhat new to town, otherwise he wouldn’t be caught dead insulting one of the Barones’ events or hitting on me.
“Not if you want to keep your head,” Tommaso purred from behind him, and I huffed out a breath of exasperation as he stepped beside me, his arm slipping around my waist and jerking me possessively into his side. The poor waiter’s mouth dropped open as he realized exactly who had just spoken, his lips trembling as he took a few uneasy steps backward. I guessed he must have some self-preservation then since his face instantly blanched.
“I—I didn’t know,” the waiter stammered, stumbling back a step. His hand still clutched the edge of his tray though, and in his haste to retreat he ended up knocking over the glasses strewn across the oak table. Glass shattered all around us as they crashed to the floor, the chiming gritting against my nerves as the entryway went silent, everyone’s gaze darting in our direction. His eyes widened, looking from us to the mess of glass littered across the floor and back to us, fighting his instinct to flee. I wished I could give him an apologetic look, but I merely cock an eyebrow, watching him with barely disguised contempt, knowing that every eye was watching us now. I couldn’t show any weakness, not to Tommaso and not to the vipers waiting in the winds, surveying any weak spot to strike.
“Get this cleaned up,” Tommaso spat, sneering back at the man.
Despite the brusque reply, the waiter almost seemed relieved as Tommaso guided me away, since he now wouldn’t have to decide between his job and running for his life. Tommaso’s hand on my waist tugged me alongside him, not allowing any space between our bodies. I suppressed the groan that bubbled up, cursing the man who’d tried to be kind, because that flirty banter would now mean I’d barely get a moment to myself tonight.
“Are you having fun?” Tommaso hissed, and I worked to keep a bland, bored expression on my face. I wanted to push him away, to scream at him that I hadn’t asked for his advances, I’d literally just walked in the door. But that—that would only direct his anger toward the waiter. “Didn’t you learn from the last time?”
“Nothing happened, Tommaso,” I whispered, a shiver of fear creeping up my spine. Despite how useless I knew it was, I had to say something. His jealousy had no limits. I could point out the fact that I hadn’t said a word to him, hadn’t gotten the chance to politely turn the server down since he swooped in before I could. But he wouldn’t care, not with the tension I could feel vibrating off him right now. I had no doubt that he’d seen the entire conversation. He would have been surveying the door for the moment I arrived.
My head swiveled around at the groups of people gathered, signs of their wealth dripping off them in the form of diamonds, designer gowns, and suits. They cast wary glances in our direction, not missing a moment of the action. Everyone here was waiting for one slip, one momentary lapse to pounce, and I wouldn’t give the satisfaction. I realized I didn’t know any of them so I let my lips curl into a slight sneer, allowing a glimmer of that violent intent to show.
Silence stretched between us then, as he did the same, both of our contempt-filled glares making guests avert their curious looks and move away from the entrance. I looked up at him then, at those mahogany eyes I loathed so much, with my brow arched in question. I didn’t want the waiter to be killed for something so small, but if it seemed like I cared too much, I might just make it happen faster. He held my gaze and we paused amid the room full of strangers milling about from the entrance to the main room. The buffeted ceiling rose up at least fifteen feet above us, with massive crystal chandeliers hanging from them. The walls in here were covered in an ivory wallpaper, inlaid with an intricate gold design, which made the enormous space look even larger. He huffed out a breath of frustration but placed a kiss on the top of my head in what I could only hope was agreement.
“I’m sorry, mi amore. You can’t blame me for being protective though,” he murmured against my hair, his warm breath sinking into my skin with every word. I suppressed the shudder that begged to run through my limbs, my hands clenching with the effort it took to not push him away. Everything about this man repulsed me, and I realized I truly didn’t know what hate was until now. I wished I could slide a dagger into his throat and watch the blood flow down his neck and soak into the crisp white collar of his shirt.
I let that image play through my head as my lips tugged up into a grin and rested my hand on his back in a way I hoped he’d interpret as a tender gesture. And it must’ve worked as he instantly relaxed against the touch, his muscles losing some of the strain at the reassurance.
“What would I do without you?” he murmured, placing another kiss atop my head before drawing away.He’ll have to figure out the answer to that question sooner than he thinks, I reminded myself smugly, letting that bolster my strength as he led us forward again and into the ballroom.
There were small tables set up around the massive room with two bars on either side. Waiters milled about to each group, offering the hors d’oeuvres and passing out glasses of champagne. The string quartet was set up on the far side on a small platform and out of the way from the guests as their soft classical notes vibrated through the room. I surveyed the distance, searching for anyone that I knew, including his parents, not wanting to be caught off guard.
My heart hammered in my chest as my eyes locked with a familiar amber pair, the exact same shade as mine with deep dark circles beneath them, her dirty-blonde hair streaked with grey pulled into a tight bun. Her hand lightly patted her husband’s, drawing his attention our way. His lips pursed at the sight of Tommaso and me, but he didn’t dare say a word. I pinned them with a glare as we approached, the rest of my face relaxed as though they were only a minor inconvenience, a pest that needed to be swatted away.
