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As I jumped on my bike, revving the engine, I said another damn silent prayer. What the fuck had been wrong with me? The entire shitstorm had been in front of me all along and I’d ignored it. I took out, swerving around the parade of bikers, my anger reaching an entirely new plateau. I only hoped that Harlow got the damn message before it was too late.
If Michael Azzurri did anything to hurt the woman I loved, there wouldn’t be enough left of him to scatter across his desk. And I’d enjoy every moment of ripping the man apart.
* * *
Harlow
“When is Savage coming back?” Lily asked after I’d tucked her into bed.
“Soon. He just had some business to take care of. Then he’ll join us. Maybe we can go have more ice cream.”
While she giggled, I could tell her little mind was processing everything she’d already seen. I’d done my best not to mention anything to Carrie and Frank in front of her, but the anxiety was eating me alive.
I noticed Princess was lying on the floor. She hadn’t eaten her dinner. Dogs had an uncanny ability to know when something was wrong. “Do you need your bunny?”
“I have her right here.” She pulled out the furry creature. Then a sad look shifted into her small eyes. “Do you think I could call Savage my uncle for real?”
I tweaked her nose, trying to keep the sadness out of my voice. “Absolutely. He’d love that. Now, it’s time for you and Princess to go to sleep. Think of princes on big black horses.”
“I don’t like boys. I think they’re gross.”
At least I could laugh. When I motioned to Princess, she lifted her head, the haunted look in her eyes nearly breaking me. This shit had to end. “Come on, Princess. Time for some shut-eye.”
The pup finally obeyed, still looking at me after she curled beside Lily.
I left the small light on but stood in the doorway for a few seconds. If only everything could return to normal. Return? Who was I kidding? I had no idea what normal meant—a family that stayed put for longer than a couple of years, a backyard to play in, and an amazing pet or two who would grow with the family.
That’s what I wanted more than anything
Was it too much to ask?
Maybe.
As I headed back to the kitchen, all my thoughts shifted to Savage, terrified that he’d accepted his own death even before anything happened. Carrie and Frank were still in the room, talking softly, their conversation ending the moment I walked inside.
Frank gave me a nod, his smile thin. “Are you doing okay?”
“As well as to be expected. I know Savage appreciates your hospitality as I do. I only hope nothing happens.” My statement felt stilted, but I wasn’t certain what to say to them or if they understood the possible ramifications that could arise because of their kindness.
“Don’t worry, Harlow. Carrie and I butted heads with Michael Azzurri the moment he arrived in town,” he continued.
“How so?”
He laughed, rubbing his chin as he sat back in the kitchen chair. “He demanded we pay him a fee for protection. We were a small bakery who regularly supplied the original resort with goods on a limited basis. I laughed in his face.”
“You’re kidding me?”
“No,” Carrie added. “That’s Frank. He never thinks about safety. Michael had his men beat my Frank to within an inch of his life.”
“What? Did you call the police?”
“You don’t understand,” she muttered. “The Azzurri family laid claim to several organizations, including several individuals inside the police department.”
Shit. Savage had learned that during his visit with the police or even before. No wonder he had no interest in asking for their help. “Hopefully, this will all blow over.” Even as I said the words, I knew better and so did they.
“Your phone rang while you were tucking in Lily.”
Frank’s statement instantly brought fear into my system. I scanned the room, realizing I’d left it on the counter while we were having dinner. As soon as I grabbed it, touching the screen, Savage’s message appeared. My fingers were shaking as I pressed in my password, holding my breath as I listened. Oh, no. I ended the call abruptly, taking a deep breath. Oh, God, no.Think.Breathe.“Listen to me very carefully. We need to get out of here.”
