Page 44 of His Sinful Need

“It’s true, he didn’t,” Julian supplies, as though trying to be helpful.

For a long moment, Bricker says nothing. “There’s something you should keep in mind, Castellani,” he says at last to Julian. “Pedretti belongs tomefor the time being. Until I’m done with him. And if you want him back early, you’ll have to go grovel to Anna-Vittoria.”

I do a double take at the possessive edge in Bricker’s voice, and Julian raises his eyebrows as a slow smile spreads over his face. “Oh,Fabrizio. Never mind. I don’t haveyoursort of prior claim. You just make sure to take good care of my Pedretti.” He leans in close. “Because if anything happens to him, it won’t be my brother you’ll have to answer to.”

“Cut it out,” I say wearily, pushing Julian back a little. “Come on, now, that’s enough.”

“Ifyousay so, Pedretti,” Julian says, “then alright. But just remember, Fabrizio Soldano: I will be very unhappy if anything happens to Pedretti.”

With that parting threat, Julian sweeps out of the bar, leaving Bricker and me in silence, staring after him. I try not to cringe as I see the crew staring avidly at us.

“Pedretti,” Bricker begins, cold as ice now, “have you been feeding the Castellanis information?”

“I haven’t had any contact with the Castellanis since I joined your crew—that one attempt notwithstanding. My only focus is you. And the crew, of course,” I add quickly.

“Why should I believe you?”

“Because if I was a double agent, I’d be doing a pretty terrible job at it. And Julian Castellani wouldn’t be waltzing in here making a big fucking fuss in your face, would he?”

“Damn it, Max,” Bricker mutters, rubbing a hand over his face. “Every time I think maybe you’renotfull of shit, you go on and do something to make me change my mind again.” It’s the first time he’s sounded normal since the morning he found the radio I was building. I don’t even want to point out that Julian showing up isn’t somethingIdid.

Behind him, I see Tank and Jazz getting up from the table, heading our way. “Heads up,” I mutter, just before they get in hearing distance.

“Cap,” Tank says, drawing Bricker’s attention, “I don’t know what the fuck Julian Castellani said to you, but I wanna remind you: he’s an asshole, and Pedretti saved your life during the last job. That’s gotta count for something, whatever you’re thinking.”

Jazz nods in agreement. “Tank’s right. Max has been an asset to this crew. Maybe it’s time we start treating him like one?” Her implication is clear. She wants Bricker to quit icing me out.

Bricker studies them for a moment, then waves them away before turning back to me. “I’ll still be keeping a close eye on you every step of the way,” he says to me in a low voice. “And if that psycho comes near my crew again—”

“He won’t.” Julian made his point. He won’t be back.

I’mprettysure he won’t be back.

There’s something almost vulnerable beneath Bricker’s strong exterior as he stands there looking at me. “I can’t trust you,” he finally says. “But I can still use you. And I’m warning you, Pedretti—if you fuck this up for us, there’ll be hell to pay, and Psycho Ken won’t be around to help you.”

He stalks off, sitting next to Delligatti when he reaches the table. Van tries to ask what went down, but Bricker shrugs him off. I return to the drinks and conversation, hoping we’ve put the matter to rest.

I’m optimistic like that.

* * *

We don’t stay at the bar much longer, and Bricker is silent the whole way home, the whole way up to seeing me into my bedroom, the whole way through another rough pat-down. I let him do it, because maybe it’ll make him feel better.

And because maybe I don’t mind having his hands all over me, even if he hates me.

He doesn’t even return my goodnight afterward, just locks me in again. I stare at the locked door and I sigh. I’m sure Julian meant well—he sometimes does—but I wish he hadn’t done what he did.

And the next day, as soon as we arrive at the Valley house, I’m faced with the fallout of Julian’s actions.

“Alright, children,” Bricker calls out as soon as he’s through the door, “change of plans. Gather round.” He leads us to the table, spreading out the blueprints and maps.

The response is muted. No one likes the idea of a change in the plan, especially one week out from the date. But Bricker seems determined.

“Since Nico’s going inside, I decided Pedretti would be better off on the police scanners. Van can lead crowd control with the kiddies while Tank, Jazz and I get into the vault.”

“What the fuck?” Pony and Delligatti say together.

For different reasons, I think.

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