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He took gaping breaths, blood running into his mouth. As he started to wheeze, I cocked my head. Somehow, he managed to grin.
“Go fuck yourself.”
His words and the sentiment were clear. He hadn’t given a shit about loyalty or respect, which was why I wouldn’t show him any remorse.
I placed the barrel of the weapon against his broken nose and pulled the trigger.
“Fuck me.” As blood splattered onto my jacket, I cursed a blue streak.
It looked like I’d be forced to make a pitstop to change my clothes after all. I hated when targets made me late.
Especially for this event in particular.
CHAPTER 3
Zoe
“A wolf in sheep’s clothing. That’s what that sinfully gorgeous man is, and you know what they say about men like that, don’t you?”Maggie had asked me after being abruptly turned down by the powerful, dangerous man.
“No. What?”
“They will always find a way to eat you alive, driving their sharp canines into your rapidly beating heart.”
She’d laughed after issuing the words, acting as if her thwarted advances no longer meant anything to her.
But I’d known better.
We’d been barely eighteen, both of us believing that we could conquer the world. That had been the night she’d gone after my father’s right-hand man with exposed claws, draping her voluptuous body over his in a way that most men couldn’t ignore.
Maddox had done so easily, which I’d secretly been thrilled about. I’d never told my best friend that the powerful hunk of a man was the single person I’d had a crush on for years. Sadly, Maddox had always acted as if I would remain a little girl and nothing more. Granted, I hadn’t filled out completely even at that age, certainly not like Maggie, who’d had every boy in high school after her.
I’d changed since leaving for college, barely able to recognize myself any longer. Sadly, I had a strong sense that my fully developed curves wouldn’t sway my father’s best friend. Maddox Cormier was someone who’d protected me since I could remember, his sense of duty and loyalty to the family first and foremost in his mind.
I stared at my reflection in the vanity mirror, blinking several times before glancing at the photographs I’d taped to the edge, stupid pictures of fun times in high school, girlfriends that I’d thought would remain in my life. Now the events and fun times seemed like a lifetime ago. So many changes had occurred in the almost five years I’d been gone, the time and distance altering me as a person. Or maybe I’d just tried to become anyone but who I was, which was impossible. No one would ever allow me to forget I was a Thibodeaux through and through, a princess to be cherished.
Including by my bodyguard.
I was home, a festive party getting ready to start. I’d laid out four different dresses, still unable to decide which one was perfect. For some crazy reason, I felt sick inside, my nerves raw. I’d be lying to myself if I pretended not to know the reason why. After over four years it was possible that I’d be forced to see Maddox again.
Forced was a harsh word, but the last conversation I’d had with the man had nearly destroyed me. I wasn’t the same girl any longer, much stronger and more resilient given my college experience, but I still wasn’t certain how I’d handle seeing the man in person after all these years.
I’d purposely not come home while attending college, pretending that I was too busy to enjoy family celebrations. That had prompted my overprotective father and the beautiful woman he’d married to come to New York, refusing to leave me alone for the holidays. This time, I had no excuses. None.
Home.
After hanging in New York for a few weeks after graduation, my father had insisted I come home and stay the summer before deciding on which career I wanted to pursue finding a job in, nursing or music. He’d had a sense of urgency in his voice, yet when I’d asked if anything was wrong, he’d ignored the question. He’d simply said he wanted to spend some quality time with his daughter before I entered into the workforce.
Even if I had yet to make up my mind what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I certainly couldn’t remain a mafia princess forever. The thought brought a laugh to my lips. Maybe I’d try my hand at singing, pursuing a music career that had nothing to do with my classical training. Now I rolled my eyes at the thought. Performing in less than stellar environments for cash hadn’t been the most delightful experience after all. I’d run into winos and drug addicts.
And men watching me as if I was their prey.
The thought of the jerk I’d seen watching me entered my mind. Maybe I’d been overreacting, but I’d seen a lone figure standingoutside my dorm room, another time hanging out at the club where I’d once worked. Maybe that’s why I’d reacted the way I had with the guy who’d tried to bring me flowers. Why was I thinking about that tonight? That was the past, the city I’d once thought I’d thrive in in my rearview mirror. My ineptness had seen to that.
I raked the brush through my hair, making ugly faces at my reflection. Fuck the girl staring back at me.
I’d wanted to pursue my dream, including auditioning for the New York Philharmonic, which had me insisting to my father I had to finish a menial job prior to returning home. The lie had been easy, the single girlfriend I’d had in college allowing me to stay at the small apartment she’d rented after our graduation. The audition, on the other hand, had been a disaster.
I’d forgotten the piece altogether, something that had never happened before. And why?
