Arranged love

She steps toward me. “Dillan, I can help.”

“Absolutely not. You will stay here in the suite with Nite.”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“But-”

“Your life is not up for debate, Mia,” I interrupt her. She’s had too many close calls as it is already. I’m not taking any chances. If they realize what we’re up to and somehow get their hands on her, I’ll never see her again. Matteo would kill her just to prove a point. And I wouldn’t be able to live without her.

Her eyes dart around the room as if expecting someone to back her up. That won’t happen. Not one man in this room would allow the woman they love to put themselves in danger to help out.

“Nite responded. He said he’ll drop the tracker and come right back.”

I nod. “We’ll be ready.”

MIA

I SIT ON the end of the bed while Dillan dresses in a pair of black jeans and a black T-shirt. My arms are folded over my chest, and my hair is wet from my recent shower. I’m wearing nothing but a towel. I tried to get some rest last night, but it didn’t happen.

This is our second day here in New York. After he turned down my help, I was pissy. He kissed me good night, and I gave him my back. It only took him seconds before he was snoring away. I lay awake, staring up at the dark ceiling and thinking about the last twenty years of my life. Or lack thereof.

He doesn’t know it, but I have a plan too. One that will show him I’m not so helpless. I want Dillan to know that I want him, not need him.

“It’ll be okay,” he says, and I glare up at him.

He thinks I’m concerned for his safety. I’m not. Not really, anyway. I have no doubt that Dillan will do what he sets out to do. I just hate that he wants to keep me wrapped in bubble wrap.

Walking over to me, he places his hands on either side of my body and leans his face down into mine. “You’ll be safe here. Nite is staying behind. And as soon as we’re done, I’ll be right back.”

I remain silent, and he sighs. Leaning forward, he gently kisses my forehead and then stands to his full height. “It’ll all be over soon.” With that, he turns and exits the bedroom.

Falling onto my back, I look up at the ceiling and close my eyes, taking in a deep breath. My clock has officially started ticking. Who knows how much time I have? Opening my eyes, I rush into the bathroom, knowing that it’s now or never. I quickly tie my hair up in a high pony. Can’t chance it getting in my way.

Going to the closet, I open the suitcase he had brought me. I dig around in it for some clothes when I see a small black Gucci bag hidden in a zipper compartment. Frowning, I open it up and smile when I see a note. “A girl can never be too careful.” And I know exactly who put it there.

Once dressed, I crack open the bedroom door just in time to see Nite walk into another bedroom across the large living room. He’s like all the rest-thinks I’m not going to fight back. That I’ll just sit here and wait for Dillan to return. Taking care of my brother and Richard is only part of the problem. And I know what they are about to do will start a war. One that I’m not willing to chance. The Kings have too much to lose. Not only their Kingdom but also their loved ones. Too many people have already been hurt because of me. I’m the only one who can stop this.

Exiting the master suite, I softly close the door behind me so he thinks I’ve gone to bed. Then I tiptoe through the suite and slip out the front door, closing it as quietly as possible.

I make my way down the hallway to the elevator. Feeling my heart pound in my chest, I silently pray I can get out without Nite catching me. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dillan put some kind of silent alarm on these damn doors.

Pushing the button for our private elevator, I watch over my shoulder for the penthouse door to open, but nothing happens.

The ping that alerts me the elevator has arrived makes me flinch, and I jump in, repeatedly pushing the button for the doors to shut until it closes me in. Once it does, I lean my back against it and close my eyes, once again preparing myself for what I have to do. Consequences be damned.

BONES

THE SUN HAS fallen, and I sit in the passenger seat of Tristan’s car while he flies down the highway. Titan, Grave, and Cross are behind us in the Cadillac Escalade that we rented under Tristan’s alias.

I cock the gun, chambering a bullet, and lay it on my thigh, feeling the heavy metal. It soothes me. It’s been a long time since I’ve made something bleed for the greater good. It’s usually work-related.

I wasn’t lying when I told her my regrets involved her. Do I have others in my life? Of course. But they were ones that I had no control over. I chose to buy her and leave her. Twice.

Tristan takes an exit, and I watch the Kings follow in the side mirror.

He drives in silence for the next fifteen minutes as New York grows smaller in the rearview. The warehouse that Mr. Bianchi has is right on the ocean. Lots of ships import and export goods for John. The Mafia have their hands in everything and anything that can be sold.

I was terrified when I found out that Mia was in another auction here because I figured she’d go straight to the shipping yard afterward. That they’d place her in a shipping container, and that would be that. She’d be gone forever with no way to track her.

“We’re going to have to park and walk,” I inform Tristan. “He’s got surveillance on the warehouse. Don’t want to let them know we’re coming.” Nite informed us of everything we needed to know about the warehouse via text before he returned to New York.

He nods. “How far out?”

“I’d say at least a mile.”

My cell rings, and I look down, thinking it will be Mia, but it’s Luca. I hit ignore. I’m still not speaking to him. He texts me immediately.