Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 96170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
I want to make sure nobody shot my poor beautiful Spider.
“Hello? Who is this?” Raf sounds annoyed.
“This is your younger sister. I’m currently being kidnapped by the Marino family. So don’t act like picking up the phone is some crazy imposition.”
Raf lets out a sigh. “Hello, Fiorella. You sound okay.”
“What the hell is happening, Raf?”
“Honestly, I’m not totally sure. I got a call an hour ago from Luca Marino. Apparently, some crooked cop they have on their payroll got a tip about a raid at our shop. I made sure the guys knew to steer clear, but you always go in early. Luca said he’d pick you up.”
I glance over at my kidnapper. Or maybe my savior. I’m still not convinced, but at least his story checks out. “They showed up. There was shooting.”
Raf’s voice lowers. “Anyone get hurt? Are you okay?”
“Luca got me out. But the other guys—” I stop talking, glancing down. My stomach twists into a knot. I’ve seen my share of violence over the years, but it never fails to make me feel small and helpless all over again.
“Where are you?”
I tell him about the trucking depot. “He’s with me right now. I think he’s talking with his people.”
“All right. Okay, that’s good. You’re safe, Rella. Just sit tight and I’ll send some people to pick you up.”
“This is beyond fucked. A heads-up would’ve been nice. I thought I was getting kidnapped.”
“I know. I’m sorry. But be nice to Luca. We owe him and his people big time for this. Just hang tight; we’ll get you as soon as we can.”
The line goes dead. I sigh and hang up the handset. That as soon as we can bit means it could be a while. I’ve never been a priority in the Famiglia, and there are bodies to clean up back at the garage.
What a mess.
I watch Luca. He’s standing on the far side of the room. His shoulders are tense, and he’s having an animated discussion with someone on the other end of the line, half in Italian and half in English. I only catch bits and pieces, but I get the sense they’re discussing how to dispose of the bodies. When he’s done, he shoves the phone back in his pocket and rubs a hand down the bridge of his nose.
It goes against my better judgment, but when he looks back at me, I let down my guard for just a moment.
“Thanks for what you did back there.”
He stares at me. Those beautiful, tortured eyes. Death and passion seem to roll off him in waves. My heart’s in my throat, and I despise myself for it.
“I was just doing my job.”
“Still, you risked your life for me. Thank you.”
He nods once. “You’re welcome.” He walks over to one of the cabinets, roots around inside, and pulls out a ball of beige bandage wrap. “Let’s get you set up before your brother sends his people to pick you up.”
I make a little grunt as he comes toward me. This time, I manage to keep myself under control when he gets on his knees and rolls up my pant leg.
“Don’t hold your breath. Now that Raf knows I’m safe, I have a feeling I’ll be waiting a while.”
“You and him close?”
“No, not really.”
“He seemed concerned about you earlier.”
“That’s new then.”
His lips press together, and he pushes my pant leg up more. “This would be easier if you just took these off.”
“Like hell I’ll do that.”
“Suit yourself.” His hands are quick and surprisingly gentle as he wraps the bandage around my knee.
My heart skips a beat every time his fingers touch my skin. I can’t remember the last time somebody went out of their way to look out for me like this. Luca threw himself on top of me and could’ve gotten himself killed, all to keep me safe. And I know he only did that to preserve whatever alliance he’s building with my father, but still. I’m not used to being treated that way.
“There, how’s that? Too tight?” He leans back slightly, and I move my leg.
“No, that’s okay.” The bandage feels just right. “You’re good at that.”
“I’ve done this a few times.” His eyes roam my body. My work clothes are baggy, my shield against the world. His gaze lingers on my face, and his frown deepens. He reaches out, and I flinch back, but he keeps coming. His thumb brushes my cheek.
My heart races into my throat. I’ve never been touched like this. Never let anyone get this close. His lips part slightly, and his jaw relaxes as if being this close to me eases some of his burden. I’m struck all over again by his scent, by his nearness, by the size and strength of him.
“You’re bleeding,” he says softly.
“What?” I ask, flushed and dizzy. The near-death experience must’ve scrambled my brain.