Page 8 of Throttle

“We?” I kick off from the wall, asking the question as I move closer to her.

“Sienna’s father, Robert, was like a brother to me. He’d been my best friend since law school. I’ve been in Sienna’s life since the day she was born, and when Robert died, I made sure she had everything she needed. This is the first time I’ve failed her.” The pained look on his face makes me feel bad for him.

Sienna turns and gives Lucien her attention. “You didn’t fail me. This isn’t your fault.”

“She’s right, brother. There’s no one to blame here but Tony Bertelli.”

Lucien gives Venom a nod of gratitude before encouraging Sienna to go on with her story.

“As I was saying, I remembered this one lesson about quickly dropping my weight to knock an attacker off balance. So I did that and used the opportunity to execute a series of counter strikes, which allowed me to stun my assailant and get away.”

Venom’s eyebrows lift as he smiles. “Fuck, honey. I’m impressed.”

My stomach twists at the thought of some asshole with his hands on her, and I mutter, “That was smart of you, but it could’ve ended differently.”

This woman has balls; I’ll give her that. In a terrifying moment, she chose to stay cool and act, instead of lying there and hoping for the best. She’s a fighter, alright. And it’s fucking hot.

She twists around and narrows her eyes at me. “You’re right. It could’ve ended differently. But I was willing to take my chances.”

I lift my chin in understanding, and she returns to addressing Venom.

“When I got to my car, there were more men outside, and they all chased me as I drove off. They eventually caught up and ran me off the road, where I crashed into a tree.” Sienna clutches her trembling hands.

Venom’s eyes instinctively drop to the gesture—mine do the same—before he lifts his gaze back to her face.

“I hid in the trunk until it was safe to escape, then ran to a nearby gas station and called Lucien.”

“I’m proud of you, kiddo. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you too.” Lucien pulls her in for a hug, and I watch her wince in pain. But she returns his embrace like any child would with a parent.

My eyes travel along her curvy frame as I watch the two of them. For such a small thing, she packs a powerful will to survive. In situations like these, it’s not uncommon for women to freeze in fear or just give up. Those men chasing after Sienna intended to kill her, and I guarantee it would not have been quick. I know what goes on in minds like theirs. One look at her sinful body, and I know they wanted to relish it because any man with eyes would. But the difference is they want to end her life. And I want to end theirs.

She’s gorgeous, even under the purple bruises on her skin. The more I stare at her wounds, cuts, and welts, the more fury swirls inside me. But I swallow down my anger, letting it simmer until I can find the men who did this. And kill them.

It isn’t long before I realize Sienna is full-on staring at me, and something about her gaze is unnerving. What the fuck is she thinking right now?

We continue our stare-off as Lucien asks Venom, “You will be able to keep her safe, right?”

“You have my word.” Venom gestures to me, but I don’t take my eyes off Sienna. “Throttle here will make sure nothing happens to your girl. He’s my best for this. Until we get our answers, she’ll be under his care.”

I note her red-rimmed eyes, swollen cheeks, and messy hair. “Nothing and no one will hurt you while you’re with me. I’ll make sure you’re safe, Sienna. You don’t have to worry about that.” I ignore everyone else in the room as I make this promise to her.

She chews the corner of her lower lip, her brow wrinkled as she looks at me. She doesn’t say anything for several moments, then bobs her head in agreement.

Lucien kisses the top of her head, before taking the few steps to reach me, and extends a hand. “This girl is like a daughter to me. I’m counting on you to keep anything from happening to her.”

“You don’t have to worry about that.” I clasp his palm, shaking it firmly.

Then he drops his chin as darkness churns in his eyes. “And you do whatever you have to do to make them pay for what they’ve done.”

A familiar twinge of depravity spirals inside me, lifting the corners of my mouth. “Oh, you can fucking count on it.”

After a few pleasantries and goodbyes, Lucien reluctantly leaves Sienna in my care, and Venom escorts him out. I gesture for her to follow me out of the office, knowing she must be exhausted, considering the long night she’s had. And after reliving the events with us, I doubt she wants to talk anymore.

Guess I was fucking wrong.

“So… is your plan really to protect me? Or do you just want to fuck me?”

Her blunt question stops me dead in my tracks. I slowly pivot around, staring down at the woman whose hands are on her full, sexy hips as she glares up at me.

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