Page 14 of The Silencer

“Not too far,” Casey says with a stern voice. “Don’t want my fingers cut off if I lose track of you.”

I snort at that bit of ridiculousness. “No one is losing fingers, dude.”

“Someone would if you got hurt again. I happen to like my fingers. I’m very good with them.”

I snort at that. I don’t know what’s gotten into him, but he doesn’t look like he’s joking anymore.

“I’m serious, Tatum. No wandering out of view. Keep to the gardens. And for god’s sake, don’t even attempt to go near the sheds.”

I roll my eyes and nod. I was caught trying to go into one once.

Casey caught me and nearly wrung my neck.

I have an idea of what’s in those.

The idea of it should turn me off, but honestly, it just turns me on.

I’m so damn curious about this side of Anthony. I want to know every part of him. The one that he presents to me and Angel and then the one he keeps buried, the one he lets loose in the shadows.

It shouldn’t be hot, but for some reason, it really is.

My mother and father would be appalled if they found out about this. My mom would clutch her pearls and my dad would get red in the face. They’re both so naive in many ways. They adopted me when they were older, took me in as a foster child when I was a toddler and then made it legal when my mother finally gave up custody. It’s part of the reason I want to go into adoption. I know how beneficial it is for a kid to be in a stable and loving home.

“I’m just gonna try to get some steps in. Steps not anywhere near the sheds. I promise.”

Casey eyes me suspiciously, but I just grin at him and make my way around the hedges. It really is a beautiful property. He must spend thousands a month just to sustain it. I’m sure with all the illegal activities he’s involved in, he brings in plenty to afford it.

I glance over at Casey, who now has a hand on his gun, his gaze scanning between me and Angel. I really wish I had more freedom to explore further. I’ve only seen half of this property. There is so much more that I’ve yet to lay eyes on.

I’ve been fascinated with this place ever since Angel and I became friends. Usually, I just come over unexpectedly and we sit in his room, or in the conservatory with all the exotic plants that Anthony has had imported for his son. But when Angel finds himself predisposed with homework or a romance novel, I often wander around, peering in closed doors and sneaking around the property like the little shit I am.

Never have seen anything sinister though.

Much to my dismay.

Not that I’d like to see someone in pain, but knowing Anthony, they’d probably deserve it.

“Tatum. No farther, you little shit,” Casey calls out.

I waggle my fingers at the bodyguard and then blow him a bratty kiss. I’m not looking for him to get his fingers cut off, but god, I’m really not that far away. And the grounds are sprawling. I want to wander just a little farther.

He rolls his eyes and then calls out, “You better behave.”

“I always behave!”

His snort greets me, and I can’t help but beam at him.

I may be bruised and feel a little broken, but goddamn, I could be in a worse situation. I could be alone in my lame apartment and not at this gorgeous mansion in these rolling hills.

“I’ll tell Anthony,” Casey warns, and I roll my eyes again.

He should tell Anthony. I’d like him to be a little worried for me. I mean, he did come for me, but it would be nice if he would kiss me all better.

In your dreams, you delusional idiot.

“Tell him! I dare you!” I shout back and then rub at my side when pain lances up it.

Casey’s eyes narrow, his mouth pursed. And then he lifts his radio and calls something in. I sure as fuck hope he’s calling sexy mafia man.

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