Page 30 of The Last Shadow

My foot hits the bottom step when I hear the strain in Damien’s voice. “No,” he hisses. “You need to stay the fuck away.”

Stay away?I have no clue who he could be talking to, but I’m instantly wary. So many things race through my mind, the first being Jess’ words on my wedding day and the next thing is even more worrying.

The Butcher of Beverly Hills.

“No, I don’t give a fuck. Just stay the hell away from me and my family.”

Family?Does he mean me or his sister Olivia? I stand there, rooted in place with my breath caught in my chest, eavesdropping on my husband like a jealous wife.

“If I see you around, you’ll regret it.” His words come out on a snarl and when he turns, he freezes in shock at the sight of me. “I thought I told you to wait for me upstairs.”

“I waited, for a long damn time. And then I thought maybe you forgot about me or maybe something was wrong. Looks like I was right.”

He shakes his head. “No, that was nothing.”

“Liar!” Now I’m angry. “Who was that, Damien? Who are you telling to stay away from you and your family?”

He pinches the bridge of his nose, the way he does when he’s forced to deal with an issue he doesn’t want to. “Francesca, please. It’s none of your damn concern.”

Those words piss me off, but they also hurt. “I’m your wife and it’snone of my concern? Wow, it’s good to know where I stand.”

“Don’t give me that shit,” he roars. “We’re having this conversation because once again, you don’t trust me. What the fuck do I have to do to get you to trust me, Francesca?”

“Tell me the truth for starters. Is that really so difficult to ask a husband to do?”

“You’re jealous,” he accuses.

“No,” I shake my head insistently. “I’m not jealous Damien, I’m worried. You’re secretive and sneaking around, telling someone to stay away. Most women might think you’re having an affair, but I am not most women. You’re my husband. What happened to being my partner, my confidant?”

Something flashes in his eyes, but it’s gone quickly. “That’s what I love about you, kitten. You’re always practical. Caring.”

I shake my head. “I love you too, but your compliments won’t get you out of this. Not this time. You know what I think? I think the killer is playing games with you, and thatyou thinkyou’re keeping me safe by not involving me and that’s fucking stupid.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. He’s going to set a trap for you, and I won’t get to you in time because you don’t trust me enough to involve me in what’s going on, damn you!” My legs shake as the truth crashes down around me. “Oh my God, you don’t trust me.” I look around and make it to the sofa before my legs give out.

“Francesca, that’s not true.”

“It is true. It’s my job to catch this guy and you think I can’t do it. You don’t trust me; you don’t believe in me.” My heart breaks in two at the realization.

“Are you serious?” he yells. “You are the most capable woman I’ve ever known. Of course you’ll catch this jerk. I believe in you. I can’t believe you said that.” He runs one hand and then the other through his hair before exhaling deeply.

“Then tell me who called.”

A storm brews in his hazel eyes as he shakes his head. “I can’t.”

“Exactly.” I rise and shake my head in disbelief.

“This is absurd. I’m heading to the office where I can find some peace.”

Tears form in my eyes, and I shake my head. “Well, if The Butcher comes after you, just know that I love you.”

Damien shakes his head at me, furious as hell, but he doesn’t say a word. He grabs his keys and wallet and storms out of the penthouse, leaving an angry silence in his wake.

I stomp back up the stairs. I can’t believe I gave up dinner with Amelia for this shit.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

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