Page 36 of Stolen Seconds

“Nope.” I flicked the lighter on. “He’s specifically interested in how we maneuver our drug shipments.”

The inside of Enzo’s office was sleek, hard glass and colorless—fucking depressing.

Roman hummed, appearing calm and collected but his eyes had darkened into a bottomless pit of nothing. “You show him the art museum yet?”

“Fuck. No.” I was the owner of the building and a popular attraction site for our citizens. But they had no idea it was run to transport cocaine using the art pieces they admiringly gawked at. “Ric pulled his file for me and there was nothing suspicious.” It wasn’t surprising. The same way we erased material that traced back to our names, the Russians did too. “But I could kill him if you want?” I suggested because it seemed that he wasn’t fond of our new guest.

“No. I’m fully capable of doing that myself, if necessary.”

“Bummer,” I feigned disappointment. “I’m always more creative.”

“That’s because you’re a sadist who gets off on inflicting pain,” Enzo remarked sarcastically.

“If you’re boring just say that, Enzo.”

He muttered something under his breath in annoyance before the screen on my phone lit up, displaying the picture of a smiling Eva.

I stood from my seat and answered. “What’s wrong?”

“Luca.” Her soft voice came down the line in a whisper. “Can you come get me, please?”

Pinpricks of ice slithered in my veins at her tone. “Are you okay?”

“Y-yes.”

“I’m on my way.”

That’s all I had to know. When my sister needed me, I’d always go running to her.

I hung up and gave Roman a look, knowing he’d understand my silent words.

The way to my father’s house wasn’t long and I might’ve driven like a maniac but at least I didn’t kill anyone in the process.

Once I stepped foot inside the house, Eva came running toward me, her small frame crashing into mine.

"Hey," I soothed. “Hey, you’re okay now, Evangeline.”

“Please, don’t leave me.Please.”

My heart thudded against my tightening chest.

Did my father want to die? It was blatantly obvious that he was the reason for her distress.

And even though my sister had begged me to not leave her before, I knew this time was different.

She shook against my hold, clutching me as if she’d die if she let go.

“What happened?” I was trying to stay calm for both our sakes, but I could sense that rage bubbling inside of me, wanting to be released.

Eva sniffled; her voice muffled against my chest. “He made me. . . present myself.”

“What does that mean, Eva?” My jaw ached from grinding my teeth.

She sobbed harder, stumbling through her words as she hiccuped. “Those men saw me naked.”

Guilt punched me right in the chest at how naïve I’d been.

Had my sister been lying to me all this time about how she was treated in this house?

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