Page 138 of Knights Game

“Grandad needs moving,” I blurt out, not following anything that is happening. “He’s not safe. Terry is behind what happened on Sunday, he sent someone to get the—” I stop myself and glance at Kara, I don’t know this woman. “Box.”

“Have you got what you need, Kara?”

“It will buy you some time, just tell me when you want it released, and I’ll take care of the rest. Watch your back, Knight. Layla, it’s been a pleasure.” It has not been a pleasure. She nods once more at Luca.

“Oh, Kara,” Luca calls after her, “did you want to say goodbye to Roman before you go?” The woman doesn’t turn around, but her hand comes up without missing a beat and she sticks her middle finger up.

He laughs, the sound rich and warm.

“Always a pleasure.”

And with that she’s gone, and I’m sitting there looking to Luca for some sort of explanation to what the hell has just happened.

I stand and the room tilts and my vision blurs as I wobble into Luca.

“Easy.” He grips my elbow.

I push him off me, “You’re a prick, a little bit of a heads-up would be nice.”

“About what?” he asks, leading me over to the desk chair.

“That you’re in here faking your death, I think I’ve aged ten years.” I wrench my arm out of his and put distance between us. “I thought you were dead.” I ball my fist up, but he sees the move before I make contact, his eyes flashing.

“What have I told you?”

“Hit you! I want to castrate you, you piece of shit.”

“There she is.” He kisses me on my nose.

“You fucking—”

“I’m fine, Layla.” He cups my cheek. “Your grandad is also fine. I’d never have left him in the care home unprotected. He’s safe, no one will get anywhere near him again.”

At a knock at the door we turn to find Roman standing there, blood splattered all over his face, his top saturated in it.

“Did someone call?”

“That took you too long,” I snap. “Don’t you fucking smirk, Luca Knight, I swear to God, I will shove it up your arse. I scream like a banshee and you fucking knock?”

“It’s called manners.”

I hold up my finger. “Don’t push me.”

He leans in and takes it in his mouth and sucks.

I roll my eyes.

“I’ll leave you two to it,” Roman says.

“Anything?” Luca calls after him.

“No, fucking man has balls of steel, oooh!” His face lights up. “I’ve not tried that angle yet.”

“I don’t want to know,” I say holding up my hands.

“Are you okay?” He asks nibbling each of my fingertips, before taking each knuckle to his lips individually kissing each one.

“No, Luca, I’m not okay.”

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