Page 32 of Stone

He slowly turns, and it’s now or never. In the blink of an eye, I make the decision, one that could cost me my life but save his. I take aim, but instead of doing as instructed, I hit his shoulder because that voice inside of me is telling me I will regret killing him. It’s telling me I need to remember.

Hitting the ground, his head bounces off the tarmac, causing me to wince on his behalf. Another red flag. I never show sympathy for my targets. Ever.

Why the fuck should I? They did us wrong, and I’m the man they send to make amends.

Until now.

Unable to help myself, I move closer and fight back the lump in my throat.

Bad idea, Stone. Terrible idea.

But something about him draws me in. I need to know; I need to see him for myself.

Bending down, I roll him onto his back. Blood oozes from the bullet wound on his shoulder, then his eyes flicker open and lock with mine, and I rear back on my heels.

Bright-blue eyes with a despondent look stare back at me. They widen, and his mouth falls open in what I can only describe as disbelief.

He knows me.

A flash of hurt lances through my chest at the thought of him knowing me when my memories are so absent, but I do know he’s familiar, and the decision to not kill him was the right one to make.

His mobile phone sits beside him, out of reach, and without second-guessing myself, I grab it and shove it into his hand. I’m not sure what I expect him to do. His eyes have now rolled to the back of his head and his chest rises rapidly.

Should I help him?

I’m frozen to the spot, my brain short-circuiting, then I cut my eyes across the parking lot. Nobody is coming, nobody will save him.

“Fuck!” I drag a hand over my shaved head and stare down at him. Those bright-blue eyes are now lifeless, but they blend into those of a woman I only recognize in my dreams as her image flashes before me, making my heart freefall. I know what I have to do.

“Don’t make me regret this, motherfucker.” My heart thunders, so I take his phone and dial 911.

I’m about to save the man I was sent to kill, and that ball of dread inside me now sits heavier than ever before.

Chapter Nineteen

Stone

I’ve not eaten for two days, and as the car winds up the driveway toward Casa Forte, I feel every turn in the pit of my stomach, and sickness wells inside me.

I’ve been summoned.

My punishment for my decision is about to be unleashed, and dread consumes me.

What’s the worst that could happen?I’ve endured so much already, and I’m still here. I’m still standing.

Knowing Sienna will be there waiting for me at the end of my punishment makes it more bearable. Her eyes being on me when I wake from my hell is my saving grace. Her finger trailing over the ridges in my palm will stir me from unconsciousness, allowing me to dream of a future we can never have. Her presence will be my strength.

The car comes to a standstill, and my body trembles, so I breathe through my nostrils to control the raging storm inside me.

It’s going to be bad; I can feel it in my bones and in my soul too.

The driver opens my door, and I force myself to tamp down the need to run. Where the hell would I go when she’s my home.

Stepping out of the SUV, my eyes take in the foreboding mansion. The shadows that cover me are like demons pulling at my soul, tearing me apart bit by bit before the torture has even started.

Taking a deep breath, I straighten and swallow back the nervous ball lodged in my throat, then I head inside.

Vector steps forward immediately, and his taunting eyes drill through me as if he’s eager to tear me apart. The hunger in them is sickening, and I’m forced to stuff my fists into my pant pockets to stop myself from lashing out and making the situation worse. A calculated smirk plays on his lips as he opens his mouth. “Azrael wants you to join him and Czar in his office before you meet with your father.” I nod at his words and walk down the corridor toward his office, a room I’ve taken many a beating in before now and looks to be where I will take another.

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