Page 395 of Savage Bosses

“I don’t want her to know,” Bryce rushed to say. “She can never know. She can’t.”

“Alright. Calm down. She doesn’t have to know. But she does need to know that her attacker is dead.”

Bryce shook his head. “She can’t know what I’ve done. She can never know, dad. She’ll think I’m a monster.” And right now, she was the only person in the world who didn’t think he was a monster.

“I’ll make sure she doesn’t find that part out. Trust me. I’ll handle it. You did good, son. I’ll take care of everything else. Where’s the body?”

Bryce rattled off the street address and apartment number.

“That sounds like the old apartments on Old Highway Eleven. Are you sure that’s the address? No one should live there. They’re getting ready to be demolished. My consigliere’s family purchased that land.”

“That’s the address, dad,” Bryce insisted, staring down at his blood-stained hands. “That’s where the body is.”

“Okay. I got it. Go shower. And get some sleep. What you’re feeling right now, it will pass. I promise it gets easier, son.”

Nodding, Bryce did as he was told. As Bryce stepped into the shower, allowing the hot water to wash away the blood and grime, he couldn’t help but feel a swell of gratitude for his father’s support.

Despite the darkness that was threatening to consume him, he knew one thing for certain: he would do anything – even kill – to protect Tatianna from harm. His father was right. A man would do whatever it took to protect his family. Tati was his family.

She was all that mattered to him. For her, he’d gladly become a monster. And as he vowed to himself to guard her with every fiber of his being, he prayed that he would be able to keep this dark deed hidden from her.

After his shower, he stumbled into his bedroom, too exhausted to dry off or get dressed. Naked and wet, he slid underneath the covers and dreamed of blood and murder. He didn’t know if it was a nightmare or one of the best dreams he’d had in a while.

Chapter Five

Bryceson

H

e hadn’t slept that well without Tati beside him in a long time.

That morning, the sun peeked through the curtains, bathing the bedroom in a warm light. Bryce sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on the television screen as he clutched a steaming mug of coffee between his hands.

The headline scrolling across the bottom of the screen read:“Local Chef Found Dead in an Abandoned apartment building.”He listened as the reporter gave the details that local authorities had so far.

“Authorities have apprehended a suspect in connection with the crime,”the reporter announced, her crisp voice cutting through the quiet morning air. “Details are still emerging, but it seems that Marco Rossi was killed by a Mr. Robert Slate. Robert claims Marco assaulted his sister a week ago near Southern Heat restaurant. His sister got away but claimed she saw Marco head toward another woman. That woman has not been identified. According to Mr. Robert Slate, Marco confessed to trying to assault his sister and another young lady. But he said each of his attempts were thwarted. Robert Slate said he and Marco Rossi argued, but the argument escalated when Marco Rossi pulled a knife on him. Robert claims he killed Marco Rossi in self-defense. We’ll bring you more details as this investigation unfolds. Back to you, Kristen.”

Relief washed over Bryce. He took a slow sip of his coffee, savoring the taste as it slid down his throat. His father had kept his word. The situation had been dealt with, and no one would ever know what had really transpired between him and Marco. When Tatianna saw the news, she’d know she was the second woman Marco had tried to attack. She’d know her attacker was now dead, and she no longer had to be afraid.

“Thank you, Dad,” Bryce whispered to himself.

This wouldn’t be the first time he’d thanked his dad. But this would be the first time he genuinely meant it. Bryce set his mug down on his nightstand and leaned back against the headboard, allowing himself a moment to process everything that had happened. He felt no guilt for taking Marco’s life. The man had brought it upon himself when he attacked Tatianna.

Bryce’s loyalty and love for her were unyielding. He couldn’t fathom a world where she wasn’t protected from harm. And as long as he was alive, there would never be another time when she wasn’t well protected. He grabbed his phone when it dinged. It was a text from Tatianna.

Heart rate increasing, he stared at the screen. She didn’t know what he’d done. She couldn’t know. So why did he fear talking to her? Why did he fear he’d let it slip out if he talked to her? Thankfully, this was just a text. Swallowing, he opened the message.

Tatianna:Babe, did you see the news? OMG! I’m freaking out. The guy who attacked me was Marco, my coworker.

Bryce:I just saw the news. I was just about to call you. How are you?

Damn, he hated lying like this. What other choice did he have?

Tatianna:I’m okay. My mom is on her way over. She’s freaking out more than I am. Your mom even called. She and your grandma are coming over also.

His mother and grandmother didn’t know what he’d done. He wanted to keep it a secret from them also.

Bryce:I’ll come over when they leave. Call me after they’re gone.

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