Page 28 of The Boss

That was the instant I could tell he shut down his feelings. Back to business.

Back to hunting for my brother.

“Contact your brother, Willow. If he is innocent, then I will find the person responsible with his help. He is not who you think he is, little dove.”

“And if I don’t help?”

“Then you will place yourself in extreme danger and I can’t and won’t allow that to happen.”

His stare was nearly as harsh before, but I continued to notice a softness about him, a demeanor that suggested he wouldn’t hurt me. “This is your parents’ house. Isn’t it? I was here before.”

I wasn’t certain he wanted to be reminded of the past, but by doing so, I hoped to get through to him. Maybe he’d remember how kind he’d been. His hard, cold demeanor told me otherwise.

“Yes, on the first trip you made with your family. My mother and father were still living here.”

“I remember how much I adored every room.”

“You told me once you’d find a way to live in the house when you grew up.”

The laugh came easily. “How old was I?”

“Nine. Maybe close to ten.”

“The time when all children believe they can do anything and that there isn’t any evil in the world. Then you learn otherwise.”

“Unfortunately, most people do.”

“Which is so sad. There was so much love here. I felt it. Every book and picture exuded the joy your family shared. I’ll never forget that.”

“And my parents will never forget you.”

Why was he telling me this? Why did it matter?

“Does my uncle know what happened?”

Dimitrios’ jaw immediately clenched. “Not unless the police have contacted him.”

“He deserves to know.”

“Yes, he does.”

“What do you plan on telling him about me?”

He took a deep breath and tilted his head back. “That you’re here so I can protect you.”

“He won’t believe you.”

His smile was engaging as I’d seen, yet a cold chill trickled down my spine. “Gregory will believe what he needs to believe.”

“He loves you like a brother.”

“He is a brother. Maybe now you understand why I need to avenge Leandro’s death.”

Was my brother really capable of such heinous deeds? I didn’t buy it. Sadly, a nagging little voice inside my head reminded me how little I knew about Shane or the life he’d created away from our childhood home. After a few seconds of reflection, I held out my hand. “I’ll make the call. I cannot and will not promise anything as he hasn’t answered a single one of my attempts to contact him.”

“Understood.” He pulled out my phone, his gaze darkening. “I don’t need to remind you that your life may be at stake. Do not do anything stupid.”

“What could I possibly do? Isn’t that what you’ve already told me more than once?” I yanked the phone from his hand, standing right in front of him as I pressed in my passcode, finding Shane’s number a few seconds later.

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