Page 39 of The Killer Who Kept Me

“Sir—”

“No, you’ll get time to speak when I’ve asked you to. Right now, Gino and Mike are going to take you downstairs. I’ll be with you after dinner is done.”

“But, sir, please let me expl?—”

I took three long steps and gripped Brandi by her neck, lifting her slightly off the carpet.

“You don’t hear so well, do you? You don’t speak now. If I must, I’ll cut your tongue out, and you can write your responses to me.”

She clawed at my hand and gurgled.

“Do as you’re told,” I growled and dropped her unceremoniously on the floor. “Gino, Mike?”

“Yeah, Boss.”

I moved over to Em and kneeled. “Are you okay?”

His gaze flickered to where Gino and Mike were escorting Brandi from the room. “Eyes on me, Em.”

When he did, I smiled. “You’re safe. I’m sorry she got to you. She sneaked in the back.”

“You don’t have to apologize to me.”

“Em.” I lifted his chin with my finger when he dipped his head. “What did she say to you?”

“Nothing kind.”

“No, I imagine not. Can you please tell me, though? She’ll be held accountable for it.”

His eyes widened. “Are you going to kill her?”

Em didn’t strike me as the person to ask about business. I wasn’t angry with his inquiry, but I was curious as to the response he wanted from me.

“Are you sure you want the answer to that?”

He took a breath. “I don’t know.”

“It’s nothing you have to worry about. Can you repeat what she told you?”

He wiggled in the seat. “She said I didn’t belong here. Told me I was selfish to incite a war between families. Said I wouldn’t understand what that was like, since I’m not part of one because no one wants me.” His brows dropped. “Told me if I wanted to save you, I’d go back to Ramsey and beg for my life.”

I cupped Em’s cheek. His brown eyes were wet with unshed tears. “She’s wrong, Em. About all of it. I very much want you here.”

“You do?”

“You’re special. There’s something about you.” Gently, I rubbed my thumb over his skin.

“I’m not special.”

I smirked at the clueless man. “Many people don’t always agree with what I say, but I’m still always right, Em.”

He chuckled, and the air in the room felt lighter. “How about we go get some food?”

He nodded, and I helped him up. I’d deal with Brandi after everyone left. She’d stew downstairs and wonder what was coming her way. And with what Mike had told me and seeing her here with Em, her future wasn’t very bright at all.

Em ate, Paulo and I stayed close, and I could tell about an hour later he was starting to flag.

“I can help you upstairs,” Paulo offered.

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