Page 39 of His to Possess

Shoving the gear into drive, I press my foot down on the gas and roll out of the barn. Then I quickly hop out, pull the door shut and pause, glancing back over at the log cabin. I long to return, climb back into bed and curl up against Angelo so badly, it’s almost an ache. Instead, I get back in the SUV and start driving down the long driveway toward the road. Even though I hate leaving like this, maybe it’s time I face the reality of the situation—whatever is going on between me and Angelo can’t last.

The longer I stay with him, the more my hopes and expectations for a future with him will grow. But it’s silly to consider because I’m not good enough for him. While he’s light and playful, I’m the gloomy loner. My life has been far from easy, always a struggle, but that’s just my luck. Besides, I don’t attract men like Angelo Rossi. At least, not for long. I have no doubt that he would lose interest and break my heart, anyway.

So it’s best if I walk away now before I make the mistake of becoming too invested. The further away I drive away, the more I have to convince myself I shouldn’t turn right around and go back. But, no. I have to look at the bigger picture and that’s saving Angelo. It’s because of me that he’s even in this situation to begin with. I fucked up and now it’s time to correct my mistake.

More like mistakes. The moment I accepted this job it’s been nothing but one clusterfuck after another. Maybe I’ve been bounty hunting too long and it’s time to hang up my stun gun and handcuffs. Hell, the more I think about it, the more I seriously start considering it.

I could easily retire on the fortune I’ve stashed away. Just ride off into the sunset…all by myself…

Or invite Angelo to go with you?a little voice asks.

No. Impossible. He’s far too close to his family to ever pick up and leave town. And, the brutal truth is once I track down Carmine Gallo, he might not grant my request to remove us from the Kill List. Or, maybe he’ll only remove Angelo and not me. Then I’m going to be on the run and that’s a mess I can’t drag Angelo deeper into. I’ve already done enough damage.

Guilt washes through me as I consider what I’ve done and what I need to do. I glance over at the clock on the dashboard and sigh. Looks like it’s going to just be me and my thoughts for the next five hours or so. Again, I find myself wishing for someone I could call and talk to, maybe ask for advice.

Doubts plague me throughout the entire ride back to the city and I hate it. But I’m determined to make things right. I’ve decided to quit my shady job, although I know that Fox won’t be happy.Oh, well.

First though, it’s time to track down Gallo and offer myself in exchange for Angelo’s future. I want him off the Kill List and I’ll do anything, even sacrifice myself, to make sure he is safe once and for all.

16

ANGELO

I’ve always been a deep sleeper. My mom used to say I slept the sleep of the dead. But for whatever reason, something feels off, and I reach out for Blake. When I only feel the empty bed beside me, my eyes pop open. She must’ve gone to the bathroom or went to get a drink. Or…

I sit up and rub my eyes. It’s barely five in the morning and I glance over to see the bathroom door widen open. Sliding out of bed, I pad over and look inside. Empty. Did she get up early and maybe go downstairs and make some coffee? I know she has trouble sleeping.

Deciding to go downstairs and check, I stop up short when I don’t see her in the living room or kitchen. “Blake?” I call. I’m about to go outside and see if she’s sitting on the back porch when I notice a piece of paper and pen laying on the kitchen island. With a frown, I walk over and swipe it up. And my heart immediately sinks like a brick in my chest.

Dear Angelo, I’m so sorry for leaving like this, but we both know it’s for the best.

“Like hell it is,” I grumble.

I promise you’ll be safe but, just in case, stay up here a few more days. Until I get things arranged and settled.

“What the fuck does that mean?” I wonder. Forcing myself to stay calm, I keep reading.

I never meant to drag you into this mess and this is where I should also apologize. But, the truth is, I’m not sorry. Thank you for the best week of my life. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Right?

She signed the bottom of the note with two X’s and the letter “B.”

And that’s it. That’s fucking it.

Throwing the note aside, I spin around and race out the front door. “Blake!” I yell. My eyes narrow when they land on the barn and I jog over and pull the door open. My car is gone.

“Fucking A,” I hiss. She stole my car and all I can do is shake my head. I can’t help but smile even though I’m seething. Christ, the woman has balls and I can’t help but admire her. At the same time, where the hell is she going and how is she planning to arrange and settle things?

My heart thumps harder and I clench my fists. She wouldn’t be stupid enough to confront Carmine Gallo by herself, would she? My little butterfly is fearless, but if she flies too closely to that man, she might get her wings burned.

I’m going to need to find her and make sure nothing bad happens.

“Dammit, Blake.” Hurrying back into the cabin, I get ready as quickly as possible. I have no idea what time she snuck out.Knowing her, she’s been on the road for hours, so she might beat me back to NYC. Although, maybe not. Just depends. Also, I’m flying and she’s driving, so I have that working for me.

It’s still damn early, but I call my brother, anyway.

“This better be good,” Miceli rumbles in a sleep-rough, very grumpy voice when he picks up.

“Blake is gone,” I say without preamble.

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