Page 151 of Vito

Axin grunts a laugh. "On the bench is a duffel bag with a change of clothing for you, including boots. You'll find it all fits."

I walk into the shower and turn it on. I don't wait for it to warm up before stepping in because I want to get to Eden as fast as possible.

Axin tosses me a bottle. "Use that to break down the blood."

I use a similar concoction; it's extremely handy. After squirting a healthy amount into my palm, I lather up and start to scrub every inch of myself.

"There's a towel with the duffel bag. I'll wait outside." Axin walks out with the plastic bag of my clothing that will be incinerated.

"Man of few words," I mutter, as I clean myself as quickly as fast as possible.

Once I'm finished, I dry off and dress quickly. Axin didn't lie—the clothes and boots fit perfectly. This shouldn't surprise me; Ohith and Axin are men who pay excruciating attention to detail. I imagine after they found out about Eden and me, they had my measurements and weight down to the inch and ounce for their plans of how they'd get rid of my body after killing me for putting Eden in danger.

As I walk out, I'm grinning. Axin waits in the hallway, and I hand him the towel and duffel bag.

"What are you smiling about?" His white-blonde eyebrows pull together, and he starts to walks to where Eden waits for me.

"Oh, just wondering if I call you Uncle Axin."

He chokes on a laugh. "Never took you for a jokester."

I swing my arm over his shoulders. "I reserve that for family."

He side-eyes me and huffs. "I'll see to decontaminating the shower." He stops at a closed door but puts his arm across it to stop me. "You will love her, do everything to protect her, and treat her right."

It's an order as much as it's a threat. But I don't need to be ordered or threatened.

Despite that, I promise, "You have my word, or you have my life, Axin."

He studies me, then his mouth curls into a smile. "Welcome to the family, Vito."

I clap him on the back and open the door. The room looks like it was once an office; the only thing remaining is a big desk.

Eden looks up as soon as I walk in, her hazel eyes skating over my body to check me over. I can see her relief.

The blood and grime are cleaned off her face, and stitches close the gash on her cheek. The bruising is worse now, and she winces slightly as she moves.

As much as seeing her is the balm to my ravaged soul, the sight of what they did to her and knowing she's in pain makes my beast roar for more of their blood. If I had a supernatural power, it would be to bring my enemies back to life so I could torture and kill them over andoveragain.

Gus and Frank don't move from her side and look at me warily. We were all on the same page, racing here and battling to get Eden back, but now the reality of them knowing about Eden and me is stark and dire.

"Frank and Gus, please give Vito and me a minute."

Frank shifts his weight between his feet. Gus looks between Eden and me, the scar puckering on the bridge of his nose with his frown.

"Ed… I don't think—"

"It's okay, Gus." She takes his hand. "Please."

Normally, Eden would just snark a sarcastic reply about being the boss or level him with that frigid 'don't fuck with me look,' but she's softer right now because of Gus's pained guilt at her being harmed.

"Aiken knew what he was doing, Gus."

He shakes his head. "He wasn't intending for you and Vito, kid."

"You're right. But he trusted Vito to be smart, figure things out, and do the right thing. HetrustedVito."

Gus's jaw flexes as he looks between her and me. Then it's like a gruff father finally relenting and giving his blessing. "Frank, let's go."

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