Page 32 of The High Priestess

“No one was loyal to you, Cassia, because you’re not the head of the Greek mafia.” I watch as she swallows hard, then I add, “Yet.”

Reaching for her face, I take hold of her jaw and turn her head so she’ll look at me.

“I’ll keep you alive and kill whoever you order me to kill.” Letting go of her jaw, I pull my hand away from her face. “I’llprotect you while you fight for your rightful place as the head of the Greek mafia.”

Her eyes flick over my face, and I watch as she processes everything I just said.

Her lips part, and her words are filled with caution as she asks, “And then?”

I shrug. “And then nothing.”

“What do you want in return?”

Taking a deep breath, I sit down on the armchair before I answer, “Nothing. I’ll get to kill evil fuckers. It’s why I joined Santiago.”

“To kill?” she asks, her eyebrows lifting. “That’s all you want?”

It’s not what I want. It’s what I need.

Chapter 11

KNIGHT

When I nod, I can see Cassia doesn’t believe me.

I can’t blame her. Nothing is for free in this world.

I take in her gray complexion and mutter, “Just so we’re clear. I won’t interfere in your life unless you do something stupid like today. You shouldn’t have left the hospital, but I understand why you did it.”

“And why do you think I did it?” she asks.

“You needed to show the others how strong you are. We all got the message loud and clear, so focus on healing.”

“Jesus, that’s the most I’ve ever heard him talk,” Santiago suddenly says from the doorway.

I glance over my shoulder and don’t bother commenting.

“But he’s right,” he agrees with me. “You need to take better care of yourself, or you won’t be worth shit to any of us.”

“Fine,” Cassia mumbles, then she asks, “Are you here to make arrangements for Eleni?”

Santiago only nods. He glances between us, then asks, “Have the two of you talked things out?”

I look at Cassia and ask, “Have we?”

She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly before answering, “Yes.”

Santiago chuckles while he locks eyes with me. “Keep her safe.”

“You know I will,” I mutter.

He pats my shoulder and glances at Cassia, “I’ll check in on you later this week.”

“Thank you,” she replies. “I appreciate everything.”

I listen as Santiago walks out of the room while Cassia lies back down with a sigh.

I keep staring at her, and it has her meeting my eyes. “How long have you known Santiago?”

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