Page 61 of The High Priestess

“Still, Cassia. You need to control the man. He can’t just kill at will,” Savvas whispers. Giving me a worried look, he asks, “Can you really trust the man? You haven’t known him for long.”

I might be angry with Knight, but I know he won’t hurt me. I’m alive today because of him.

“I trust him,” I assure Savvas. “He has saved my life more than once.”

When we reach the SUV, I open the backdoor and dig the burner from my bag. As I hand it to him, I say, “Knight, give Savvas your phone number.”

Knight recites the digits, then tells Savvas, “Give me a missed call so I can get your number.”

I glance at Tobias and think to ask, “How do you feel? Have you fully recovered?”

He nods. “I’m good to go, boss.”

Knowing he was at the house, I hope he can give me some information. I step closer to him and ask, “Did you see what happened to my mother?”

His features tighten as he nods. “She came out to water the garden like she does every afternoon. She was one of the first who was shot. I managed to kill her shooter, but I was gunned down while trying to get to her.” He lowers his head, regret tightening his features even more. “I’m sorry, Cassia.”

My voice is no more than a whisper as I ask, “Did it look like she died instantly?”

He nods. “I don’t think she suffered.”

His words offer me some comfort because I’d hate for my mother to have bled out slowly in the garden she loved so much.

“We need to go,” Knight mutters, drawing my attention to him.

I turn my head to Savvas, his features drawn with grief and worry, then he asks, “Can I get a hug?”

Oh God.

I nod and quickly close the distance between us. When he wraps me up in a bear hug, a sob almost escapes, but I keep it imprisoned behind clenched teeth.

“I’m so sorry about what happened, Cassia,” he groans.

“Me too,” I whisper before pulling back. My eyes lock with his. “We’ll get through this.”

He only nods and watches as I climb into the passenger seat.

When Knight starts the engine, I glance out the side window at Savvas, who watches as we drive away.

My thoughts turn to Michail and his pointless death, and anger swirls in my chest. With Tobias in the backseat, I keep quiet. I’ll deal with Knight once we’re alone.

Chapter 20

KNIGHT

The drive to the address where my contacts will meet us is long and fucking quiet.

I’m cautious of the guy in the back and overly aware of the anger radiating from Cassia.

I stand by what I did. The moment Michail touched her weapon, he sealed his fate. It was a stupid move on his part that cost him his life.

Also, I didn’t like the way he spoke to Cassia.

She can be angry with me all she wants. I won’t apologize for keeping her safe.

My grip tightens on the steering wheel, my eyes constantly sweeping over the road ahead. My body is tense, and I’m on high alert for any sudden attacks.

The silence becomes unbearable until Tobias asks, “Where are we going?”

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