Page 76 of Hunter

“We did, Domenico, and my men will get right on bringing her home. I’m as upset as you are.”

The three of us stand like lions poised to fight, waiting to see who will be first to draw their weapon. I tap the knife slid into my waistband. My trusty friend is always there, just in case. Isabella hovers behind me, and Lombardi glances over my shoulder toward her.

“If you don’t supply your niece as agreed, you could give me your own whore to play with. You owe me a womb.”

I don’t think, I just swing. I’m furious that the old bastard chose to turn his interest toward Isabella and loathing myself for ever thinking these alliances were worth the deal. My fist connects with his jaw with a satisfying crack. Lombardi stumbles, catching his heel on a stone step and tumbling backward down to the curb.

Lombardi lands flat on his back in the center of the pavement, the back of his skull cracking off the pavement with a satisfying thud. Blood immediately begins to soak his gray wisps of hair. He tries to scramble to his feet but slips like a newborn deer on the cold stone. Finally, once on his hands and knees, his guards move to his aid.

“Leave him,” I roar. They pause then resume their movement toward him. “I said fucking leave him.” The soles of my shoes whack off the ground beneath me as I make my way down the steps. Isabella stands at the top looking down, but I don’t need to turn around to know she’s there.

The ancient bridegroom is still on all fours, attempting to catch his breath. From this angle, he looks nothing but old and worn, the evil predator ready to take whatever he wants long gone. When he hears me beside him, he glances up, hatred burning in his eyes.

“You’ll pay for this, Devane,” he says, his tone menacing. “You and that bitch of yours better watch your backs.”

I look down on the pathetic cretin, then around the circle of men who now surround us. Some his, some mine. But there’s no mistaking which man is on his knees, and who the men are listening to.

“Next time you so much as think about speaking of my wife, Domenico, it will be from six feet under.” I catch the eyes of one of his guards, nodding that he can take the bastard away. His men scurry to his side, picking him up off the floor and throwing his arms around their necks. Damon joins me at the curb as we watch them pile him into a dark pickup.

“You just started a war,” Damon says, monotone. “She’s gone. Rodion let her go with Greyson.”

I dare a glance at Isabella, who hasn’t moved; she stands perfectly still watching us. She will have questions later. The tips of my fingers skim over my blade, still snug at my waist. Waiting for action.

“No, I just gave him a reason to fire the first shot.” I look my friend directly in the eye. “But if your instincts are correct and making a deal with Rodion was right, then we have new allies.”

“Allies maybe be a stretch,” he mutters, and I chuckle.

“We bought Tilly her freedom. Now, we wait for the invoice.”

I return to Isabella’s side, wrapping her in my arms and kissing her gently. She tenses, still not comfortable with public affection after all these years, but she kisses me back just as lovingly. As we part, her eyes move over my shoulder and focus on something behind me. Upon turning to face whatever it is, my eyes lock with Rodion standing on the opposite side of the road.

“Who’s that?” Isabella whispers as he lifts a hand in greeting. He’s tall and blonde, around thirty years old, dressed head to toe in black.

“Rodion, our new ally.”

Isabella looks at me warily, then her eyes focus back on the man now walking toward us across the road carrying a single white rose. As he approaches, I step forward slightly putting my body between him and my wife. He offers the stem to Bella, and I nod as she looks at me for direction.

“Hunter,” he says, his Russian accent strong. “Today has proven our relationship can be repaired. Power is divided, and my cousin is free to be with the man she loves.” He bows a fraction in Isabella’s direction. “Have a good day, Mr. and Mrs. Devane. I do hope to work with you again soon.

Rodion turns and walks away, climbing onto an awaiting motorbike. He smiles wide then pulls the helmet over his head before speeding off into the city.

“What do you think he meant about his cousin being happy? I thought he wanted to marry her.”

I take a moment to consider the potential reasons when I don’t know the firm answer. “Tilly and Rodion were close as children. He looked out for her,” I muse. “Perhaps seeing her happy was more important than what he wanted.” My eyes focus on hers, and everyone else disappears around us. She needs to hear this. “I know that feeling, Bella. When the woman you love is all that matters. When you would lose yourself to make her happy.”

She smiles softly, and my heart beats a little harder. The tension of the day passes, allowing for more relaxed times to come.

“Luckily, you don’t have to lose yourself. I love the unhinged, knife-wielding madman you are.”

Chapter thirty-five

Hunter's Residence, London

Hunter

"Stand for the master,” Russell hollers as he strolls into my office in the early hours, Connor and Damon behind him, both shaking their heads like weary parents. “You’re going to worship at my feet today.” He tosses a thick manila envelope onto my desk, crosses his arms, and steps back. His chest is puffed out like a rooster that just got lucky, and grins.

I glare up at him, still exhausted from yesterday’s mess. I’m still in my shirt from the wedding that wasn’t. Lifting my arm, I sniff my armpit and grimace.

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