Page 17 of Broken Innocence
“Ah, you like hanging out at the Bluewave Casino, too? What was the amount? How much was Eden's sense of safety and perfect health worth?”
“A hundred grand,” Tony mumbles.
“That’s it?” My knife swings out to draw a thin line across each man’s throat.
Not deep enough to kill them… yet.
They cry out in fear, the gravity of their situation finally sinking in. They won’t be leaving this chapel alive.
Eden is priceless.
Worth more than one hundred grand. More than these two sniveling thugs.
She’s mine to protect, and I already failed her once. I won’t fail again. Starting with ridding the world of these lowlifes who dared to touch my woman.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
EDEN
Butterfly,
Rest and read. I’m told that these books are perfect for a day in bed.
I’ll be home later this evening, but Allison will bring lunch to you at noon.
Yours,
Luca
The note was propped against a stack of books on the nightstand when I woke up. My name was scrawled across the front fold, though he’d switched to his random nickname for me inside the short letter. Flipping it closed, I set it aside and studied the colorful titles he left me. A mix of romantic comedies, fantasy romance, and some historical romance thrown in for good measure. Someone else around here is a bookworm, too, apparently.
“That was thoughtful of him,” I say to Beanie who is sprawled out on the wooden dresser across the room. I don’t even know how she got up that high.Must have been one heck of a leap.“But no matter how thoughtful he is, we’re not falling for his charm. All the books in the world, catered meals, and—” I glance around the elegantly appointed room—“luxuriousaccommodations won’t change our opinion of him if he doesn’t release us.”
A slow blink is the only response I get from Beanie.
Yeah, she doesn’t care where she lays her head as long as her belly is full.
Iam not so easily swayed.
My stomach growls as there’s a knock on the door, and the smell of crispy bacon wafts in the air. Another protest of hunger from my belly.
Fine, I’ll eat, but I won’t be happy about it.
***
A FEW DAYS LATER
“Special delivery.” Luca strides into the bedroom with a drink in one hand and a paper bag in the other. A familiar pink logo decorates the outsides of each, and an aggrieved sigh falls from my lips as I close the book I was reading by the window.
This room is enormous. Besides the massive bed, nightstands, and dresser, it also houses a cute little nook complete with two oversized, comfy chairs, a waist-high bookshelf, and a wooden coffee table. Honestly, the entire setup from the main sleeping area to the walk-in closet and bathroom suite could hold my entire one-bedroom apartment. All it’s missing is a kitchen.
“You went to Baby Cakes?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
“You love their toasted marshmallow lattes and mini fruit tarts, so I figured I’d bring you a treat, since you won’t be able to visit them for a while.” He sets the drink and bag on the coffee table with a grin.
“Defineawhile.”
“Until you’re healed and my wife.” Luca settles into the chair next to mine, and his sapphire gaze leaves a trail of heat downmy body as he catalogs my messy bun, borrowed plush robe, and ratty pajamas. Normally, I’d care more about my appearance, especially in front of someone as attractive as Luca, but my brain demanded I not give in to those urges.
