Page 96 of The Devil's Thorn
That’s when I see it.
Kellan’s blacked-out car parked along the outer drive, tucked just beneath one of the iron lampposts. His hand rests lazily on the wheel, and he’s watching the mansion’s entrance like a man prepared for something to go wrong.
Ash leans against the passenger side, a cigarette glowing between his fingers like a dying star.
As I approach, he flicks it to the ground without a word, crushes it under his boot, and slides into the back seat before I reach them.
Kellan doesn’t speak until I open the door.
“How bad?”
“No blood,” I mutter as I sink into the seat. “But give it five minutes, and Alessio might be crying.”
Ash lets out a low chuckle as he slams the door behind me. “What’d you do?”
“Guided his hand up my thigh until he felt steel instead of skin.”
“You didn’t,” Kellan mutters, smirking as he pulls away from the curb.
“I did.”
“He talk?”
“He practically purred,” I say, glancing down at my phone as it buzzes. “Started bragging about someone manipulating both sides—making the Italians think the Bratva is gearing up for betrayal. Something about Calderone’s circle feeding names in both directions.”
Kellan’s jaw flexes slightly as I continue reading.
“He’s not the smartest. Loose lips. Desperate for power. He wanted to impress someone—thought I was just there to stroke his ego.”
Ash leans forward slightly between the seats. “And?”
“I made him believe he almost had me,” I say, voice calm. “Let him touch what he thought he owned. Then reminded him exactly how sharp I can be.”
“You’re evil,” Ash mutters, but there’s pride laced in it.
“No,” I whisper. “I’m efficient.”
The car speeds down the long stretch of road, headlights painting stripes across the forest as we leave the Calderone estate behind. The silence inside is thick, but it’s not uncomfortable. Just… watchful.
We’re always watching.
Kellan speaks after a beat. “Where to?”
I glance back down at the screen and recite the address Rafael’s message provided. It’s not the penthouse this time—it’s farther, more secluded. Hisestate.
Private. Powerful. And deliberate.
Ash shifts slightly in his seat. “Interesting he didn’t want to meet in the city.”
“He’s keeping this quiet,” I say. “Keepingmequiet.”
Kellan raises a brow. “And you’re still going.”
“Of course I am.”
“Alone?”
“No,” I say. “You’re circling the estate and waiting nearby.”
