Page 21 of Depths of Obsession
Rocco nods slowly, his gaze distant. “So, we either get the necklace, or you go on the run with Pippa for as long as it takes.”
“That about sums it up,” I say, my voice rough. The truth is I’m not sure which one I want to happen more.
He glances toward the hallway leading to the bedroom, then back to me. “What does Pippa think of all this?” Rocco asks, eyeing me with sharp curiosity.
I rub my chin, the stubble scratching under my fingers. “I haven’t told her. And I’m not planning to. She’s too stubborn, too rebellious. If I give her a choice, she’ll fight it just because it’s coming from me.”
Rocco shakes his head, a half-smile tugging at his lips. “You’re a glutton for punishment, you know that? Always have to take the hard road.”
I shrug, but his words hit a nerve. He’s right—I should give Pippa the option. That would be the sane, responsible thing to do. But my gut churns at the thought. If she gets upset, runs, or does something stupid, it’ll be harder for me to protect her. Gazzago will pounce on any wrong move. At least, that’s what I tell myself.
The truth?
I’m afraid. Afraid she’ll say no. Afraid of the rejection. Afraid that I’m just a monster in her eyes. Little does she know, she’s right. I am a monster.
Rocco stands, slapping a hand on my shoulder. “I’m heading back to the club. Let me know if you need anything.”
I nod, my mind already shifting to the next step. “Actually, can you check in with your brothers? The rest of your family? See if they know anything about the Queen’s Heart?”
Rocco frowns, his brow furrowing. “You think it’s connected to magick?”
“I think there’s a possibility,” I say. “It’s worth checking. I want to know what we’re dealing with before diving too deep.”
“Got it. I’ll ask around.” Rocco gives me a nod and heads to the elevator. The door slides shut behind him, and the hum of its descent fades into silence.
I slouch in the chair, staring at the monitors, the glowing screens blurring before my eyes. I love Renzo, but he has tunnel vision. He’s so focused on expanding his empire, on making this deal with the Afghans work, that he can’t see the collateral damage. Gazzago’s leverage over him is a weakness, one that Renzo can’t afford. There’s more going on here—something bigger, something that doesn’t sit right with me.
I glance at the skyline lying beyond my windows. Dawn is approaching, the sky is beginning to lighten in the east. I fed yesterday morning, but with everything happening, it might be smart to top up. Since we don’t know anything about the auction and when it might be, I need to be ready for anything. I can’t afford to lose control.
I make my way to the warehouse’s basement, the cold air hitting me like a slap. I open the hidden fridge and pull out a bag of blood, tearing it open and drinking deeply. The taste is metallic, familiar, and it fills me with a sense of calm and renewal that I desperately need. I finish quickly, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand before putting the rest back in the fridge.
As I close the door, a thought hits me. The deal Renzo is making with the Afghans—what if it’s not just about heroin? What if it’s about the blood trade? We’ve been searching for a new source for a while now. The U.S. and Western Europe are unreliable, the competition fierce. If Renzo’s found a new source in the East, it would explain his tolerance for Gazzago’s behavior. Heroin alone wouldn’t be enough to justify it, but a new supply of blood? That would be worth the risk.
I climb the stairs, my mind racing. But if Gazzago knew about the blood trade, he’d use it against us. He’d tell the world, rally them to burn us out.No, he doesn’t know. He thinks he’s dealing with men, not monsters.
Renzo, I nudge him telepathically.Renzo?
What?His frustration with me is evident.
The Afghan deal. It’s about the blood trade, yes?
Yes.
Does Gazzago know about it?I ask.
No. He thinks it’s just heroin, but the Afghans only came to the table because he vouched for us and his contacts will get the shipments out of Afghanistan and into our hands.
I frown.How does Gazzago have connections in Afghanistan?
Renzo’s impatience oozes across our connection.He knows people in the region from when his son was in the American military. His wife was American. The son made all kinds of connections over there. He did swift business for quite a while and then when the Americans left then the business dried up. Apparently, the Afghan warlords have been looking to reestablish contact over the last while. Gazzago arranged the meeting. I recognized one of the men as magickal. We had a side conversation, and he says he has access to a solid blood supply. If this deal comes off, it would mean we don’t have to be at the mercy of the trade in Europe or North America. It’s freedom.
Fuck.That does put a different spin on things.
Yeah. I know this is an untenable situation with Pippa, but we need this deal. We need the freedom that this blood source could bring us. By the way, I heard from Ria. She is going to the auction and will get us on the list. She doesn’t know when it is yet, but she says the art world is buzzing. All the big names will be there.
I want to break something.Great. Just fucking terrific. More competition for this damn necklace.
I’ve gotta go but I’m sorry, brother. Our family comes first. You can kill Gazzago as soon as the deal is done.
