Page 8 of Assassin's Heart
“I know you don’t want my help, okay? You’ve made that loud and clear.” Remi stared out the windshield, his profile fierce with anger and something else I didn’t understand. “For once could you just let someone help you without arguing? Because I’m the best shot you’ve got at getting her back, Leah.” He turned, his gaze searing into me. “I will absolutely get her back to you. I promise.”
I don’t trust promises from men like you.I had told him that once. The memory of those words lay between us in a kind of pregnant silence that Remi broke when he reached to cup my chin.
I flinched.
Remi frowned, his thumb gliding over my skin. I tried to ignore it, to tell myself I didn’t feel anything. I tried to lie to myself—and couldn’t.
“This is not like the last time,” he finally said. “I know Levi used you, but not to hurt you; to keep me safe. I would’ve died without you.” His gaze drifted to his thumb, stroking, stroking, stroking. “Let me repay that debt.”
“You don’t owe me anything, Remi.” He hadn’t been the one who kidnapped me.
“I owe you more than you know.”
He dropped his hand and took his foot off the brake. The car rolled forward.
I didn’t protest again.
He was wrong about one thing—I couldn’t leave if I wanted to, not till my phone was back in my possession. And even then, where would I go?
My only consolation right now was knowing Ross was the one holding Brooke. I knew him, knew he wouldn’t physically hurt her, just as he’d refused to hurt me seven years ago. Unlike some of Santo Fiori’s other men. My baby was scared and alone but—for now, at least—she wouldn’t come to harm. That didn’t mean I would be anything but scared shitless until she was back in my arms again.
The massive front doors opened as Remi pulled the SUV to a stop in front of them. And there was Levi. I had to admit, he had the kind of dark good looks that helped you understand why the devil was the god of temptation. I had seen him with Abby Roslyn several times in the news since he’d stepped up to claim his family legacy, donating stunning amounts to local charities. A tux gave him just enough refinement that I could almost believe Abby had tamed him. Almost.
Except the eyes didn’t lie. And if there was one thing I knew with absolute certainty, it was that suits and uniforms didn’t make you a good guy.
Levi seemed intent on proving my point as he barged down the shallow steps to the driveway. He drew up short when I opened my door and stepped out.
Nice to know something can take you by surprise, big guy.
“What the fuck is she doing here?”
Remi rounded the SUV with lazy grace, but I knew better than to trust the seemingly casual approach. The tension in the air reminded me of two bulls facing off, ready to gore each other to the death.
The sight actually calmed me like nothing else could. Sure, they might be acting for my benefit, but I didn’t think so. Levi hadn’t known I was coming. Remi hadn’t told him, and looked ready to fight to get me inside.
Don’t believe it, girl. Just don’t.I’d learned my lesson about bad boys with Angelo. And yet I couldn’t deny the warmth creeping into my body in places that should stay ice-cold around Remi.
Yes, I really was a total idiot.
“She’s here because I brought her here,” Remi said.
Levi’s curses had me going tense again.
“Why, for fuck’s sake?” He glared at me. “This is our home, Remi. Our safe place. Why would you bring an outsider here?”
Remi’s lips tightened as if holding back words. I shifted a leg back, bracing myself, though I wasn’t sure what for.
“Her daughter was kidnapped,” Remi finally said.
Levi cursed again—that seemed to be his primary mode of communication today, though I knew he was capable of far more—and scrubbed a hand over his face. “That doesn’t mean you have to bring her here.”
“Leah, grab your bags.”
“Remi—”
Remi charged toward his brother, and I hurried to bury my head in the SUV. He’d insisted I pack some things, so I had a small suitcase, a backpack with things for Brooke—which Iwouldneed, very soon, I promised myself—and my purse. By the time I had gathered it all and shut the back hatch, Levi was throwing his hands up and turning for the doors. Remi ignored him and came to take the suitcase and backpack out of my hands.
“Thank you.” For taking on my burdens or defending me to Levi, I wasn’t sure, but I had precious little to be thankful for right now, so I’d take either one.
