Page 70 of Devour
“You’ll get your money. I’ll give you the first payment after I sell her tonight… to Crimson Dawn.”
“But she can’t bleed.”
“Not all women bleed, idiot as long as she is tight.”
“She fists my finger like a glove.”
Their voices drift farther and farther away—or maybe it’s just me slipping. This time, when I close my eyes… They don’t open again.
CHAPTER FORTY
Luca
I’m sitting on the floor with my back pressed against the side of Noah’s bed. I know he’s safe—I’ve stationed more guards around the house and inside—but I can’t bring myself to leave his side. Maybe it’s not just for his sake. Maybe I need him too. He’s, my anchor. Seeing him keeps me in check. Keeps me from unraveling.
He’s finally asleep. It took an hour of soft whispers, made-up stories, and lies that left a bitter taste in my mouth.
He kept asking for her. Where’s Mum? Why isn’t she back yet? Why are the big men in the house? I told him she went on a girls’ retreat with her friend, so the two of us could spend more time bonding.
That she’d be home before he wakes up. That the “big men” were just my friends helping out. But even as he curled into his pillow, clutching his plush toy close, I knew he didn’t believe me.
He’s too smart. Too much like her. I throw my head back against the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Then I steal another glance at the burner lying on the floor beside me.
I’ve been doing that for a while now. I’m expecting a call from Alessio, I had him start tracking Vito’s location. I know it’ll take time, but time is the one thing I don’t have.
My most trusted allies in the family, Dominic, Axel, and our men, are already combing the van’s last known location. So far? Nothing.
I don’t trust Vito not to hurt her. Even if I give him exactly what he wants, he’s the type of spiteful bastard who would still harm her. And I’ve only got a few hours left before the 24-hour deadline runs out. I need to make a decision. Now.
An idea crosses my mind. Maybe I will give him the location of the warehouse where the cargo is stored…Then double-cross him. I reach for the phone—Right as it starts ringing.
“Dominic.”
“Don, we found the van.”
I’m on my feet the second the words leave his mouth.
“And there’s a phone with it,” he adds. “Only one number on it—caller ID says, ‘Send Location.”
“Fuck,” I hiss.
Vito’s playing smart. He left a burner so I can’t trace him. He wants me to use that phone to send him the location of the goods.
“Send me your location. I’m coming.” As I step out of Noah’s room, I’m met by Adrian.
“Sir—there’s someone at the gate. She says her name is Claudia.”
Claudia? What the fuck is she doing here? When I got shot, she didn’t even call. I know her people kept her updated. But now—now—she shows up?
“She says she knows where Mrs. Ariel is.”
I don’t trust her. She could be lying to stall me, keep me from making a move. Still, I grit my teeth and say: “Let her in.”
I wait for her in my study. By the time she walks in, I’m pacing, completely out of patience. “If you know where the fuck my wife is, you better tell me now. I don’t have time for your games.” She walks leisurely over and sits cross-legged on the lounge, like she has all the damn time in the world.
“I can’t.”
“What do you mean you can’t?”
