Page 74 of Corrupted Memories
“What do I have to apologize for, James?” Luca spits out.
Shrugging, I watch as Rian and Aodhan stiffen. “Maybe the fact that your people are out of control, and we’re losing people over it,” I say to soften the tension.
Luca’s jaw works back and forth before he glances back to Rian. “I guess I can take responsibility for a portion of the Famiglia working without my authority. I’m handling it.”
“Good boy.” I purr.
His hand grips his gun, moving to point it at me. “Figlio di puttana?—”
Nico moves in front of me at the same time Aodhan draws his gun. Laughing, I exchange a glance with Rian, who is rubbing the pad of his thumb on his bottom lip to hide his smile. It feels nice to rile Luca up, better than letting my thoughts linger on thewoman locked up in her apartment and ignoring me.
Luca lowers his gun, shaking his head.
I clap my hands before he can argue further. “Alright. Our men picked up Arthur last night and had him transferred to Manhattan. Nico is going to fall back to Chicago while we… have a conversation with the man. Do any of your men want to come back with Nico to take out a few lingering loyalists to Arthur?”
Aodhan tucks his gun away. “I’ll accompany him.”
“Gio is tracking Matt. The Irish can have the rest of the men. I only want Arthur,” Luca says reluctantly.
Rian shrugs. “If he doesn’t supply any new information, he’s of no use to me. I want to know how this network of sparrows was created and stretched out among us all, and who is at the center of it all.”
Luca sighs. “I agree. This is making the Famiglia look weak and I cannot tolerate it any longer.”
I hum. “Then let’s party, gentlemen.”
Chapter 25
Gianna
My nose crinklesat the smell of stale air in my apartment. It’s only been a few weeks but it already doesn’t feel like home. From the bleak gray of my couch to my beige walls, the space’s only personalization is the bright blue coffee maker and colorful hand towels in the kitchen.
I sigh, rubbing at my arms for any sense of comfort.
“You sure you want to stay? We can go back to Chicago at any time.”
I startle at Sebastian’s voice, forgetting he walked me up.
Frowning, I turn to him, taking in how devastatingly handsome he is. My heart screams at me to run into his arms and allow him to take me home. But I shake my head instead, needing thespace without the distraction of how I feel about him. “I need this.”
He purses his lips, but nods. He sets two bags on the floor and walks closer to me, kissing my forehead. “Your laptop and all that stuff is in the second bag. Nico had the forethought to bring it.”
I smile. “Thank him for me.”
Sebastian stares down at me with intense eyes, and nerves have my pulse picking up.
“What?” I ask.
“I need to take care of something, but I don’t want to leave you.”
My eyebrows furrow. “Take care of something?” It sends dread to my stomach, and my eyes flutter to the spot of his shirt that hides his tattoo. I just know it has everything to do with that.
I take a step back. “I don’t want to know.”
He nods. “Good. Can you stay here until I get back? I’ll have men watching?—”
“No,” I snap. “I want to be left alone. I doubt I’ll leave, but I don’t need to be watched. Take your men with you.”
Sebastian’s face turns cruel, that mocking performance I’ve seen him put on. “No, Gianna.You’ll never be alone again. You are mine, and I’ll protect you.”
