Page 48 of A Forbidden Love (Fraser Crime Syndicate 3)

I dial Kane, my heart thudding against my ribs.

He picks up after a few rings. “Mum just called me,” I say before he can speak.

“Fuck.”

That’s one way of putting it. I rub at my temple, wishing Ryan would hurry up and finish in the shower. I’m feeling suddenly vulnerable.

“How did she get my number? This is a brand new phone.”

“Charlotte has means,” is all Kane says. He doesn’t have to say anything else. I understand what he’s saying. “We knew she’d eventually find your number, but I didn’t think she’d do it that fast.”

“I’m scared.”

“I know, but you’re safe where you are. Keep that in mind. Malone will take care of you.”

I let out a breath because I have no doubt Ryan will protect me. It’s the only thing I am certain of.

“Okay,” I whisper.

My brother sighs. “It will be over soon,” he promises. I hope he’s right. I don’t know how much more of this I can take.

“She threatened to hurt you guys. Be careful.”

“I’m not scared of our parents, Aurelia.”

He should be. Charlotte is dangerous when she wants something.

“Just be careful,” I repeat.

“We always are. Love you. Talk soon.”

“Love you too.”

I end the call with Kane as Ryan steps into the room. He’s wearing a pair of sweatpants low on his hips, his chest bare. Despite my thoughts being a mess, I can’t help from gawking at him. He’s really a good-looking man.

He notices me staring and grins. “You see something you like?”

“More than like,” I admit.

He comes to me, and for a moment, I push my mother aside and focus on the man who pulls me into his arms to kiss me.

My mouth moves over his as his hand collars the back of my neck. When he’s taken his fill, he pulls back, breathless.

“Kissing you will never get old,” he says.

I smile. “It is fun,” I agree.

“Who was on the phone?” he asks.

My mouth pulls into a line. “Kane. My mother phoned while you were in the shower.”

Ryan’s eye twitches. “Fucking hell.”

“Yeah.”

He doesn’t let go of me, instead tugging me against his chest. I go, more than willing to let him soothe the fear growing inside me.

“She’s never going to stop, is she?”

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