Page 40 of Bite Marks

He had made her feel loved and wanted.

Maybe her thoughts about Nunzio had crossed her face. Maybe Lenny had read her facial expressions. Maybe the shifter could just read minds.

He smirked. “I’ll let you go,” Lenny said, his eyes flashing with silver light. Vanessa shuddered. “I’ll let you go once I know he is dead.”

The scream that escaped her was completely involuntary. She no longer had any control over herself.

“No!” The word burst from her, loud and shrill. It shocked even her, and she couldn’t suppress her gasp. She had just betrayed herself to Lenny. Now, he knew that she had been lying about Nunzio.

He knew she loved Nunzio.

Lenny smiled his ugly, twisted smile and reached out. He grabbed her arm, squeezing it, still smiling.

“I knew you were into the guy.” His breath was hot and sweet. Vanessa suppressed the bile that rose in her throat. “Don’t lie to me, bitch. And I know he is into you.”

“He’ll find you.” Her voice was shaky when she whispered the threat. Lenny guffawed in response. “He’ll hunt you down if you hurt me.”

“I’m counting on it,bella.”He almost purred the words. “But don’t worry. I’ve got some bricks that I’ll use to sink you to the bottom of Lake Michigan.”

“Are those bricks you stole off all those construction sites, Lenny?” That voice. She knew that voice. Vanessa shuddered, but this time with relief.

Nunzio stepped out of the shadows.

She gave a shaky laugh as he looked at her. Before she knew it, hot tears had welled in the corners of her eyes.

Lenny let go of her, roughly pushing her away. Then he turned to face Nunzio.

“I have no idea what you mean, little wolf.” Lenny spat the words.

Sparks of red light flashed across Nunzio’s green eyes. He rolled his head from side to side. Then, circling Lenny, he went over to Vanessa. She clung to him immediately. His scent surrounded her right away. It enveloped her, and she exhaled as warmth washed over her.

Nunzio’s touch was gentle. He traced her arms with his fingertips. She realized what he was doing right away.

He was checking for bumps or bruises.

“Are you okay, butterfly?” he murmured. She nodded shakily. “No, you’re not,” he said firmly. “I know you’re not okay.”

Vanessa gave a shaky laugh but couldn’t lessen the flood of tears that followed. He pulled her into a rough embrace. Nunzio held her there until she stopped shaking.

“I will never let anything happen to you, butterfly.” He pressed a kiss against her head.

For a second, they were enveloped in perfect silence.

“That is very touching.” There was a slow clap from Lenny. He gave an ugly, barking laugh. Nunzio and Vanessa turned to look at him.

“Look at you, the golden Sarducci son. Light of the Don’s heart. Gone soft over a woman.”

Nunzio pushed Vanessa behind him. She didn’t let go of his hand right away. Instead, they held onto one another for a second longer.

“Do you think I’m ashamed of it, Lenny?” Nunzio’s voice was filled with disdain. He wore a suit and tie, and Vanessa watched, silent, as he started undressing.

Nunzio moved slowly. First, he unknotted his tie before folding it neatly.

“Do you honestly believe,” he continued speaking as he removed his dinner jacket carefully, “that my girl wouldn’t be here without the blessing of the Don?”

There was a sharp intake of breath from Lenny. The other shifter’s eyes widened slightly. But his expression remained grim.

Determined.

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