Page 24 of Shaw

Ignoring Luca’s call was probably not the best move, but the man is an energy and mood drainer.

However, as I turn into my new driveway and see four blackened SUVs parked outside my ostentatious new home, I’m thinking I made a big mistake in not picking up the phone.

My stomach rolls.Did something happen to Emi and the baby?Shit, I should have answered.

I park the car and practically fall over myself getting out the door. I ignore the guy standing on my doorstep with two fucking guns strapped to his chest and stride inside, my blood rushing with panic. “Emi.” My voice echoes in the large foyer.

“In here.” Her soft voice comes from the dining room, not sounding the least bit hurt.

When I open the door and my eyes land on hers, I finally relax. “Are you okay?” I take her face in the palm of my hand while I scan over her body, looking for any sign of injury, fixing my hand on her stomach as I scan over her again just to be sure. I mean, she said I could touch the baby any time.

A throat clears, and my eyes dart toward Luca sitting in the chair at the head of the table like he owns the place. Annoyance rumbles inside me when I remind myself he does own the place. Maxim stands off to the side like he’s there for the show, and even that thought humors me enough to crack a condescending smile.

“You’re making me waste time, Shaw.” Luca’s eyes drill into mine. “My time is valuable.”

I stare back at him, refusing to back down from his clear act of trying to intimidate me.

“How so?”

“I called. When I call, you fucking answer.”

Anger flows from him, the vein on his temple pulsates, and I wonder what got him so agitated. “What do you want to talk about? I was at work, I’m busy too.” I can’t help but have a small dig back.

His lip tips up at the side, and I’m unsure if it’s in genuine amusement or condescending.

“Emi, leave.” He doesn’t so much as glance at Emi, and that thought alone pisses me off.

“Can you not speak to her like a dog? Just ask her to leave us alone, politely. Preferably with please tacked on to the end.”

I catch sight of Maxim biting into his lip to stifle a grin while Luca glares daggers at me before jolting slightly. If I’d blinked, I’d have missed it. Luca’s eyes move to Emi’s. “Very well. Emi, would you leave us alone?” Emi moves away from me. “Please,” he adds on with a smile, making Emi appear more nervous than before, and I can’t help but wonder what the fuck is going on. Emi nods and scurries out of the room.

“Sit.”

I’m about to tell him I don’t need a chair, but two of his men walk into the room, and I take a seat because there’s no doubt in my mind they’d force me to use one.

Luca leans forward, steepling his fingers in front of him. His voice is low and controlled, then it darkens. “When I call, you answer.”

I give him a sharp nod because, to be honest, I’ve had enough of today already. I’ve had to deal with shit at work, along with my dickhead best friends all afternoon, so the last thing I want to do is come home and have to deal with an even bigger one here.

“I don’t appreciate you leaving my sister at home the day after your wedding. That’s not very husbandlike.” I stare back at him, unsure of how he wants me to respond, because he doesn’t want to hear how I’d much rather partake in husband duties and fuck my wife six ways to next Sunday. Thankfully, he saves me from having to say anything at all.

“I need your company’s assistance with a matter.”

And there it is. The real reason he’s here. My chest tightens with dread and my jaw locks in anger. I had a bad feeling about this whole setup, and he’s confirming my suspicions.

“I need to borrow some of your security.”

My eyebrows shoot up because that’s not what I was expecting him to say. As my temper simmers down, and before I can think straight once again, I’m able to get words out without wanting to berate him completely. “We don’t deal with illegal activities, Luca. I want your business and mine staying separate.” I speak the words low but firmly, no matter how much I want to scream them out.

“Your business is my business.” His scrutinizing eyes don’t leave my face.

My shoulders bunch tight. Refusing to back down, refusing to allow him access to my business. Our business. “Wrong. Emi might be your sister, but that is where our connection ends.”

He slams his fist on the table, making me push back in shock at his outburst. “You ruined my little sister, and you think that you can get away with it?” He points his finger at me, spit flying from his mouth with venom in his tone. “You will help me and pay the price for disrespecting my family, Shaw!”

My jaw locks and I take deep breaths, trying to control myself, not wanting to escalate matters further. “I paid the price. More than the money it cost you too.” I grit my teeth on every word, resentment pouring from me.

He sits forward, and he looks like he’s about ready to slaughter me; his eyes hold a wild fury to them. The atmosphere is so tense between us that Maxim flinches and steps forward, but Luca holds his hand up to stop him in his tracks.

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