Page 40 of These Sinful Kingdoms

“That is the intention, Kenji. Don’t worry. We will have you strong and fit and a wizard in the bedroom before long. Aurora won’t be able to resist you.” He winked as he made his way toward the shower, a towel draped over his shoulder.

“Luca?” I called out as I followed him, feeling lightheaded and confused at how my body reacted. He turned to me; eyebrow raised.

“Thank you.” I said and he nodded, clapping me on the back.

“You’re part of the family, Kenji. I’ll always help you. Now get into the shower. We have to pick up a priest on our way home. Kingston said the security caught someone snooping around today and Aurora won’t take no for an answer anymore.” He laughed as he stripped his sweatpants off and got into the shower.

I got into my own, head spinning with new possibilities and awe at the people who were now in my life.

Chapter twenty

Caleb

Lucacrossedhisarmsand sighed dramatically.

“Look. I am not going to explain it again. You have to come with us, Caleb. It isn’t safe anymore.” he said, glancing at Kenji who was patiently waiting next to the door.

“I am in a house of God. That is sacred ground.” I countered, not wanting to admit that I was still terrified at the prospect of living in the same house as Aurora and these men.

They had something to offer her, I on the other hand did not.

“Caleb. That won’t stop these people. You are a target. They will use you to get to Aurora.” He dropped his arms taking a step towards me when the glass shattered on one of the windows, a bullet whizzed past me and embedded into the cross.

“Shit. Get down. Kenji! Get Kingston on the phone.” Luca yelled, rushing over to me and yanking me down as more bullets littered the church.

Returning gunfire echoed through the night as Kenji handed Luca the phone.

“Kingston. They are attacking the church. Your men are returning fire, but I’m stuck inside with Kenji and Caleb. Got it.” He hung up, giving the phone back to Kenji who looked worried but determined.

“Is there a backdoor here?” he asked, wincing as the sound of glass echoed through the church.

“Yes. It’s this way.” I turned around and stood, Luca grabbed my arm and shook his head as he pulled out a gun from under his jacket and went in front of me.

We moved quickly and quietly, the sounds of shouting and gunshots in the background as I pointed to the wooden door that led to the rear of the church.

Luca opened it carefully, peeking through the crack into the night before he pushed it open further, motioning for us to follow.

“Stay low and pressed against the building.” He instructed as we silently walked the length of the building. It was dark out here, none of the lights were on as I had been in the process of closing things down for the evening.

Luca reached the corner of the building and froze, looking at us and pressing a finger to his lips before he moved quickly, gun raised.

“Fuck. Dante. What the hell?” He whisper- yelled into the night. A silhouette appeared before I watched Dante Mendez slink around the corner, gun in hand and the ghost of a smile.

“Liam called. I was on my way back from a meeting. I believe Alfie is around here somewhere too.” He holstered his gun, head cocked as he looked at us.

“He would be behind you. Christ, you need to train your men better, Luca. I could have shot you all from behind.” Alfie said, startling me as I turned to see the big man step up behind Kenji.

“The threat has been neutralized. One of Kingston’s men was hurt but nothing serious. Liam stalled the cops long enough for you to get out of here and Declan is already wiping footage. This is getting out of hand, Luca. You need help.” Alfie said sternly as he walked over to Dante, clapping him on the shoulder.

“Benjamin has requested your presence tomorrow. We expect to see all of you.” Luca nodded once as he gestured to me and Kenji.

“Send me the time and we will be there. Thank you.” Luca said as Dante watched him, eyes wild. When I brushed past him, he gripped my arm.

“Life is short, priest. Stop tormenting yourself with indecision and jump in. Love isn’t a sin.” He stared at me, and I felt like he could see my soul.

Before I could reply, he let go and disappeared into the night, Alfie following him. I had heard people call him the Devil before and I couldn’t quite shake the feeling that I had encountered death itself and survived.

Was God giving me a second chance? I hurried over to Luca’s car, sparing a glance at the church and the destruction that came from it before I got inside.

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