Page 3 of Savage Hearts

Being a dad looked good on my brother. Every time he talked about his family, his whole body glowed.

“Well, then, why are you here? Call Massimo and the others. I’m sure they’ll be happy to spend time with you.”

He cocked an eyebrow at me. “I didn’t want to leave.”

The message was clear. He didn’t want to leave me. It was the same fucking cycle every day. Everyone walked around me like I was a glass about to shatter into a million pieces.

“What you mean is you didn’t want to leave me. I don’t need a babysitter. It’s been three months, Antonio. I think I’m safe.”

“You won’t be safe until that motherfucker is taken down.”

“Have you found him?” I asked, shrugging my shoulders. “Last I heard, he was a ghost.”

“Tito assures us he’s looking, as are we. It’s only a matter of time before that cockroach crawls out from under his rock.”

“I’m not going to stay hidden until then.” I grabbed my bag off the table near the door. “In fact, we’re going out. Come on, Carmela.”

My sister’s eyes widened in shock as she glanced between Antonio and me.

“Um… sure.”

“Where are you going? You need a guard with you, Cee. Please don’t fight me on that.”

“Fine. We’re only going to the club. I need a drink.”

I wouldn’t be drinking anything but soda water, but he didn’t need to know that. He followed us to the door and stopped.

“You call me if you have any issues. I’ll call Alex and let him know you’re on your way. Please go straight there. I couldn’t handle it if something happened to you or Carmela.”

Hearing his voice crack, I pushed aside my anger and sighed.

“You’re right. I’m sorry, Antonio. I know I wasn’t the only one who suffered when I was taken. Straight there and back. I promise.”

“I love you, Cee.” He pulled me in for a quick hug. “I hate that you’re still hurting.”

I glanced up at him. “Then put me out of my misery and tell me where he is.”

“You know I can’t.” Antonio stepped back. “You need to forget about Beckett Hart.”

Snorting, I shrugged. “That’s easier said than done.”

Carmela followed me down the stairs and toward one of several SUVs my brother owned. We climbed in and I dropped my head on the steering wheel.

“You okay?”

Glancing up, my sister was watching me. “No, but I’ll figure out how to be at some point.” Navigating the massive car down the drive, I let my mind drift to the last time I saw Beckett.

“I’m sorry I can’t be the man for you.” He brushed a loose strand of hair from my cheek, his thumb trailing across my lips.

“You could be,” I whispered as I stepped into the darkened room, my eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“No, Celestina. I…” Beckett closed his eyes for a moment and shook his head. “Please, just stay here. Don’t open the door or turn on the lights. Only I know the code to the door. I’ll come for you when it’s safe.”

“Hey.” Carmela’s hand brushed against my arm. “You sure you want to go out?”

Glancing out the windshield, I sighed at the sight of my brother watching us.

“Yeah. I need to move on, and staying hidden isn’t doing me or anyone else any good.”

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