Page 101 of Twisted Embrace

“You bastard. You didn’t protect him.”

I’d never seen Lucia hysterical in all the years I’d known her. She’d been the one to try to comfort our younger sister, even doing her best to get through to the evil boy who’d done everything to make her life miserable because he didn’t know any better. For once, I allowed the hatred and anger of who and what I’d endured to fade, seeing life through her eyes for the first time.

“Lucia,” Joy said in a comforting voice. “I’m sure he did everything he could.”

“No, I didn’t. I could have done better. I promise you the people responsible will die.” The honesty of my words was also laced with a level of despair I wasn’t used to feeling. “I will never fail you again.”

Lucia was surprised, her lips curling at the corners. “You better not or I’ll kill you myself. Can I go to him? Can I see him?”

“Of course. Lorenzo. Have some of the men take Lucia to the hospital. Stay with her. Make certain Anthony goes with you. He gets the best medical attention. Period.”

“Yes, sir.”

She squeezed Joy’s arm, trying her best to keep from crying. I’d never been a man who understood the need for compassion.

Until today.

“Another ambush. This is getting old,” Mattia huffed.

“Yes, it is.”

“We’re missing something.” Mattia shook his head. “And if we don’t find it soon, we’ll all be dead.”

As Lucia was escorted toward one of the vehicles, I gritted my teeth. “You’re right. We are absolutely missing something.” I gazed at my bride to be standing in a ruined wedding dress, blood staining the delicate material, utterly amazed at her level of strength.

“But what?” she asked aimlessly, rubbing her hand across her throat. The simple gesture drew my attention. “I know I lost them.”

“You were driving?” I barked.

“I had to. Anthony was barely conscious.”

Mattia snorted. “You’re one tough lady.”

“You have no idea.”

I moved closer, studying the piece of jewelry. I hadn’t noticed it before. “Where did you get the necklace?”

“My mother sent it as a birthday gift a few days before the shower. I wanted to wear it when I selected a dress, just to be close to her. Why?” When I reached for it, her eyes opened wide. “No. That’s not possible.”

She knew exactly what I was thinking.

“Oh, fuck,” Mattia said under his breath. “A tracking system.”

“The reason they knew exactly where Joy was located at all times.”

Exhaling, Joy shook her head. “Don’t you destroy it!”

I reached around her lovely throat, finding the fastener. “I need to find out if we’re right. There’s no other plausible answer at this point.”

“My parents wouldn’t do that. They just wouldn’t.”

“Stranger things have happened, but it’s entirely possible they had nothing to do with the gift. Did your parents call you? Did you ask them about it?” As I pulled the gold piece into my hands, she glanced away briefly.

“No. I was busy at work and with the shower, although I did find it strange. She usually used her gifts to encourage me to come for a visit.”

I turned it over then opened the clasp. There were no outward signs the necklace had been tampered with. There were also no family pictures inside, which I found strange. With the latest tracking devices being no larger than the size of a pencil eraser, the choice was perfect. Why the fuck hadn’t I noticed it before?

“How are you going to know? It’s just a necklace,” she asked.

---