Page 32 of Twisted Embrace

His relationship with my sister was something only found in fucking romance novels, starting when they were little more than children. I looked away, feeling his hard, cold stare. “I don’t want whores either.”

The tension between us was entirely different than under more normal circumstances. In truth, we usually argued anytime we were in the same room. Lucia had called us two kids acting out in a sandbox. I didn’t know why I’d thought of that now.

“If you want to protect this woman long enough to be able to use her as a bargaining chip, a trade, or anything else, then the only clear way of protecting her is if she carries the Lazarro name. The Five Families would know our retaliation would be swift and deadly. Word will get across the pond to the US and to our European friends. They will honor the vow you’ve taken. At least initially. That will buy us time.”

He’d learned the politics and art of mafia warfare better than I’d anticipated. It was necessary in a world of venomous snakes ready to strike at any time to gain whatever little power came their way. I’d clawed my way into my father’s favor, his early opinion of me changing the day I killed a man without a single emotion. Then he’d patted me on the back, telling me what a good boy I was.

I’d wanted to cut my father’s eyes out and feed them to his beloved Pomeranian.

“And the Volkovs?” The Bratva in New York were still playing video games in comparison to the conquests the Volkov crime syndicate had proctored.

“Remember that the two Pakhans are cousins.”

“As if they care about blood relations.”

He snorted and closed his eyes briefly. “It’s the best recommendation I can offer. A cage won’t be enough.”

“I’ll take it under advisement.”

“What are your plans for keeping her safe?”

I glanced down the stairwell when a door below was opened, immediately reaching for my weapon. “It’s possible the location of our original hotel is already a hot spot. I don’t want to risk returning.”

“Agreed. I’m staying here tonight. Find a secure spot for the night. We’ll need to talk in the morning.”

I nodded, relaxing only after the footsteps faded into the distance. The sooner we were on a secure plane bound for Italy the better. “For tonight, I’m heading to New Jersey for a room. While I had an initial discussion with Joy, I think there are some things she’s determined not to tell me. Then you and I will talk in the morning.”

“Hopefully, I’ll know more about Lucia’s condition by then. I want to get her the hell out of New York as soon as it’s possible and safe. My men will also stay here at the hospital tonight,” he said.

“I’m certain the staff will appreciate that,” I teased, although neither one of us were in that mood. I walked up the stairs, stopping on the landing. “For what it’s worth, I know my sister. She won’t allow anything to keep her away from you.”

He offered a despondent smile. “I hope you’re right. If I lose her or the baby, God help this city.”

As I opened the door, a strange thought hit me that I hoped one day I would feel the same. I moved to the waiting room, watching from a distance as Joy paced the floor. I’d wanted nothing more than to snap her neck before. Marriage. While I didn’t like the idea in the least, D’Artagnan was right. Besides, at some point I’d need an heir.

When Joy noticed my presence, she shivered visibly. Then she offered a smile.

The woman had no idea she’d lured a beast to her bed. The one thing I shared with my father was the understanding that as a DeLuca, it was our right to claim anyone we wanted.

She had no say in the matter.

We would be married. She would bear my children.

Our empire would continue to grow.

CHAPTER 11

Joy

“Get in the car, Joy.”

There was something even more ominous about Enzo’s tone, although he’d assured me the fourth time I’d asked about Lucia’s condition that nothing had changed. “Not until you tell me where we’re going.”

“Get in the car and I’ll tell you.”

The urgency in his voice brought a strangled fear directly into my throat. I did as he asked, shivering when he slammed the door, the powerful man almost jumping over the hood of his car to get to the driver’s side. When he climbed inside, the overhead light created an eerie illumination around his eyes.

“Damn you,” I told him, purposely looking away.

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