Page 49 of Twisted Embrace

“Me, Lucia, or Joy Levin?”

“All three.”

Anthony looked away. That told me two things. One. He had no clue his friend had betrayed him as well. And two. He needed to be taught a lesson himself.

“That’s all. I was required to keep tabs on where you were.” He was now crying like a baby, which disgusted me.

“When are they planning another attack?” D’Artagnan hissed through gritted teeth.

“I don’t know. They didn’t tell me shit.”

I believed him. The Pakhan wouldn’t risk telling a traitorous soldier anything vital. At this point they knew they were in a much better position than we were with the number of soldiers we had with us. They were simply waiting for the opportune moment.

When D’Artagnan lifted his weapon, pointing the barrel at Wally’s head, I flanked his side. “Don’t.”

Dar slowly turned his head. I’d seen the violent streak in his eyes twice before. If we were in any location that allowed for additional time to be spent, the man would carve Wally into pieces over several hours. He bared his teeth, the viciousness continuing.

“Allow Anthony to handle it for us.”

At least he realized my intentions almost immediately, his eyes refocused as he pulled away. “Agreed. But make it painful. I’m going to get some air.” He immediately left the area, his heavy boots echoing on the floor.

I rubbed my eyes then gave Anthony a harsh look. “You fucked up, Wally. Now you’re going to spend eternity burning in hell.”

Before I had a chance to walk away, he grabbed my arm, his busted nose making his breathing painfully labored.

“My… family.”

As I lowered my head, staring at his hand, I realized I’d made a promise I hadn’t originally intended on keeping. However, for the second time in only a matter of days, I was about to do something I’d never thought I would do.

Give a shit.

“They will be taken care of and protected.”

The glee in his eyes was disturbing, but he was ready to pay the price of disloyalty.

Anthony was still expressionless, his weapon already in his hand. The lesson would be painful but necessary.

No friendships.

No love.

That’s how you lived longer.

* * *

Fifteen minutes earlier

Joy

Flowers. I’d been allowed to purchase flowers from the little shop downstairs, surprised Enzo hadn’t objected. At least the various colors brightened up Lucia’s room even in the cheap vase. After placing them on the table near her bed, I started fluffing the petals and stems, trying to keep from becoming emotional. If anything, Lucia looked worse than the night before, but her vitals were strong.

D’Artagnan had finally acknowledged me, his few words said in haste.

“Protect her with your life. You owe her that much.”

I knew the man was hurting but it would seem no one cared about how I was feeling or the suffering I’d gone through. Maybe it was deserved. What I refused to do was to feel sorry for myself. I’d negotiated one hell of a deal.

“They’re beautiful.”

---