Page 25 of Defy

“I don’t care who you are, don’t put her in more danger.”

“My methods aren’t yours.”

“It’s just as dirty, even if it doesn’t spill actual blood.” His dark gaze bore into mine, an unsaid rage radiating toward me.

Then it hit me. This was all about me leaving him in the dark about the strings I’d pulled to get Sophia out. He felt as if this put him in my debt.

Fuck that shit.

“This isn’t about keeping a tally of favors, jackass.”

His face hardened. “Did I say it was? You need to keep me informed.”

“Oh, did I hurt your feelings by not bringing you in on my plans?”

“She’s my sister. I have a right to know the terms for her bail.”

“The terms are very simple. I am responsible for every aspect of her life, twenty-four hours a day, from where she goes, what she does, and who she sees.”

Anger flared in Lucian’s eyes. “What the hell are you playing at, Pierce? This sounds like what Maria wanted from you, and now you plan to force it on Sophia.”

“I’m not forcing anything on Sophia. She’s my woman, and I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.”

“She’s been through enough over the years.”

“Still warning me off?”

“No, that ship sailed. Sophia is a grown woman and made her choice.”

“Then why the warning?”

“Because I know how you are and the way Sophia will react. You’ll only get to push this one hundred percent control thing so far. She doesn’t do well with anyone being too overbearing or possessive. She’ll eventually push back and rebel. That’s when the true test will come.”

His words felt like an omen, and something deep in my gut grew unsettled as if I knew I couldn’t hold onto her.

I’d die before I let anyone take her from me.

“Advice noted.”

“How much was bail? I’ll cut you a check.”

“That’s my business. Sophia is mine to protect.” I held his gaze. “Her bills are mine.”

“It’s like that is it?”

“It is.”

Lucian knew more about me than anyone else. He had my back through everything. I’d do the same for him. However, when it came to Sophia, she came before everything else.

Yes, she was his sister, but didn’t hold a candle to what Sophia was to me. She was my first priority. Just as I expected, Lucian’s wife Elaine and his children came before everyone else to him.

Lucian pulled a checkbook from his pocket, opening it to reveal Bryant Morelli’s name. “Let the old man cover the cost. It’s his fault the mess happened anyway.”

“Still forging Papa’s signature?”

“I brought this as a formality. In the modern world, all I have to do is wire transfer it.”

“Let him keep it. I have a feeling, in the future, he’s going to need all of his cash.”

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