Page 61 of Tangled Deceit

“That we will.” A soft chuckle escapes from between my lips.

She leans over to kiss Jaxon, warning him to be carefulor else, then gets out of the SUV and rushes back to the elevator.

And just like that, one problem of the evening is solved. Here’s hoping everything else goes as smoothly.

* * *

Within twenty minutes,we’re pulling up to the house that Luca bought earlier this week, but this time, we don’t park in the garage. Jaxon backs the SUV into the driveway, next to the one I assume the others drove over in, and leaves the keys in the ignition again.

We all get out together, but Luca holds me back, standing on the porch as he pulls the front door closed. His eyes practically burn into mine. “It’s not too late to back out.”

My face scrunches. “What do you mean?” Hadn’t he just said that this is happening tonight, right now?

“For you,” he adds. “You don’t have to do this with me.”

I cross my arms and stare up at him with defiance written all over my face, daring him to force me to stay behind. “I’m going.”

He reaches for me, holding my shoulders gently. “And I’m not saying you can’t, but I want you to consider the consequences of being present when your father is killed.”

“He hasn’t been my father in a long time,” I retort, not backing down.

“I know that, Raven, but your heart and mind might not,” he says softly. “I just want to make sure that you’re prepared for the mindfuck this might cause.”

My head is already shaking. “I’m going to be fine, Luca. I know I’ve said that I hate him, which could make you think he still means something to me, but that’s not it at all. What I mean when I say that is I hateeverythinghe’s done. The man himself means nothing to me. He is nothing, and I know that with every fiber of my being.”

His hands move up my neck and cup my cheeks. “You’re fucking incredible.”

He kisses away my smile, but it’s only seconds before he’s grabbing my hand and leading us inside.

I follow without another word, but I also hope that he believes me. Seeing Titan dead will only bring me joy. I have no doubts about that whatsoever.

When we enter the house, I expect to see much of the same as I did earlier, but instead, the place has been stripped of everything left behind by its previous tenants. Dozens of men fill the empty spaces.

Some faces I recognize from being in the compound, but most of them I don’t and nearly all of them I’ve never spoken to before. What has me most in awe is that when Luca enters the room, the murmurs quiet and all eyes go to him, full of respect.

These men are all willing to die for the man before them, and that says a hell of a lot more about Luca than it does them. It’s just another reason I feel certain I’ve made the correct choice and that I’m right where I’m supposed to be—beside Luca.

“We only have a few minutes,” Luca begins. “Some of the men are already in place around the house, but for those of you here, you’ll be going in head on. We’re attacking quick and dirty. Anyone still fighting beside Titan is to die except for the young man whose picture you’ve all been shown already.”

My brow creases. I don’t know who he’s talking about, but it better be one of the first things he shares with me when he’s done with this little speech.

“Titan is trying to take everything from us,” Luca continues. “And we’re going to show him what happens when someone fucks with the Monroe family. You all are part of that, and after today, we will stand stronger than we ever have. Of that I’m certain.”

His hand squeezes mine, but he keeps his gaze focused on the men—and now that I’m paying more attention, even some women—before him. Cheers erupt from the crowd, and just like that, it’s time for battle.

Luca is the first to step away from the group, and I follow next to him as he guides us back out the front door. The cool night air brushes over my face, and I tilt my head up to stare at the nearly full moon.

“You did good in there,” I say first, and he doesn’t reply. “Not that I intend on killing random people, but who is the person we’re not supposed to hurt?”

He turns to me, his hands going to my vest, adjusting the straps until it's practically choking me. “It’s Bryson’s son.”

I don’t know Bryson, but this seems like it’s something that’s supposed to be a shock to most others. “Can I see the picture?”

Luca digs out his phone and pulls up the photo. It’s more a profile view, but I get enough details to feel confident in identifying the guy. “So, if he attacks, I’m supposed to…”

“Defend yourself by whatever means necessary,” he responds curtly. “I promised Bryson that I would try to keep the boy alive, but I’m not putting his life above anyone else’s.”

What a shitty thing to have to say to someone who was once like his family, but I don’t see any other way that Luca could have handled the information or the request.

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