Page 40 of Vicious Captor

“You’re just as bad as Rowan. Did you know that too?”

She laughs. “Oh no, my Lulu. I’m far worse.”

* * *

Right on schedule, Papá’s entourage arrives. The red Ferrari California GT, or as Mom calls it, his midlife crisis, stops right in front of the house, and two white Escalades park behind him.

Papá steps out of his car with all the confidence of a man in power, dressed to the nines in light gray Versace, gold chains hanging from his neck and wrists. The moment he’s out of the car, he searches for Mom and me, glimpsing over the many guards and Axle, Declan, and Rowan.

His eyes finally make contact with Mom’s, then mine. And when they do, his full lips pull into a line so thin, they practically disappear.

He’s disappointed.

My brothers exit one of the SUVs, each with the same upset expression as my father. As if they’ve never done anything stupid.

I narrow my stare on them, silently communicating a threat. Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Oh, the tales I could tell of all the shit they’ve done.

Not that I did anything. Nope. This is all one man’s fault.

“Fuck!” Rowan releases my hand, which he’d been holding in hopes of showing a united front, when I dig my nails into it.

“That’s what you get for putting this shit on me,” I grumble and stiffen my spine as Papá makes his way toward us.

“Louisa, let’s keep this peaceful,” Mom orders out of the side of her mouth. “Your father’s already on edge.”

“Diana.” Papá extends his hand to her and she takes it. He tugs her to her side, effectively reclaiming his wife. He doesn’t turn to her, but by the way he’s holding her so protectively, molding her to him, his arm over her shoulders, I can tell he’s been desperate for her.

“Don Fernando, welcome,” Rowan greets.

Papá gives him a scrutinizing once-over, then glances between us. “Kane. I hope you don’t mind...” He sweeps his hand behind him as ten of his men leave the other two Cadillacs and position themselves around the McKenzie guys.

Rowan’s lips pull up. “I wouldn’t have expected anything less. Of course you’re all welcome.”

“Papá,” I start, my throat inexplicably tight. “I—”

He shoots me a glare that speaks volumes without saying a word.Don’t even try me right now.I’m left with my mouth open as he pushes past all of us and through the front door like the Don that he is.

“You really fucked up this time.” Daniel chuckles as he walks past me.

“Shut up.” I try to slap his back, but he’s too quick.

Renzo arches a brow as he follows him in but says nothing.

Arturo, on the other hand, does have the guts to stop and face me directly when he talks shit. I stiffen my spine and glare up at my oldest brother, fighting the need to back up when he towers over me.

He’s always scared me a little. Not because he’s so damned big, as tall and almost as broad as Rowan. But because he’s got that extra bit of meanness to him that comes with being next in line. Except he’s also a momma’s boy. Which is a deadly combination, in my opinion. Powerful and immature.

“You really fucked up this time, Louisa,” he says, giving Rowan a sneer. “This better go our way or else.”

“Or else what?” Rowan asks, blocking the doorway with his body when Arturo makes to go inside.

Every man outside tenses visibly, their hands moving close to their holstered weapons.

Though his stare remains hard and unwavering, Arturo doesn’t attempt to push through. Evenheknows that this situation is prickly at best. Anything could set anyone off, and then there’d be war. And he’d be one of the first to go.

“If I were you, I’d move out of the fucking way,” Arturo grits through his teeth.

“And if I were you, I’d remember who’s the fucking boss here. Ask for permission,” Rowan grits back.

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