Page 101 of His Deadly Lies

“It wasn’t him. It was Victor.”

Hector must have some excellent hearing. He nods, his face drooping with exhaustion. “He’s power hungry. He wanted her.” He uses his nose to gesture to Mia. “He wanted her more than anything and went behind my back to grab her.”

Mia looks like someone hit her, though. The state of her dress…it makes me want to murder the son. Slowly. Seeing the blood on her and the way she sinks in on herself, her arms around her midsection now. If he managed to get a single finger on her, then I’ll—

“Your son is dead,” Mia says coolly, lifting her gaze to Hector. “He got too excited with what he wanted to be his.”

Hector blanches.

The body on the floor when I found her. Fuck me. A part of me is relieved beyond measure; I hadn’t doubted Mia’s abilities for retribution. The other wants to resurrect him so I can do the deed myself.

“Your son not only stepped out of line, he tried to rape me tonight.” Mia shifts ahead of me without straightening her outfit or smoothing her hair, allowing Hector to get a good look at the damage done. “This will not go unpunished. Your men are dead, although I’m sure you have more. What you don’t have is another son, only your daughter. How should we mete out our retaliation?”

Accardi hangs his head. “I understand. Vincent made a grave mistake, and now it’s up to me to bear the consequences. The old ways still stand. At least, they should. My empire was about to topple regardless.” He slowly moves his hands behind his head, completely open. “Do what you have to do. I didn’t contact you right away, Miss Balestra. Not even when I found out about your missing shipments at Vincent’s hands.”

It’s the way things have always been done. A betrayal of this magnitude calls for an execution, and Accardi clearly accepts his fate. I might have respected him for it…if his son hadn’t touched Mia.

“Get your affairs in order,” I tell him before turning to Mia. “And don’t try to run. You’ll only make it worse if you do.”

Hector nods before he leaves the room, Rafel hot on his heels.

My hands caress over Mia’s face the moment they’re gone. Along the sides of her head, down her shoulders. “Did he hurt you?” I ask. “If he actually touched you, then Hector’s death won’t be fast.” Then I’d go for his wife and daughter. I’d demolish every last Accardi who might stand in my way.

“No.” Mia reaches out to cling to my arms, wobbly. “No, he got what he deserved. Don’t take this too far and cause a bigger problem for us.”

“If anyone else touches you, they die. It’s simple.” I point to a spot on her dress. My heart pulses an unsteady tempo. “His blood?”

She nods, and I can’t fucking stop myself.

“I’ll end the world for you.” I grip her by the cheeks. “In a thousand lifetimes, Mia, it would be you. It will always be you. I hope you can forgive me.”

Her lips find mine, and she presses a kiss to my face, to my chin, along my jawline. My hands shift down to her back to keep her steady while I devour. Mine. She’s mine, and she always will be. I’ll bludgeon whoever stands in the way of that. Any single person who ever tries to come between us.

What a damn fool I’ve been to try and stay away from her.

“Carter,” she manages to get out, her body vibrating.

“I’m sorry,” I tell her in between kisses. Oh, the feeling of her. The softness of her body and the strength in her limbs…it’s a gift. She is a gift. “I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you that I’m the heir. I didn’t know who to trust. The engagement—”

“Explain later,” she interrupts. “Kiss now.”

I’m only halfway aware of Edward Balestra entering the room. I’m too wrapped up in his daughter to pay the proper respect. He’s accompanied Hector and Rafel, the former just finishing up on his phone before nodding at us.

“I’m sorry it has to end this way,” Edward begins. He sounds far away. “While your son might have acted out of turn, you’ve always dealt with us with honor, Hector. It should have never come to this.”

Hector finishes his call and sets the cell down on the floor at his feet before taking a stand at the center of the room.

“I understand. I’m sorry. Please. My wife, my daughter—” he starts.

“As long as they stay in line, they’re safe.” Edward takes out his gun and fires off a single shot right between Accardi’s eyes.

A gentleman’s death.

I can’t take my hands off of Mia, especially not when she wraps her body around me like a boa constrictor. She’s in my arms for the long haul.

“We’re leaving,” I tell her. “I need to have you alone.”

“Are you sure you’re going to be up to the task?” she asks.

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