“Nobody heard a word about him abducting Cole fucking Torian’s niece and killing his brother-in-law either,” I snarl.
“True. But still…”
He’s right. This could be a setup. Emmanuel might have concocted the entire plan—a fake instigation of war, a pretend vulnerability.
Layla knew nothing about Emmanuel being targeted. Lorenzo hasn’t said a word about his brother-in-law being shot.
The fucker might have even paid the Virginia Beach gangbangers to do the hotel drive-by so Remy had an excuse to find me after all these years and claim to give a shit about my well-being.
“If they attempt to harm her in any way, I’ll break the vow to my uncle without a thought.” It’s a pledge. A fucking promise. “And if you’re forced to do the same, I’ll pay the price. I’ll take the blame.”
“Neither one of us are going back to that life. Not now. Not when—”
“I’ll deal with it,” I grate. “I just need to know you’ll protect her if I can’t.” I hold his gaze, conveying the importance of what I’m about to say with a hard look. “I have no right to ask you to guard her with your life, but—”
“Consider it done.” His face tightens, obligation and loyalty staring back at me.
“You know you don’t owe me. You don’t need to be here. Whatever happened in the past has been repaid over the years—”
“I haven’t paid for shit. My debt is still owed. And even if it wasn’t, I’d be here. I have your back. I’ll protect her.” He drags his gaze away to stare out the window.
If I wasn’t a selfish prick, I’d force him to walk. To get the fuck away from all of this.
Too bad I’m the most self-centered bastard he’s ever met.
I can’t risk losing her.
Not to a family I despise or because of the deceit I spun.
She’s mine. Has been from the night we met.
I show my appreciation with a nod, and retrieve folded pieces of paper from my jacket pocket. “These are the house plans for the property. I need you to commit them to memory.”
I slide the pages across the table and wait in silence as he scans the mansion, his concentration heavy as he frowns his way along the multitude of halls and rooms on the multi-level building.
“It’s fucking big.”
“I’ve heard that a time or two,” I drawl. “But it could potentially be bigger. These plans are what I had drawn up after I left Denver. God knows what renovations have been done since.”
He swipes a hand over his mouth as he continues to scan the pages, his focus gradually tracking from one side to the other, over and over until finally, he slides the architectural drawings back toward me. “How many men should we expect to be guarding the property?”
“I don’t know.” The admission annoys me. Weakens. “Emmanuel used to be protective of his solitude, so best-case scenario—none. Worst? God only knows.”
“And you don’t want to bring some of our own?”
“I’ve already made the arrangements. De Marco and two of his team will be waiting. But this isn’t a show of force. It’s a negotiation. A conversation.”
He relaxes back into his seat, unconvinced. “Should I be worried about you reverting to your old ways while holding said conversation?”
The question stings. “I don’t know.”
He nods, unfazed by the complication. “I’ve got one last question, then I’m done.” I brace for impact as he turns his attention to Layla, his eyes callously narrowing. “We protect her with our lives—that much is clear. But who the fuck protects them from her? She’s out for blood just as much as they are.”
“You don’t.” She tilts her head to face us. “You stay out of my way, because I’m more than happy to take you down at the same time.”
Normally, I’d admire her strength. But now, instead of pride, I’m agitated by her tenacity. If she’s here for a misguided chance at revenge, she could get us all killed.
“See?” Bishop drawls. “She’s fucking crazy.”
“She wouldn’t be stupid enough to make a move.” I hold her gaze. “Would you, amore mio?”
Her eyes harden.
“This isn’t a game, Layla. We can’t risk messing this up.”
She rolls her eyes and returns her focus out the jet window, her arms clamping over her chest. But there’s something else I see in her expression before she hides her face from me. Something I hope isn’t pained resignation.
She can’t be willing to give her life to end those of the Costas. Can she?
Fuck.
The rest of the flight is spent relaying tactics for different scenarios, none of which are likely to come true. We land in Denver below a clear blue sky, the fall breeze rushing into the cabin with an icy edge of warning as soon as the door opens.
Bishop is the first to make for the aisle with Layla following.
“Wait.” I push from my seat.
She doesn’t listen.
“Layla, I said wait.” I start after her, lunging forward to grab her arm. “We have to talk. As much as I understand your enthusiasm for destruction, you need to be on your best behavior.”
She swings around to face me, yanking her arm from my grip. “No, I need to do what’s best for my family.”
Her brattiness chafes. The resolute conviction, too.
I’d love to splay her over my knees and belt her ass. “You’re letting your anger at me cloud your judgment. You know full well you’ll get yourself killed if you start shit today.”
She makes an exaggerated attempt to bat her lashes and pout her bottom lip. “But you said you’d protect me.”
“I can only do so much,” I growl.
“Well, you should’ve thought about that before you brought me here.” She turns for the door.
“So you’re happy to make your daughter an orphan?”
She swings back around so violently, I stiffen on instinct. “I’m going to save my daughter. I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity and do whatever it takes to make sure your family doesn’t get anywhere near her. Now and in the future.”
“Layla—”
“Don’t Layla me.” She holds my gaze, her big blue eyes cutting to my ashen heart. “Don’t look at me in pity or reprimand. You have no right to do that anymore. You wanted me here, so I’m here—”
“I wanted you here because by my side is the safest place to be.”
“No, you did it to control me. To confine me. And I didn’t protest because it works in my favor. If I don’t end this, at least I’ll gain information.”
“You won’t end it, amore mio.”
“Oh ye of little faith.”
I itch to shake some sense into her. To kiss it. Fuck it.
“Let me call my brother.” There’s more demand in her voice than request. “Give me the chance to explain what’s going on. To warn him, for Stella’s sake.”
“Soon.”
She squares her shoulders, her throat working over a swallow. “Please.” Her forehead creases as if the taste of surrender is vile on her tongue. “I waited until we arrived to ask so you’d know there was nothing he could do to interfere. But if this is…” Her brows pinch, her eyes gaining a gleam of vulnerability.