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They jerked Ace to his feet. Mark didn’t so much as look at me. “Doesn’t matter. The car’s right outside the gate. We’ll take no chances on this one. I’m sorry, Raven, I really am.”

It was a blur walking up the stairs behind them. Needing to touch Ace but ready to collapse at any minute over the idea of losing Lily.

Losing them both.

I couldn’t focus, couldn’t think.

“This is the best way.” Ace stopped in front of me. Mark let him. “Trust me.”

“Don’t leave me,” I begged. “Please. Please don’t leave us.”

“Your life will always be mine—now let mine…be yours.” He leaned in and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “It was beautiful, a little nightmare that turned into a dream I never thought I’d be given. Thank you for making the darkness warm.”

I rushed out after them to the front. Every man in attendance was lined up and armed standing up front. The gate was open on the other side a black limo and a tall woman leaning against the hood of it.

She was stunning, with long black hair a svelte shape and red lipstick that you could almost taste by just staring at it.

That’s who he’d dated?

That’s who he had been in love with?

I would hate her even if she was a saint sent from heaven.

The man next to her was holding Lily in her car seat.

I jumped forward.

“No.” Ace shook free from Mark and started to walk toward her. It felt like an eternity as the other man began his walk toward us.

Ace stood in front of her. They talked.

He nodded and then he leaned in and hugged her like they were best friends.

What the hell was going on?

Did he really betray us?

Was he lying?

I rushed toward the man holding the car seat and pulled her free from him. My hands wouldn’t stop shaking as they undid the restraint and pulled Lily against my chest.

She’d been sleeping. Thank God.

Ace was still standing there. He nodded. And hung his head. He nodded again and then she handed him a gun.

He took it, aimed for her head and pulled the trigger. When it was all over with, he took one look over his shoulder at me and smiled.

30

ACE

The one where the enemy surprises you.

“It was deep cover.” Sienna sighed. “There’s always a boss. I thought I could fight it. I didn’t want to kill you, I wanted you to have a life without this.”

“And yet you stole my child. Tell me why I shouldn’t rip your spleen through your mouth?”

“You can kill me how ever you want.” Her bright blue eyes filled with tears. “I was given a few months, apparently miracles are only in stories and brain tumors like to kill. I’d rather go out this way—besides, it’s all part of my plan. La Nebbia will need a new boss who’s already got an in—talk about deep.”