Page 2 of Broken
“But...”
“It’s fine. If he was going to kill me in here, he would’ve done it already.” I didn’t know why I believed that, but Theo was good at keeping to the shadows, and one of the reasons why he was so good at his job was that he could find ways to be invisible to his target and get them without anyone ever being able to catch him.
He’d never seemed like someone who’d want to make a show or an example of me in front of everyone, and he wasn’t crazy enough to try to hurt me with all my guards present and with so many innocent people around. No, there had to be something else. And I wasn’t going to run now. I’d always known killing the leader of one of the biggest gangs in this area would have consequences, but somehowI didn’t believe I’d die here tonight.
“Step away,” I said as Theo was getting closer, and the Cobras hesitated.
“We can take him,” one of them whispered.
“No.” That wouldn’t end well for anyone, and I wanted to avoid a potential disaster. Hopefully, that wouldn’t get me killed. The Cobras finally took a step back, but their hands were hovering near their weapons, so if Theo actuallymade a move, then that would be the end for him too. He might be able to take down a few of my guards, but he couldn’t take them all, and especially not when they were prepared to shoot to kill.
I was barely breathing when Theo stopped in front of me, a soft smile stretching his perfect, full lips. He was deliciously handsome in his black leather jacket and dark blue jeans, and those browneyes pierced through me as he looked me up and down.
I’d changed since the last time he’d seen me. My long black hair was no longer shorter on the left side as it had been, and I had a new piercing on my right eyebrow. Maybe I should’ve listened to Vix’s advice and dyed my hair, or hidden my dark brown eyes behind colored contacts, but I wasn’t willing to become a completely different personwhen I was sure Theo would find a way to get to me no matter what I did or how fast I ran. His gaze lingered on my black lace corset and tight leather pants.
“If you’re here to kill me, then let’s not do that in here,” I said, glancing around at the people who were having fun, completely oblivious to our little exchange. “This is between you and me.”
The corners of his lips quirked up,and he leaned forward, his breath tickling my face. I could feel my guards tense, and it took all of my willpower to stay still and not show Theo that my stomach was fluttering with fear. His lips were so damn close to mine that it was hard to focus.
“If I was here for you tonight, you’d be dead,” he said. “But don’t worry, you’ll get your turn.” With another look at me and my guards, he turnedaway and disappeared in the crowd. I exhaled loudly, my knees feeling weak. I’d been right that he wasn’t here for me, but then what had brought him here? Was it a hit job? Was he here to kill someone else?
“We could’ve taken him down,” one of my guards said. “No one would’ve even realized it. I didn’t see any weapons on him. Should I send someone to follow him? We can...”
“No, it’s fine.Thanks.” If I thought they could actually get him without getting themselves killed, I would’ve sent them after him, although I still wasn’t sure if that was what I would’ve done. A small part of me was hoping Theo’s feelings for me hadn’t changed despite what had happened...
He’d had a whole year to come and kill me, but he hadn’t. Even if he had another job here, he could’ve taken me outwithout too much thought, but that hadn’t happened. Maybe it was because I’d spared his life, so this was his way of returning the favor, but I couldn’t know for sure. Something told me that I was going to find out soon enough just what he planned to do with me.
Chapter 2
MY MIND WAS STILL LIKE mush when I picked up my phone to call Vix to tell her I wouldn’t be coming to work at her underground fight club tonight. It took me a few tries to explain what exactly was going on.
“What?” Vix’s loud voice sounded from the other end of the line, making me cringe. “Theo’s here? Oh, my God. Areyou okay? Did he do something? Are the Cobras going after him? How did he even get to you? We have to...”
“Vix, stop. It’s okay. I’m fine. He didn’t do anything, and I don’t know where he is now. I think he’s here for a job, not for me.” I glanced up and down a dark alley as my guards patrolled the area. Maybe it was stupid to stick around here, but the Cobras were everywhere, and I was doingmy best to stay out of sight. “Just keep an eye out for him in case he decides to come for you and Seth.” I didn’t know if Theo held a grudge against Vix and her boyfriend too for betraying Ingrid, but they should be safe at the club where they had a bunch of security measures and guards.
“Yeah, Seth and I will up our security, but you... You should come here. The Cobras too. It’s not safefor you to be out there while he’s in the city. I’ll tell Tobias to send...”
“I don’t think that’s necessary. The Cobras will be with me all the time.” I definitely didn’t want Vix to be in danger too because of me. If we were together, then it would be easier for Theo to get us both. “I’ll just go home and the Cobras will make sure no one gets to me.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?”
“Yeah.”
Vix sighed. “Okay, but please be careful. I’ll tell Tobias to double your guards and to check if his guys can track Theo down. I can’t believe he got into that club in the middle of the Cobras’ area without anyone noticing. If you want to reconsider your decision...”
“No. My decision’s final. Tell Tobias to up the protection for my family. I don’t want anything to happen tothem because of me.” I was sure that Tobias, the leader of the Cobras, was going to be pissed that Theo had gotten in here without anyone noticing, even though a lot of people were watching out for him all over the city, since they were afraid he would take over the Rosa Nera, which was something no one in this city wanted.
But Theo hadn’t taken over so far, and he’d found a way to sneakinto the city without being seen. Now everyone would know, though, and they’d be on the lookout for him, so I wasn’t sure why he’d even shown up at the club. Someone could get him and... I stopped that thought in the middle. I wasn’t going to be worried about Theo. I wasn’t.
“Alright. I’ll call you if I find out anything. I know you still have feelings for that guy, but don’t count on himfeeling the same way,” Vix said.
“I won’t.” Well, I’d try, at least. “I’ll text you when I get home.”
“You do that.” Vix ended the call, and I slipped my phone into the pocket of my jacket. “Let’s go,” I said to my guards and started down the alley. If we went by car, it would’ve been too easy to tail us and harder to escape if anyone attacked, especially if we got stuck in traffic, soI always opted for going on foot.
“We should go to more crowded and busier streets. It’ll be harder for him to reach you,” one of the guards said. “And if there’s any trouble, you’ll be able to run into one of the bars or buildings until we deal with the situation.”
I only nodded, unwilling to think about something like that happening. Why had Theo decided to come here now? Was it reallyjust the job? He could’ve refused or avoided the club. Ever since that night I’d killed Ingrid, I’d wondered where he was and I’d taken comfort in knowing that he was out there somewhere, alive and well, even if he wasn’t with me.