Page 42 of Depraved

“Not much past what I got out of her the other night. But Antonio says the guys are real lowlifes. Whatever the fuck she’s tangled in smells foul. My gut says there’s way more to the story, and I don’t think I’m gonna like it.”

My brothers stare back at me with hardened gazes. I know they feel the same way I do. And I know they’re thinking all the same dark thoughts I’ve entertained.

Luca lets out a long breath, running his hand through his hair. “Are we worried about her?”

I know what he’s asking; I entertained the thought momentarily, too. We have to think this way—it’s our nature.

“Would it matter? Really? Even if she did something to deserve what she’s getting?”

His eyes hold mine, and I see his answer before he says it. “No, because whatever she did, that girl did it for the right reason. I don’t care who she is to them; I know who she is to us.”

“Agreed.”

“Have the guys tracked them down yet…her father and brother?” Dom questions, pulling my attention.

A billow of smoke wafts through the air with my exhale. “Yeah. We found them—the assholes are a block down from her. Nico’s gonna introduce himself tomorrow.”

Luca leans in, worry darkening his features. “Does she know you know?”

“Nah, that’s a fight for another day…” I answer, not elaborating.

Dom leans back into his chair. “Now, why would you keep that from her?”

I wave him off, crossing my arms. “I’m not keeping anything from her. I’m just ensuring the coast is really clear before she gets any ideas.”

My brothers stare at me and then at each other. I hate that twin thing. It’s always two against one with these dickheads.

My hand rubs my stubbled jaw as I grin, knowing they see right through my bullshit.

“Just fucking leave it, already…”

Dom smirks, slowly spinning a spoon around on the table, regarding Luca with amusement.

“You still on the fence about whether or not you want to help her?” Dom asks sarcastically.

Luca chuckles like the asshole he is. I level a look at my brother as he chimes in. “She’s not going to miss this time when she shoots you for lying and keeping her here, so you can fuck her longer.”

I smack the table, and he laughs harder.

“Fuck you. That’s not why I’m keeping her here…I mean, it’s not the only reason. And I never said we were fucking—stop trying to get information, you fucking perv.”

I take a swig of my drink as they both sit there shaking their heads at me, unconvinced by my reasoning.

“I wish I was an only child again. It wasn’t lonely. I take it all back.” I laugh, reaching for the butter knife.

“Careful, you’ll hurt yourself,” Luca jokes, grabbing it before I can.

I growl, rubbing my face, irritated with my asshole brothers.

“Fine. I like her,” I answer, bringing my eyes back to Luca’s. “She’s growing on me, and I don’t think she’ll have to run once I’m done with these jerkoffs. But she isn’t the kind of girl who does any-fucking-thing unless it’s her idea.”

“Now that I believe.” Dom states.

Luca puffs his cigar. “Aww, maybe you should make her matching bracelets, so she knows you really love her.”

Dom laughs, throwing back his drink, and pats the table. “Or, wait. Wait. I got it. You could get her those little heart candies that say ‘Be mine.’”

“I fucking hate you two so much.”