Page 43 of Depraved

My phone vibrates on the table, and I pick it up, shaking my head and pointing at Luca. “You’re the biggest prick of the two of you, you know that?”

He nods, smiling big. “Yeah. My cock is huge. You’re right. Biggest one.”

Dom howls as I stand and walk away to answer, my own laugh filling the line. “Speak.”

“We have a problem. She wants to go to her apartment to get more shit. But now that we know what we know…how do you want me to handle this?”

Matteo’s voice is hushed as if he’s trying to stay quiet, so she doesn’t hear. My arms cross as I hold the phone to my ear and turn my back to my brothers.

“I can’t risk spooking her or giving her false hope. Have you made headway about her family?” I question, hoping that he has so then she may be more open to reason.

“No. The girl is a steel trap.”

Fuck.

If I demand, she’ll react. If I request, she’ll deny.

I shake my head, the irony causing an upturn in my lips when I realize that the only way I’m made happy is if she’s happy.

“Dante,” Dom yells, and I turn, waving him off.

“Take her. Call some guys to go with you. I’ll meet you there. They’re not trying to take her out. It seems as if she’s more valuable alive.”

“Done.”

I end the call and shove my phone into my pant pocket, just as it vibrates. “Jesus. I’m the most popular guy tonight.”

Luca laughs as I walk back to the table and take my seat. I open the message that’s been sent from Antonio, and a frown forms on my face. Fuck.

Antonio: We could use your expertise. When you can.

They aren’t getting anywhere with the guy who’s been tracking her. If Antonio needs my help, I can’t imagine the sack of bones I’m gonna walk in to see.

Me: On my way.

I type back quickly, putting my phone away and focusing back on my brothers.

“I have to go. Business,” I shoot out, downing the rest of my drink and standing.

I stub my cigar out but put it between my fingers. “Never waste a good Cuban.”

Luca nods and lifts his drink. “Words to live by. Leave quickly before the girls come back down. They’ll have your ass for leaving before dessert.”

I laugh because it’s true. Drew and Gretchen aren’t going to let me hear the end of this.

Slapping Dom’s shoulder, I lean in. “Do me a favor?”

“Name it,” he answers, standing to walk out with me.

We stride through the door and back into the house. I grab my jacket from the couch and look at him. “Call Matteo and meet them at her place?”

He understands I don’t want her there so close to the men trying to hurt her. “If I can’t be there, then I need you with her. Have Matteo call me with any problems.”

“She’ll be safe. I got you. But you’re going to owe Drew something big the next time you see her because now both of us are leaving early.”

“YOU DON’T THINK YOU’RE OVERDOINGit? Maybe slightly?” I ask Matteo from the back seat of the SUV where I’m flanked by two serious-looking guys.

“Dante said to bring some guys with us. I brought some guys.” He laughs. “Bitch to him when he meets us.”