Page 13

Evan

I don’t know how to get out of this mess I’m in.

My mind is spinning as I step into the glass-enclosed shower. The bathroom is as lavish as the rest of the house. The spacious shower has walls that are soft gray and white marble. One corner of the space features a built-in teak bench, its warm wood contrasting beautifully with the cool marble. I’m surrounded by beautiful things, but inside I feel like a corpse. I’m a walking dead man.

I close my eyes and let the hot water cascade down my sore body. The heat and steam chase away the chill of spending hours in the rain on that mountain. The accident replays over and over in my head. It was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever experienced. I really thought I was going to die tonight. First by Marco’s hand and then in that car crash.

But I’m alive. For some reason I’m still breathing.

I don’t trust Luca as far as I can throw him. He says he no longer wants me dead. He says he doesn’t want the other syndicate bosses to kill me either. Remembering how angry he was with me following the game, it’s hard to imagine he’s just going to let me get away with what I did. I’ve never seen anyone that mad. It was terrifying. He’s terrifying.

I stay in the shower until my fingers are wrinkly and my muscles loose. I dry off with soft fluffy towels that smell like lavender and sage. So many things confuse me about Luca. That first night, I saw glimpses of a kind, intelligent man. But the Luca I’ve seen since has been cold and unyielding. It seems impossible that those two sides of him can coexist in the same body. That first night, I really liked Luca. I mean, I really, really liked him. How could I have connected to him so deeply when he’s such a horrible human being? How did I not sense the beast within?

Once I’m dried off, I use my finger to brush my teeth with the toothpaste on the vanity. I have to be gentle because my split lip is painfully sensitive. There’s a razor on the counter too, but I don’t use it. I don’t know whose it is, but if it’s Luca’s, using it feels too personal. I don’t want to do anything that makes me feel soft toward Luca. I need to hate him if I’m going to survive. I can’t think about the way he looked at me that first night, like what was happening between us was special. Meaningful. When in truth, he was playing me the whole time. Using me for sex and setting me up as a pawn in his gambling racket.

Embarrassed by the memories of that night, I quickly dress in the sweats and T-shirt I grabbed from the dresser. Running my fingers through my damp hair, I step out of the bathroom in a cloud of steam. I’d hoped Luca might have left the room since I took so long, but unfortunately, he’s still there, sitting on the edge of my bed. I stop a few feet away, arms crossed, waiting for him to tell me what comes next.

“Feel better?” he asks, running his gaze over my body. There’s obvious heat in his eyes and he’s not even attempting to hide it.

I shiver but try to keep my face blank. “A bit.”

He gestures toward the nightstand. “I got you some food and pain medication.”

Surprised he’d be that thoughtful, I eye the food. My mouth waters and I’d kill for a drink of water, but I hesitate. Would he drug the food and drink? Are those pills really pain medication, or are they something to knock me out and make me more submissive?

He studies me and perhaps sees the suspicion in my eyes because he says, “It’s just a harmless sandwich, Evan.”

“So you say.”

He stands and walks closer, his dark eyes impossible to read. He stops a few feet away and I flinch when he reaches out to push a lock of damp hair off my forehead. My heart is racing as our eyes meet.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” he says softly.

“You already have.”

His eyes flicker and his gaze drops to my damaged lip. But then he shrugs. “You’re not innocent in this.”

He’s right. I’m not completely innocent. I willingly slept with him and then refused to do his bidding. But I wouldn’t be in this nightmare if Luca had never come into my life. But what’s the point of arguing with him? It’s not like I’ll ever change his mind. He sees nothing wrong with what he did, or who he is.

When I don’t respond, he asks, “You don’t agree? You think you’re innocent?”

I’m too tired to play games with him, and I don’t want to argue. I close my eyes slowly and then open them. “Why did you really bring me here?”

I expect him to be angry that I’m not playing along, but he looks more frustrated than anything. “You may not believe me, but I’m glad you’re alive.”

I narrow my eyes. “That’s probably the most confusing part of this.”

He gives an almost indiscernible nod. “It’s confusing for me too,” he admits. Then he clears his throat. “But anyway, you should eat and take the medication. You look like shit, Evan. You need food and sleep.”

“Do you swear you didn’t put anything in the food?” I know I probably can’t trust his word, but I really want to eat that damn sandwich and drink the water. Plus, my head feels like there’s a buzzsaw slicing through my skull.

He places his hand over his heart. “I swear on my late father’s soul that I didn’t tamper with the food. The pills are just Advil. They have the little logo on them, look for yourself.”

I move to the nightstand and peer at the pills. They do indeed seem to be legit. The scent of the warm bread and meat has me almost drooling. I haven’t eaten since breakfast and it’s almost two in the morning. I give him an uneasy glance, and he sighs.

“I’ll leave you to it. We’ll talk more in the morning.” He’s quiet for a few moments, then says, “Don’t try sneaking out of the house. There are dogs and an army of my men out there. You won’t make it to the front gate and you might even get hurt. My security team isn’t the gentlest with intruders.”

“I’m sure they’re not.” I grab the bottle of water and twist the cap off. I can’t wait one second more for some hydration. I gulp down half the bottle quickly, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.

He watches me, but then says, “Night, Evan.” I expect him to go out the door we came in through, but instead he crosses the room to a door that blends seamlessly into the wall, next to the dresser. I didn’t even see it until he put his hand on the doorknob.

I scowl. “We have adjoining rooms?”

He opens the door and looks back over his shoulder. “Of course.”

“Why of course?” I snap.

“I need to keep an eye on you, Evan.” His smile is smug. “Plus, this way, if you have a nightmare, I’ll be close by to comfort you.”

I’m annoyed when my pulse flutters at the thought of him joining me in bed to comfort me . “There’s nothing comforting about you, Luca. I’d rather sleep with an alligator.”

He grins, seemingly unfazed by my rancor. “Oh, come on. We both know that’s not true. But if it makes you feel better to pretend, that’s fine. I’ll allow it, for now.” He disappears through the door, closing it quietly behind him.

I stare at the door for a few moments, seething, before pouncing on the sandwich. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I devour it in four bites. The soft bread and tangy prosciutto are so delicious, I wish he’d brought two more. I wash the pills down with what’s left of my water. If he lied to me about the pills, who cares? Why would I want to be awake for any of this?

Pulling back the covers, I crawl into bed. The mattress is soft, and the bedding smells floral like the towels. The second my head hits the pillow, I’m on the verge of sleep. My thoughts drift unwillingly to Luca. He puzzles me. I can’t understand why he’s had a change of heart about killing me. I worry, though, that he won’t be able to protect me. I know he’s powerful, but is he that powerful?

That’s the last thing that goes through my mind before sleep claims me. Hours later, I wake with a start as a finger of sunlight peeks through a crack in the thick curtains. It takes me a moment to remember where I am and why. Then it all comes rushing back in a torrent that has me throwing back the covers. I slide out of the big bed and stand there lost. What am I supposed to do now? Stay in my room until Luca lets me out?

I’m hungry and I’d love some more water. I also wouldn’t mind more pain medication because my entire body feels like one big bruise. I move stiffly to the bathroom to empty my bladder, and once more finger brush my teeth. If Luca is keeping me here for an extended time he needs to get me a toothbrush and a razor. I shudder at the thought he will keep me here for a long time.

I have no idea if Coach or the team know anything about what happened to me last night. Do they know I was in a car wreck? Do they just think I ghosted them after the game? They know me well enough to know I wouldn’t do that.

You did it before .

I wince because that’s the truth. That first night I met Luca, I dodged drinking with the team to spend the night with Luca. But this is different. I barely said two words to anyone in the room before I stripped off my uniform and ran to meet up with Luca. I was desperate to keep Noah safe. Is Noah safe? Did Luca go after him too, or was he satisfied with just punishing me?

My gut churns as I think about the mess I’m in. I don’t fully trust that Luca wants me alive, but he did bring me here to his home. He could have thrown me in the basement, or locked me in a garden shed, but he put me in this beautiful, cozy room for the night. I’m once more puzzled by him.

I go to the dresser and I find a pair of jeans and another T-shirt. The jeans fit me almost perfectly, which is a bit unsettling. I know they’re not Luca’s because he’s taller than me by a few inches. Did Luca keep some other guy here before me? Does he have a type that he kidnaps? Is that why he’s into me because I remind him of someone? Or is this like something he does all the time? And if it is, what happened to the original owner of these jeans?

As a rule, I don’t bring people home, Evan.

I have no way of knowing whether that’s the truth or a lie. And ‘as a rule’ doesn’t mean never. I could very well be one of many guys he brings here. For all I know he lives alone and this is his sex lair or something. Who says this is his family estate? He’s a mafia boss, he probably has ten homes.

I jump when the connecting door to his room opens. He walks in without knocking, which immediately puts me on edge. He’s wearing a black suit and a red tie, and with his dark hair and eyes, I can’t deny he looks like the sexiest demon you could imagine. I resent how my pulse speeds up at the sight of him.

“Good, you’re awake.” He sounds completely at ease, as if keeping people against their will is just par for the course. That reaffirms my serial kidnaper theory. No one should be as nonchalant as he is about having me here.

“You should have knocked,” I snap.

He frowns. “Why?”

I huff. “For all you knew I just got out of the shower.”

He smirks. “Even less of a reason to knock.”

My face warms. “Really? You think that’s funny?”

He shrugs. “It was just a joke.”

“Yeah, really hilarious,” I mutter.

He studies me. “From now on I’ll knock. Okay?”

Ignoring his concession, I tug at my shirt and demand, “Whose clothes are these? Are these from one of your other victims?”

Appearing confused by the question, he repeats, “My other victims?”

“Yeah, you’re a little too calm about the situation. You seem like you’ve done this before. I don’t love the idea of wearing some dead guy’s clothes.”

He makes a dismissive sound. “You have quite the imagination. They’re my younger brother Tony’s clothes. He was a lot thinner before he bulked up with weights.” He shakes his head. “I told you I don’t bring people here.”

“Sure, but you’re a liar, remember?”

His lips thin. “You woke up in a pissy mood.”

“I’m sorry. Did you expect me to wake up in a good mood after being kidnapped?” I shove my hands into my pockets, scowling at him.

He moves closer, his eyes dark and menacing. “I expect you to be happy you’re alive. You got to wake up this morning. That’s because of me, remember?”

I laugh disbelievingly. “I wouldn’t be going through any of this crap if I’d never met you.”

“And if you’d just done as you were told,” he says coldly, “I wouldn’t have to spend my valuable time trying to clean up the mess you made.”

“The mess I made?”

He lifts one shoulder. “That’s right. You disobeyed me and now I have to handle the fall out. You think I don’t have way more important things I could be doing other than babysitting you and fixing this situation?”

“Hey, I wanted to stay at the hospital. Bringing me here was your idea, buddy.”

“And if I’d listened to you, you’d be dead,” he grates. “So instead of being all bratty with me, you should be kissing my fucking feet.”

“Kissing your feet?” I echo angrily.

He curls his lip. “Or you could suck my dick if you’d prefer.”

Heat floods my face, and something in me snaps. “You’re the most arrogant prick I’ve ever met, and I’ve met a lot of pricks. All I want is to get as far away from you as possible, asshole. I don’t know how many ways I have to tell you this, but I don’t want to be here. I don’t want your help. I want nothing to do with you, Luca. You shouldn’t try and save my life because if I get the chance, I’ll happily take yours.”

“Is that right?” he hisses.

“Fucking-A it is,” I growl.

He lunges forward and takes hold of the front of my shirt, pushing his face into mine. “If you want me to keep being nice, you’d better start showing me some fucking respect,” he snarls. His minty breath is warm against my lips. “I think perhaps you misinterpret my kindness to you as weakness. Do I need to remind you of what I’m capable of?”

That darkness is back in his eyes, and while it’s terrifying, I’m sick of being pushed around. I struggle in his grip and take a swing at him, but he blocks me at the last second. He smirks and shoves me backward onto the bed, but I don’t stay down long. I jump back onto my feet, breathing hard.

“That’s it? That’s all you’ve got?” I growl, my blood boiling. “I play professional hockey for a living. I love a good fucking brawl.”

“You are the most obstinate—” He laughs harshly, raking a hand through his hair. He swears in Italian under his breath and then takes a deep breath. He laughs again gruffly, but there’s no humor in his eyes. “I’m trying so hard to be patient with you, Evan.”

“I don’t want your patience.” I glare at him. “Either let me go or just fucking kill me already. I’m sick of all the threats. Jesus , what do you expect me to feel? You kidnapped me, Luca. Do you think I’m going to be happy about that?”

He looks furious, but also confused and frustrated. He opens his mouth to respond, but there’s a soft knock at my door. We both turn to look at the door as it slowly pushes open. A young girl of about twenty pokes her head around the door.

“Luca, why are you yelling? You’re going to wake Mama.” She smiles at me and moves into the room. “You must be Evan.” She has long, curly dark brown hair and warm brown eyes. Her expression is inquisitive, and she doesn’t look in the least bit intimidated by Luca, even though he’s obviously angry.

Luca moves toward her. “Isabella, not now. You need to leave. I told you not to come in here.”

“I know.” She studies me with wide eyed curiosity. “But I wanted to meet Evan.”

I have no idea how to react to her sudden appearance. It’s probably a good thing she interrupted Luca and me since things were escalating, but I feel like I’m in the Twilight Zone as I watch her waving Luca off. Who is she? Why isn’t she afraid of Luca?

Luca sighs. “I told you I didn’t want you to meet him yet.” He’s obviously displeased with her unexpected arrival, but the anger has left his voice. He sounds impatient, but awfully tolerant considering who he is.

She laughs. “Well, it’s too late now.” She studies me, and I’m acutely aware of my split lip, as well as my scratches and bruises. “I’m Luca’s sister.”

She’s his blood? I hold her gaze, not sure how to respond. Does she expect me to say something? What would I say? Nice to meet you. You have a lovely home. I’ve never been held captive anywhere nicer? It’s difficult to connect this harmless seeming girl to the violent thug I know Luca to be. I suppose everyone has a family, even mobsters, but it’s impossible to picture Luca being connected to her.

“I heard about the car accident. You’re very lucky to be alive.” When I still don’t respond, she sighs and gives her brother a chiding glance. “You’ve got him so upset he can’t even talk, Luca. You can’t just yell at people and expect them to feel good about it.”

“Thank you for your unsolicited advice, Tesoro.” He takes hold of her slender shoulders and steers her toward the door. “Now go away and let me handle things, okay? This isn’t your concern.”

She strains her neck to try and get another glimpse of me. “He’s not at all what I was expecting for a hockey player. He’s cute. I thought his nose would be all smashed up.”

“Okay. Bye, bye.” He pushes her out the door. “Go have breakfast or something.” He shuts the door and locks it. He turns and leans his back against the door, watching me. His face is difficult to read, but he seems less angry. We just stare at each other for a few moments, then he moves toward me. He stops a few feet in front of me. “Fighting each other does no one any good.”

I ignore his olive branch. “She didn’t seem to find it odd that you have me here as your hostage. Is that because you do this all the time?”

“You’re not my hostage. I’m keeping you here so you’ll be safe. It’s just temporary.” He avoids my gaze which makes me uneasy.

“But I can’t leave?”

“No. It’s best if you don’t for now.”

I scowl. “How is that me not being a hostage? People will notice I’m missing. I have to go to practice. You can’t just keep me here,” I rasp. “This is insane, Luca. You have to let me go home.”

“And I’m telling you that isn’t an option at this time.” His voice is colder than before. “You need to learn to listen better. It’s becoming quite tiresome having to repeat things.”

“I’m sorry you’re tired of repeating yourself, but this situation isn’t exactly fun for me either.”

“You’re making it way harder than it has to be by fighting me every step of the way,” he rumbles, inching closer. The hairs on the back of my neck stiffen as he moves around me slowly. He’s so close his shoulder brushes mine. I feel the heat of his body and can smell his crisp cologne. “I didn’t go to all this trouble to let you run home and get yourself murdered. I want you alive. I told you that.”

“Luca,” I say hoarsely, “I don’t understand why you’re doing any of this.”

He lets out a tired sigh. “I can’t say I’m a hundred percent sure myself.”

“Then let me go.”

“No.” He stops moving, his chest brushing lightly against my back. He makes no attempt to put his hands on me, but his breath is warm against my nape. His hips shift against me, and I feel he’s hard. “Not yet.”

I shiver because I’m aroused too. Goosebumps cover my flesh as we stand near each other. My reaction to him is bewildering. I can’t stand the guy, but my body wants him. It’s confusing and aggravating as hell. My lust toward Luca is almost like a sickness. A fever. I’ve never been attracted to anyone I disliked before. The rational side of me wants nothing more than to get away from Luca and never see him again. But my body wants more of what we had that first night together.

If he touches me, I’m afraid of what I’ll do.

But he doesn’t touch me. He moves away.

“I have work to do.” His voice is strained as he heads to the door of my room. “I’ll make sure you’re fed breakfast and lunch. Later, I’ll have dinner with you. If you behave, we can go for a walk on the grounds.”

“If I behave?” I repeat gruffly. “What does that mean?”

He pauses after unlocking the door. “It means show some gratitude, Evan. Keeping you alive is more work than you know. I’m risking a lot to do it and I’d appreciate it if you had a better attitude.”

“I don’t know how to have a good attitude in this situation,” I admit tersely.

A muscle jerks in his cheek. “I understand why you don’t trust me, but I promise, in this moment, you can. I won’t pretend to be a good man, but I am a man of my word. I’m sincerely trying to keep you alive.” He leaves the room, shutting the door firmly behind him.

His parting words make me feel weird. Almost ashamed. I prefer angry Luca to conciliatory Luca. When he’s violent or enraged, I can clearly see the monster that he is. But when he acts like my mistrust wounds him, that’s just baffling. Why in the world would Luca Barone give two shits about what I think of him?