Page 14

Luca

The fluorescent lights of Marco’s hospital room buzz faintly, their cold glow reflecting off the linoleum floors and sterile white walls. Marco looks pretty good, considering. I’m hugely relieved he appears as unscathed as he does. Sure, he has a broken leg, but he could have died. His bed is angled slightly upright, and he looks about as comfortable as a guy with a shattered leg can be.

His dark hair is mussed, his jaw peppered with stubble. He’s not the kind of man who likes lying around, and he looks bored and simultaneously agitated. “When can I get out of here?” he asks, his voice is low, gravelly, and laced with frustration.

“You need surgery before you’re going anywhere.” I grimace, eyeing his broken leg.

The hospital has his leg encased in a bulky, black immobilizer brace, propped up on pillows. Metal rods extend out from it, an external fixator, the nurse told me when I asked about it on the way up. They’re holding the bone in place while they wait for the swelling to go down enough for surgery.

He groans. “I can’t fucking believe this shit.”

“I know it’s nuts.” I sit in the chair beside the bed. It’s uncomfortable, all hard plastic and unforgiving angles, but I can’t stay long. “But hey, now you have a very cool story to tell. I mean, how many people can say they survived a mudslide?”

“I’d rather not have a story and have a working leg instead,” he grumbles.

My stomach twists with sympathy for my friend. There’s also a little guilt. It was because of me that he was even up on that mountain. “I’m just really happy you’re alive, Marco.” My voice is sincere and he looks a little uncomfortable. We don’t talk about feelings and stuff like that usually. But I almost lost my best friend. At the very least I should tell him I’m happy he’s still around.

Marco sighs, fiddling with a loose string on the thin hospital blanket. “What’s been happening while I’ve been stuck in here? I feel very out of touch with everything.”

I laugh gruffly. “It’s been one night.”

Giving a rueful smile, he says, “Yeah, but hospital time is like dog years. Fill me in on what’s going on.”

My returning smile is tense. “Well, one development is I don’t want Evan dead anymore.”

He wrinkles his brow. “Is that right? Why not?”

“I’ve had a change of heart.” I avoid his dark gaze, not wanting to see his disapproval. Ultimately, I’ll do what I want, but Marco might make me second-guess my decision, and right now, I don’t want to deal with that. I just want what I want. And what I want is Evan. “I think I’d like to keep him around a while longer.”

“How’s that work?” He sounds understandably confused. “Did you find another scapegoat to take the heat off of Evan?”

I look up. “No. Everyone is still pissed at Evan.” I clear my throat. “So much so that I’ve brought him to my house for safe keeping.”

Shock washes over Marco’s rugged features. “I’m sorry, maybe my hearing was damaged in the accident. I could have sworn you just said you took Evan to your house.”

My cheeks warm, but I do my best not to show I’m embarrassed. “You heard right.”

“He’s at your house right this minute.”

“Yep.”

He watches me in silence for a bit. Being a loyal second in command, Marco doesn’t make it a habit to question my actions. But if he really believes I’m fucking up, he will say something. “Honestly, I’m kind of glad to hear it, boss.”

Surprised at his statement, I cock my head. “Really? That’s… surprising. I thought you’d completely disapprove.”

“I assume you have a good reason.” He lifts one shoulder and immediately grimaces, rubbing his shoulder. “You usually do.”

“Of course I do, but last I remember you couldn’t wait to put a bullet in his head. You were very enthusiastic.”

He nods. “Yeah. I was looking forward to ending him.” He lets out a shaky breath. “But the little son of a bitch surprised me.”

“What do you mean?” I frown.

“He didn’t abandon me when he could have.” His eyes look dark and haunted. “After the accident. I… I was trapped in the car and he stayed with me. He helped get me out of the car, and he hung around until help came.”

I raise my brows. “Evan did that?” Evan hadn’t told me any details of the accident, and the paramedics didn’t know any of the details. They only knew what they found at the scene of the crash.

“He did.” Marco grits his teeth. “By rights, he should have given me the bird and disappeared into the night. But the little prick stayed.”

“I just assumed he couldn’t get up the mountain without help and that was why he was still there.”

“No. He stayed by choice.” Marco admits.

“Why wouldn’t he try to run?” I mutter. “He knew what you were going to do to him. Why stay?”

“I don’t know anything about the guy, but something tells me he might be the kind of person who couldn’t do that and then live with himself.” Marco scratches his stubbly chin. “I’d probably have left him. He had to know that, but he still stayed. Weird, huh?”

“Yeah, very surprising.” I respect Evan for saving my friend, but his softness toward Marco shows he’s not built to survive in my world without protection. He obviously has horrible survival instincts.

“I mean, we didn’t hold hands and make nice, but he didn’t bolt.” Marco’s expression is grim as he shifts slightly, wincing as the movement jostles his leg. A vein in his neck twitches as he grits his teeth against the pain. “I hate to say it, but now I owe the guy one.”

“I wonder if there was some angle we’re not seeing. Some reason he didn’t abandon you.”

“I can’t think of one. Believe me, I’ve tried. I don’t want to owe that guy anything. I even told him he should leave me, but he didn’t. I can’t see what was in it for him to stay. He risked his life trying to get me out of that car too.” Marco shudders.

“Hmm.” I’m not sure what to think about Evan’s behavior.

Marco exhales tiredly. “Anyway, because of him I may have a broken leg, but at least I’m alive.”

“The nurse said the swelling is going down nicely and they should be able to operate tomorrow.” I grimace. “But you’ll be on crutches for a while.”

“Fuck,” he growls. “That makes me about as useful to you as a garden statue.”

“Worried about your job?”

He smirks. “Of course. My boss is a heartless bastard who’ll fire me in a heartbeat if I’m not able to work.”

I narrow my eyes. “Really? Cuz I hear he’s a pretty awesome guy who takes care of his loyal soldiers.”

Marco wrinkles his brow. “Even so, I hate not being by your side.”

My impulse is to reach out and touch his hand to comfort him. I’d never walk away from any of my men, especially Marco. But I don’t make that gesture of reassurance to him. Something in me won’t let me. I have trouble showing affection and shit like that. My sister and mother are the only ones I’m openly affectionate with. But Marco knows I care about him, and that will have to be good enough.

“Don’t worry. You’re still useful to me.” I glance toward the window. The blinds are tilted, letting in slivers of the late morning light. “Just because you can’t run doesn’t mean you aren’t still dangerous. I’ll just be sure Lane or Sal are also there at meetings. Just in case there’s trouble.”

He watches me. “Sure. That makes sense. Especially if people are gunning for Evan. Seems you’re hellbent on protecting him.” I can feel he wants to ask me details about my plans for Evan, but he hesitates.

I don’t mind sharing my plan with Marco. He often has great insight and I want to hear his thoughts on the Evan situation. “Curious about what I have planned on the Evan front?”

He perks up, but then shrugs nonchalantly. “Uh, sure if you want to tell me.” He sniffs, feigning indifference. “You don’t have to.”

I smirk. “Come on, admit it. You’re dying to know what I’m up to.”

He tries not to smile but can’t quite do it. With a grin, he says, “Okay, tell me. What the hell is that fucker doing living in your home?”

“That’s more like it.” I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms. “He’s there because it’s the safest place for him, but also because he’s a fun distraction.”

He twists his lips. “Got it. You’re thinking with your dick again.”

My face warms, but why deny it? I am thinking with my dick. “Yeah, I might be. But he’s different from most guys I’ve trifled with. He holds my attention.” I blow out a breath. “And the sex? Fuck, Marco, it was off the charts hot.”

He gives a gruff laugh. “Can’t say I’ve ever seen you quite like this about a guy.”

“I’m not sure I’ve ever been obsessed with a guy before. Maybe it’s because he hates me.” I laugh. “I’m kind of twisted like that. I want what I can’t have.”

“Yeah, you don’t like the word no.” He studies me. There’s a bit of concern shimmering in his dark eyes. “I just don’t want you to be collateral damage because you want to fuck the guy. Vincent and the others are pissed, as you well know.”

“Of course they are. They have a right to be mad. Hell, I’m still mad the prick ignored me and did what he wanted, instead of what I told him to do. But I want more of him. And if he’s dead, that doesn’t happen.”

“So how do you get Vincent to back off?”

“By claiming Evan as my property.”

His eyes flicker. “Meaning what? You’re not marrying the guy, right?” He looks slightly horrified.

“Fuck no,” I scowl. “I’ll just put the word out that he’s untouchable. I’ll let them know he belongs to me, so they need to keep their hands off him. Until I’m done with him.” I smirk.

“Okay.” He nods. “So this is just like a temporary thing.”

“Obviously.”

He’s quiet for a bit, then he clears his throat. “I guess that will work. It’s true if he’s officially your lover, the others won’t dare touch him.” He hesitates. “Is Evan cool with this?” His tone says he knows perfectly well he isn’t.

“He’ll get there.” I examine my neatly manicured nails.

“And if he doesn’t?”

I look up. “Then you might just get another shot at him.”

He nods, but looks uncertain. “Might have to have Sal handle him if it comes to that. Like I said, I owe the guy my life.”

I narrow my eyes. “Oh, really?”

His face flushes. “He could have left me, Luca. He stayed.” I can see he’s conflicted and it makes me feel weird.

“What if he decides he wants revenge against me or something?” I ask, voice hard. “You still gonna protect him?”

“Fuck no,” he says angrily. “That would be different. If it’s him or you, I’m always gonna protect you, boss.” His eyes glitter with a mix of anger and hurt. “You must know that.”

I mostly know it, but I still like hearing it. The life I lead has a lot of betrayal and uncertainty. If Marco ever betrayed me, I’d give up on humanity. Still, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit there’s a tiny, tiny grain of uncertainty at the back of my mind. Maybe one day he’ll get sick of my shit and turn. Anyone can turn. All they need is a reason. All they need to do is convince themselves it’s okay because I deserve it.

“Luca,” he says softly. “Never. No fucking way I’d ever turn on you. Never .”

I grit my teeth, but then force a smile. “I know.”

He relaxes slightly, although his eyes stay on me. An uneasy silence stretches, and I clear my throat.

“Anyway,” I say, “I’m going to tell Evan my thoughts tonight. We’ll see what he says. If he rejects the idea there won’t be much I can do to save him.” I really hope he falls in line. I’d hate to have to let him die.

“Maybe threaten his family. That usually works. He’s not going to agree without… uh… incentive.”

“Yes.” I rub my jaw. “Or I could play it a little different than I usually would and offer to pay for his mom’s care. He doesn’t respond to threats like most people. He might, however, respond to an offer of help. He’s obviously struggling with money, judging by the shithole apartment he has. He makes plenty of money, so I’m sure it’s because he’s keeping his mother in that expensive nursing home, and paying off his dad’s legal debt. If I play his knight in shining armor instead of threatening him, he might be very grateful to me.” I bite my bottom lip, trying not to smile. “If you get what I mean.”

“Oh, I get what you mean.” Marco grimaces. “He might go for that, and he might even be very… grateful. But I suspect he still won’t throw games.”

I let out a tired breath. “I agree. I don’t think he’s capable of turning on his team. It’s just not in his DNA.”

“So then, what good is he? What good is owning the Ice Hawks if you can’t manipulate the way they play?”

I adjust my gold cufflinks. “I’ve been thinking about that a lot. There are other ways to make money off the team that don’t involve them throwing games.” I meet his curious gaze. “What if I bought the Ice Hawk’s arena?”

He raises his brows. “Huh. That’s an expensive option.”

“It is, but it’s also one that would lead to even bigger profits. Plus, then I don’t have to depend on the players to do what I tell them to do.”

“True.”

“Evan’s absolute unwillingness to throw games is a problem I wasn’t anticipating,” I grumble. “I’ve never met anyone more stubborn. His loyalty to his team is too deeply entrenched. If I want Evan alive, I’ll need to find other ways to recoup my investment in the team.”

“You could try using another member of the team to sabotage games.”

“I get the feeling they’re all the same: disgustingly honorable.” I sneer. “They’re more like a family than a hockey team.”

“I wouldn’t argue with that. They do seem very close.” He takes a sip from a pink plastic water cup, holding my gaze.

“Fortunately for me, the arena is owned by a private corporate entity rather than the city. Dealing with a private corporation instead of the city means less red tape, which I always prefer. With the stadium privatized, that cuts out government oversight.”

“Very true. Even when you pay off the city officials, there’s always some fucking do-gooder who tries to screw things up.”

“Absolutely.” I scowl. “I’m going to reach out to the CEO later today.” I crack my knuckles, smirking. “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.”

He chuckles. “I feel like I’ve heard that somewhere before.”

My lips twitch. “Have you? Huh. That’s weird.”

“I’m sure they’ll accept your offer.” His frustration returns. “If they don’t, I hate that I’ll have to miss all the fun of changing they’re mind.”

“I’m not worried. Once they take the offer, that opens up a whole new world of opportunities. Even without going the gambling route, there are a lot of ways for me to make money with the team. I can take a cut of everything sold. Tickets, concessions, merchandise, parking, all of it generates cash. I can also inflate sponsorship deals. I’ll just turn what was going to be a gambling opportunity into a money laundering operation instead. It’ll be a gold mine without Evan ever throwing a game.”

He studies me. “I hope Evan is worth all the hassle.”

“I guess we’ll see.” My phone buzzes and when I see it’s my sister, I exhale impatiently.

“Something wrong?” Marco asks.

I meet his gaze with a wry smile. “Isabella decided to introduce herself to Evan this morning, even though I told her not to. She just pushed her way into his room when she heard us arguing.”

“That definitely sounds like Isabella.”

“It’s annoying. I didn’t want the family meeting him until I’m sure he’s going to play nice. He’s too damn likeable. If he doesn’t go along with my plan, I don’t need them trying to protect him because he’s ingratiated himself to them.”

“Makes sense to keep them separated. Especially with Isabella. She get attached too easily.”

“That she does.” I laugh gruffly remembering their meeting. “Evan looked completely non-plussed when he met her. He couldn’t even speak.”

Marco also laughs and then winces, rubbing his ribs. “She does often leave people speechless.” His smile is affectionate.

“That’s Isabella.” I sigh. “A free spirited kook.”

“She belongs in a hippy commune more than a mafia family.” Marco appears tired now, and he distractedly rubs his fingers against his temple, as if he has a headache.

I don’t want to tire him out too much, so I stand. “Anyway, I should get going. I need to make that call and get the ball rolling.”

He nods. “Let me know if they accept the offer or not. It’s boring in here. I have nothing to do and the TV only has the Hallmark channel and a few news stations.”

I smirk. “You’re not into the Hallmark channel? Say it isn’t so.”

“Why is it always snowing in every movie? And why is everyone either a baker or a carpenter?” He quickly adds, “Not that I’ve watched many of the shows.”

“Uh, huh. Sure.” I lean over and awkwardly pat his arm. “I’ll come by tomorrow before your surgery.”

“Thanks.” He smiles, looking grateful. “I’d hate to croak with no one here to give a shit about it.”

I frown. “You’re going to be fine, Marco.”

He waves me off. “Oh, I know. I’m not worried.”

He’s being cavalier, but I know there’s a small part of him that’s anxious. Thoughts of death are inevitable when you have surgery. Things can go wrong. That’s just a fact. “I’m sure Isabella will insist on joining me.”

He looks pleased. “Yeah?”

“Well, you are her favorite person to rag on.”

“True.”

“Before I go, do you need anything? I can send Sal over with some goodies.” I glance around and lower my voice. “You want any porn or booze? You know, the essentials?”

He laughs. “No. Thanks. Though, if the head nurse didn’t remind me of Nurse Ratched, maybe I’d take you up on that.”

I chuckle and move to the door. “I’ll let you know if there are any developments.”

“Please do.” He leans his head back against his pillow. He’s pale and looks exhausted now, and I’m sure will sleep the minute I leave.

With a casual wave, I step into the hallway, the sterile smell of antiseptic and the distant hum of the hospital surround me. I enjoyed my visit with Marco, but there’s a gnawing anxiety in my gut about Evan. It’s important that he agree to my terms, but I know he’ll fight me. He can’t help it. And I can’t help the instinct to squash his rebellion. We’re not at all alike, which probably makes my plan even stupider. But I can’t seem to help my attraction to him, and I know this is the only way to keep him breathing.

Hopefully, his desire to live will override his desire to rebel against me.

****

By the time I get home, I’m beat. By racing like hell, I manage to arrive in time for dinner. I walk into the kitchen and take in the scene. My family’s claimed their usual spots around the kitchen table. They’re laughing and teasing Mama about something, but she’s taking the ribbing with good humor.

Steam rises from pots on the professional range, bringing with it the rich scent of our live-in chef, Giulia’s, osso buco. Giulia is a sturdy Italian woman in her mid-fifties. She has a no-nonsense demeanor and a sharp tongue, but she also has an warm, infectious laugh. Her hair is dark and wavy with a streak of silver at the front. Her olive-toned skin is slightly weathered from her love of gardening.

Her sharp brown eyes flick to me the second I enter the kitchen. “Well, well. Looks like the king will be joining us after all.” She smiles, revealing crooked teeth.

“I heard you were making osso buco, of course I’m here.” I move to her and kiss her lightly on the cheek. I inhale the food, letting out a pleased groan. Osso buco is a feast for the senses. The rich aroma of slow-braised veal shanks fills the air, mingling with the scent of garlic, onions, and white wine.

“Luca,” Isabella exclaims. “I was worried you weren’t coming home for dinner. I was about to take a plate up to Evan. He must be starving.”

I grit my teeth at her insistence on meddling, but when I turn around, I force a smile. “No need for that, Tesoro. I’m going to handle his dinner needs. I told you not to bother him, Isabella. Remember?”

Isabella pouts at my response. “I feel bad for him. Evan’s been stuck in that room all day. That’s not good for him.”

Tony guffaws. “Says the girl who rarely leaves her bedroom unless it’s dinner time or she has a date.”

She punches his arm, laughing. “Be quiet. I leave to go shopping too.”

“Oh, yeah. That’s true.” Tony smirks, and then takes a sip of red wine.

Mama sighs. “I wish you’d warned me you were going to keep that person here, Luca. Since when do you bring strangers home with you?”

I grimace and move to join them at the table. I take a seat across from Mama. “Sorry, it was an emergency.”

Tony leers. “An emergency hookup? Never heard of that before.”

My face warms as Mama shoots me a reproachful look. “It wasn’t a hookup. I’m trying to keep him alive. He pissed off a lot of powerful people.”

Mama lifts her brows. “And you brought him here? Was that wise?”

I lift one shoulder. “I want him alive. This was the safest place I could think of.”

Isabella leans forward, eyes bright. “He’s the hockey player, remember, Mama? The one who refused to do what Luca told him to do.”

Mama nods. “Oh, he’s the one?”

I nod, fiddling with the silverware in front of me. “Vincent and the others want him dead, but I’d rather he didn’t die.”

“He’s very attractive.” Isabella gives an impish smile. “But I especially like that he disobeyed you, Luca.”

I frown. “You like that, do you? Well it’s caused me a lot of trouble.”

She shrugs one slender shoulder. “Pfft, you’ll handle it. You always do.”

Tony refills his wine glass, the gold rings on his thick fingers glistening in the light. “I knew you shouldn’t buy that hockey team. Marco and I both thought the casino deal in Atlantic City was a better option.”

I narrow my eyes. “Well, when you and Marco are in charge, you can do what you want.” I love my brother dearly, but I don’t want him challenging my authority. It’s not a good look for the family. “Last time I checked, I was still the Don of this family.”

“Sure. Sure.” Tony gives an uneasy laugh. “I’m just saying that casino was a sure thing. The hockey team is more work, that’s all.”

“Is that all you’re saying?” I hold his gaze and he squirms in his chair. Tony works as muscle and a street-level enforcer for the family. He’s hot-headed and too impulsive. He craves my approval, but often oversteps boundaries to prove his worth. That means he sometimes creates more problems than he solves, forcing me to clean up his messes. “I can’t say I like the idea you were talking behind my back with Marco about this stuff.”

Pink touches Tony’s cheeks. “I’m allowed to have opinions about things. I mean, it’s my family business too.”

“Yeah, it is.” I frown. “But shouldn’t you focus more on your own responsibilities instead of mine? From what I hear, you fucked up royally the other day.”

Tony’s eyes shift guiltily around the room, avoiding my gaze. “What do you mean?”

Tony runs a backroom betting operation where guys gamble big money on sports, horse races, and underground fights. One of my captains told me Tony screwed up recently, letting some cocky kid from a political family walk in and bet way more than he could actually pay.

“You know exactly what I mean,” I say.

Tony swallows loudly.

I narrow my eyes. “Is it true you let some rich kid in the game, and he stiffed you for six figures? Didn’t you check his credentials before you let him in?”

He winces, the flush in his cheeks deepening. “Oh, that. Well, I’m gonna make him pay, Luca. You don’t have to worry. I’ve already had a very serious talk with him.”

“I’m well aware. I heard you visited him on his college campus.” I lean back in my chair. “Did you know the kid panicked and went to the cops?”

The color now drains from Tony’s face. “What?”

“He went to the cops,” I snap. “Said he was being threatened by Tony Barone. Made a big stink and even tried to get the newspapers involved.”

Mama throws her hands up in the air. “Ma che diavolo hai fatto, Antonio? Sei proprio un testa di rapa,” She mutters in exasperation. “You never think before you act. I swear, mi fai venire i capelli Bianchi. You want me to drop dead from stress, huh?”

Slumping in his chair, Tony groans. “I thought I had him handled.”

I sigh, feeling a little guilty at how demoralized he looks. “It’s fine. I got a heads up from one of my contacts at the police. The kid is under control now.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” Tony practically wheezes.

“Maybe don’t worry so much about what I’m doing.” I lean forward and jab a finger at him. “Focus on your own work, capisce?”

He rubs the back of his neck. “Okay. I… I will. Thanks for handling that, Luca.”

“Of course.” I shrug, loosening my tie. “Family looks out for family.”

Mama nods. “That’s right. We don’t gossip about each other behind our backs.” She shoots tony a chiding glance.

Tony makes a zipping motion, and then laughs sheepishly. “I’m sorry. I’ll do better, Mama.”

Isabella grins. “At least I’m not the only one getting lectured by Luca now. It’s nice to pass the torch to you, Tony.”

He grimaces. “No thanks. You can keep it.”

I address Giulia. “You took breakfast and lunch up to Evan, right, Giulia? Did he eat?”

She sighs and turns from the stove, pushing the sleeves of her white chef’s coat up to her elbows. “I sent the food up just as you requested, but he barely ate a thing.”

I frown. “He probably thinks I’m trying to poison him. He’s so suspicious.”

“You should have let me take his food up, Luca.” Isabella’s eyes brighten. “I could have talked him into eating.”

She’s probably not wrong. Isabella can be very persuasive. But I don’t want her or the others around him until I know if he’s playing ball with me or not. “That’s okay. I’ll make sure he eats a big dinner.” I stand. “Speaking of which, Giulia, I need dinner for two on the back patio.”

Isabella’s face falls. “Wait. You’re not letting him eat with us?”

I laugh. “Of course not. How many times must I tell you I don’t want you around him for now? You need to get your ears checked, Tesoro.”

Isabella’s perfectly shaped eyebrows pull together in a scowl. “Excuse me?”

I smile at her insulted expression. “If he does what I want him to do, you’ll have plenty of time to get to know him. But for now, he’s off limits.”

“You’re so controlling, Luca,” Isabella grumbles, reaching for the wine. “Why did you bring him here if we don’t get to meet him?”

“I told you, it’s for safe keeping. But there are things I need to work out with him.” I move toward the exit. “I need a quick shower. Do you think you can have things set up on the patio in about thirty minutes, Giulia?”

“Of course.” Giulia nods.

“Luca,” Isabella calls after me. “Won’t you reconsider and let Evan eat dinner with us?”

I ignore her and make my way upstairs. Sometimes Isabella is as annoying as a little gnat buzzing my ears. As I reach the upper level and pass Evan’s bedroom door, excitement zips through me just knowing he’s in that room. I’m trying not to get my hopes up that Evan will fall into line, but I can’t help fantasizing about getting more of him. I’ve given Evan way more leeway than I usually give anyone. He’s like a drug that I simply must taste again.

Once in my room, I rush through my shower. I shave to get rid of the dusting of stubble on my jaw, and slap on some cologne. I dress in a fitted white shirt and jeans, hoping to appear less intimidating to Evan.

I laugh self-consciously as I stare at my reflection. “I’m putting way too much thought into this,” I mutter.

It’s true. I am handling Evan very differently from how I’d usually handle someone who’d fucked me over. But that’s only because I want to sleep with him. If I didn’t crave more of him, he’d already be dead. But we had such amazing chemistry that first night together, I want to feel whatever that was again.

I point at my reflection. “You need to charm the little bastard into submission. Nobody can resist Luca Barone forever.” I smirk.

With my pulse racing, I head to the connecting door. I’m breathless as I knock like I promised, and then slowly open the door. As I step into the room, I open my mouth to greet Evan, but before I can get a word out, something smashes against my skull.