Page 70 of Possess Me

“Jesus,” Fallon muttered.

While Ludolf appeared surprised, his expression was quickly replaced with a knowing smile. As if he’d anticipated my reaction.

“We should talk,” he managed even with the pressure I was putting on his neck.

Fallon immediately scrambled to pull the dog into her arms, backing away and for a split second I witnessed a moment of anguished fear.

“Talk? I doubt you want to spout the truth so what’s the point? However, what the fuck do you think you’re doing?” My bark was low-slung, but loud enough I could tell he heard my question.

Fallon shrank back, taking several deep breaths. “Don’t. Vissarian, just stop. I’m fine.”

“No. He was hurting you. That is unacceptable.” With another snarl, I turned my head toward her.

Her face was pinched, the lovely woman standing in shorts and a tee shirt, her hair in a long ponytail, shaking her head. But her features softened and she placed her hand on my arm. “Don’t. He was… He was warning me.”

“Against what?” When she bit her lower lip, I returned my attention to Ludolf. “What were you warning her against? Me? Some fucking Italian syndicate? Or yourself?”

Bella whined, trying desperately to free herself from Fallon’s hold.

Ludolf’s face was turning red. What did I care? Allow the fucker to suffer. I had to admit, I was surprised he wasn’t fighting me. I drove him against the wall two more times.

“I don’t know what game you’re playing, Ludolf, but it will not work. You have information I need and you will supply it.”

“Then work with us,” he gritted out, the bastard still wearing the same smirk as if this was enjoyable to him. In that moment, I realized what he’d been doing. He’d been testing my feelingsregarding Fallon. The moment he’d seen us together, he’d known it would be an excellent method of determining if I could be swayed.

“Whatever you’re really selling has little to do with real estate. You’re trying to develop a super alliance of powerful men who could easily handle any opposing organization. At my expense. Playing with my emotions. Meanwhile, you don’t do shit.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. Your father knew and respected the important work. Talk with him, Vissarian. I’ve done what I could, but there are others who won’t honor the brotherhood.”

Brotherhood. The term was constantly being tossed around as if every criminal organization had one. Bullshit. Most were bottom feeders who didn’t understand the honor of serving, the need for respect. He was hiding one too many details.

“What the fuck are you talking about?” My demand was merely a growl.

“I can say no more. Unless you agree.”

I smashed his head against the building once again.

“Stop!” Her cry was louder than before. “Just let him go. Vissarian. You don’t want to do this. He’s not worth it.”

She was right about that.

Exhaling, I released my hold, allowing him to drop. Even as I backed away, I kept my harsh glare.

“Talk, Ludolf.”

He took the time to adjust his tie, his gaze shifting from my look of anger to Fallon’s face of anxiety.

“You need to ask yourself what really happened fifteen years ago.”

Right now, all I wanted to do was to take out fifteen years of rage on the man. I chose not to simply because Fallon remained two steps away. “Whatever this is, Ludolf, I want no part of it.” Iremained close, finally pulling my weapon into my hands so he knew I meant business.

He took a deep breath, adjusting his tie.

“Die Vergangenheit wird sich immer wiederholen.” With that, he pushed me back, walking away.

German was one language I knew little of, but it was obvious by the look on Fallon’s face she knew exactly what he’d said.

Exhaling, as the first drops of rain began to fall, I forced myself to keep from falling into the ugly despair that had tainted my life.