Page 79 of The Devil's Heir

I pull my phone out and text both Jackson and Joey. I had driven us here, not wanting to have anyone else in the way of my time with Liliana, but now I need Jackson to come and get Lily while I find the fuckers who did this.

After another five minutes, I deem it safe to get Liliana off the floor. I keep myself between Lily and the dead guy behind me, but I can't stop her from seeing a few others who lie closest to the windows. She gasps, and I pull her into me so her face is in my chest.

"Don't look at them, pauper. Keep your eyes closed or on me, okay?" I instruct, and she nods.

"Good girl. It will be okay. I will get you out of here."

"Jarek?"

"Hm?" I hum as I read Jackson's text, telling me he's about two minutes out.

"Are you the one they were targeting? I don't think any other important people are in this place." Lily is a great observer, and she's correct.

Although I'm pretty sure I was the target, I won't tell her that. "I can't be too sure. Sometimes, punks in rival gangs do this as initiations. They go to other towns and shoot up small businesses."

It's not a complete lie; the gangs do tend to initiate this way, but deep down, I know this wasn't the case. It's no coincidence that this attempt happened just a few short weeks after announcing that Liliana was going to have my heir. It's one thing for someone to try and take me out, but if they're coming after my pauper, there's going to be hell to pay. People will truly know what the devil is like when I bring hellfire down on anyone who hurts what's mine.

WhenJackson arrives, he brings Seth, one of my security guards and his lover, with him. He doesn't think I know about them, but he forgets that I know everything that happens under my roof. I don't give a fuck about their relationship; I'm grateful that he thought to bring another guard with him while he transports my precious cargo back to the estate.

"Stay behind me, pauper," I instruct as I open the bullet-riddled wooden door to the restaurant.

Both Jackson and Seth meet me right outside, the car parked on the curb. The three of us shield Liliana as we walk to the car, and Jackson reaches out to open the door. The car is bulletproof, so as long as they don't get into any accidents, she's safe in it.

When Lily notices that I'm not getting in the car with her, she looks up at me with concern. "What are you doing, Jarek? You're coming, aren't you?"

"No, pauper. I need to find out who ordered this hit, and then I need to make sure they're taken care of."

"But what if they come after you?"

The fact that Liliana is concerned for my welfare warms my cold heart. I haven't had anyone worry about me since my parents were alive, and it feels nice.

I bend over, take her chin between my fingers, and say, "I'll be fine. Don't wait up for me; it'll probably be late, but save me a spot in your bed, pauper. I haven't forgotten about my dessert; keep it warm for me."

I kiss her—and she's the one who deepens it this time—allowing me in, and I take full advantage of it. I'm reluctant to let her go, but I must.

Pulling back, I tell her, "Be a good girl." Then, addressing Jackson and Seth, say, "Go straight home; don't stop for anything—not even stoplights."

"Yes, Sir," they respond simultaneously.

"Jarek, please come with me…" Liliana pleads, and it tugs at me.

"Listen, Lily. I am the Boss; therefore, I must take care of this. You're in good hands—I promise."

Before she can argue, I kiss her lips one last time and then slam the door closed, hitting the roof of the car so Jackson can go. I hated seeing the apprehensive look in her eyes when I said I wasn't coming, and I wishI could stay with her, but I need to do this. Her safety comes before anything else.

Joey, Koval, and Elliot show up seconds after the car pulls away. Two more SUVs pull up behind them, carrying more of my men, including the new guys. They all pile out and come to stand before me.

Koval gives a loud whistle. "Damn, what a mess. How many dead?" he inquires.

I shrug. "I didn't count."

"We need to go, Boss," Joey states.

The police sirens in the distance are getting closer. They will be here soon, and I prefer not to be held up by having to talk to them. I nod and head for my car.

"We'll meet at Lonzo's," I throw over my shoulder. When I get to my car, I call out to Joey, "You ride with me."

Joey tosses his keys to Koval and then comes and climbs into the passenger side. As soon as he closes the door, I pull out in traffic and floor it to the Lonzo estate.