Page 99 of To Have & to Hurt

Rafael bursts out laughing and by the time he finishes he’s gasping for air. “I’ll be a fucking rabbit, as long as it’s the one like inMonty Python and the Holy Grail. That little fucker was straight up lethal.”

I stand as well and both of their attentions shift to me. “We believe in loyalty ’til death and our mother is a part of that. If we find her innocent of past crimes, we will not only continue with building our legacy, but we’ll be honor bound to protect hers.”

1 My fox

2 My wolf.

3 My lion

4 My fox

Epilogue

Tristano

If Violetta doesn’t show up in the next two minutes, I’m going to spank her beautiful ass.

My “guest,” one of the very few people I’ve allowed inside my home—without having one of my men trail them for weeks or even months prior to validate them—shifts his gaze to me, but then it quickly darts away. He adjusts his weight from one foot to the other, giving away his nervousness and slight impatience, and says nothing.

Wise choice.

I want this moment to be perfect for Violetta and I will not be rushed by someone who couldn’t afford to buy any of his wares, let alone the entire collection like I’m able to. It’d take millions, but I highly doubt myribellewill want everything displayed in my study. Come to think of it, I’m not exactly sure she’ll want the gift I’m trying to give her.

My lips twist at the thought and Mr. Jones pales.

“I will return shortly,” I say.

Not waiting for him to answer, I stride to the door and take hold of the handle with a firm grip, pulling it open. A tiny shriek fills my ears as the sight of Violetta fills my vision.

And she fulfills my every fantasy.

Her dark strands are piled on top of her head, leaving wisps of hair to float about as she backs up a step. I have my hand securely around her wrist to prevent her from moving away and stare down at her in amazement. The loose curls settle, brushing against the collar around her neck.

Whatever reprimand I had planned to address her tardiness evaporates like smoke.

I take a deep breath to still the raging possessiveness that’s bombarding me. It’s not working, but I have to be positive that what she’s wearing is actually a collar, like those worn between a dom and a sub. Violetta may not have a clue about what that means.

“Tristano?”

Her voice is strained and her oceanic gaze has dulled, becoming like murky water and hiding the brilliance of her eye color. I stifle a growl of frustration toward myself and tug her wrist gently. She comes to me and I wrap my hands around her neck, running my thumbs along the black leather, complete with a metal, heart-shaped adornment in the center.

“What’s this?”

She searches my gaze with hers. “Don’t you like it?”

“I love everything you wear and I especially enjoy when you wear nothing at all. Answer my question.”

“It’s a collar,” she says, lowering her voice to a whisper. “You mentioned it that one time…”

“Yes, after I fucked you. It’s one of my favorite memories.”

“Tristano!” She glances around, finds the hallway empty and brings her attention back to me. “Well, after that I researched it and then had Carina buy it, so I could surprise you. The problem is I couldn’t find the courage to actually wear the thing. It’s not exactly the same as a choker, you know.”

I nod. “I do. They are completely different.”

Violetta presses her lips together and drops her gaze. Which I immediately bring back to me by pushing up her chin.

“This is a gift I will always remember and I thank you for it.”