Page 107 of Tragic Empire

Leave him, and I might let him live.

Unknown number

Actually, no I won’t. I want to rip him away from you properly. You clearly didn’t learn from Cole. I’ll be more obvious about your lesson this time around.

The only correspondence that was truly chilling came two days ago, and I’ve been a little bummed out ever since.

Unknown number

I’ve been counting, you know? Every time you let him touch you, I add a tally. Do you want to know what I’m going to do with that number when the time comes?

Unknown number

I’m going to carve it into his fucking heart.

I don’t understand who could possibly be behind these threats or why they’re so focused on me. Cassio says they feel possessive of me, and he thinks that killing Cole was meant to be a punishment for acting out. By being with him physically, I signed his death warrant—though Cassio continuously reminds me that I’m not responsible for someone else’s delusions.

It still doesn’t add up to me. Why weren’t there warnings before? There were no threatening texts, or any connection to this anonymous sender at all before. Why did Cole get immediately targeted after being with me? And were Bron and Killian meant to be collateral damage, or were they targeted for being compliant in my relationship with Cole?

Is this bigger than some crazed obsession with me? And whyme?

It gives me a headache, trying to think about it too much.

I try to live in the moment instead, reminding myself how grateful I am for the people surrounding me. Cassio, Armani, and Colton make every day feel easier. Even my daily texts with Jade, and our occasional video chats make me feel lighter.

Napping also helps, and I’ve just gotten up from quite a pleasant one.If only waking up was as satisfying.Narrowing my eyes at my bedroom door, I slip my hand into my bedside table, seeking out the handgun Armani gave me a few weeks back. It’s meant to be for emergencies, in case there’s a break in of some kind, but something is telling me to keep it close now.

I hear voices coming from downstairs. Some I recognize, some I definitely donot. Suspicion has my hackles rising as the sound of a feminine voice registers. It’s too far away to make out any of the words being said, but I know it’s not Agnes, and it’s certainly not Jade.

Creeping down the stairs, gun in hand and Sirius padding behind me, the sight I stumble upon in the kitchen makes my blood boil.

Red hair, slim build with curves, and a smile curling her lips.

Manicured fingers brushing against a masculine wrist.

My eye twitches, and I react without thinking, making myself known.

“Who the fuck are you and why are your hands on my husband?” I demand, pistol pointed firmly at her center mass.

“Ana—” Cassio starts, only to be interrupted by the mystery woman’s soft laugh.

My finger itches to move to the trigger and my teeth gnash. “Laugh at me again, and I swear to God?—”

“Ana,” Cassio says more firmly. “This is Winona. She’s showing me a forearm strap for tactical knives, and she’s not a threat.”

“Winona,” I mock, tasting her name like it’s sour. “Is your name supposed to mean something to me?”

“WinonaWyatt,darling,” she clarifies, a southern twang in her sweet tone. “I believe my son calls you ‘doll’, but you’re not a doll at all, are you? You sound more like a viper to me.”

Slowly lowering my aim to the floor, I assess the beautiful redhead with narrowed eyes. “You’re Colton’s mum?”

“His very married, very not flirting with me, mom,” Cassio confirms.

“I heard New Yorkers weren’t very friendly but I did expect a warmer welcome,” Winona pipes up teasingly.

“Yeah?” I challenge arching a brow. “Do I sound like a New Yorker to you? And would you be welcoming to a pretty stranger you find feeling up your husband in your house without your knowledge?”

“She most certainly wouldn’t be,” my favorite cowboy answers, sauntering into the room. “Did you pull a gun on my mother, doll?” His voice is full of amusement and it makes me want to smack the smug little grin right off his handsome face.