Now

Evan

“HEY, HOW ARE YOU?”

Anna’s eyes are wide as her lips part in surprise. “You shouldn’t be here.” Peering out the door, her head pans a full 180 degrees as she worries her lips.

“They saw me and know I’m here,” I say matter-of-factly.

There’s no working around Mari’s men. The part I can’t figure out is what’s taking him so long to make his move. All of us at HC are feeling uneasy because of it. I can’t shake the feeling that he’s got a plan and we won’t know what it is until he’s got us in his trap.

“Why do you keep taking these risks?” she asks, exasperated. “Do you have any idea what this could mean?”

“Yeah, but I want him to make his move first. This is all part of that.”

It’s true, but there’s more to it than that. Her aunt passed away a week ago and I also want to make sure she’s okay.

She hasn’t really shown any emotion, other than crying the first day I learned about it. I met her briefly and she cried in my arms in public, at the campus park. I considered that progress. The fact that she let me in and showed me what she was feeling shows she’s learning to trust me.

“Come in.” Shaking her head, she turns and leads me into the house, her concern clear in her creased brows. “Evan, I don’t know if you should do this. He’s not going to just let me go.”

“We know that and we’re prepared to negotiate.”

“You have no idea what he’ll ask for.”

“No, but we won’t know what we’re dealing with unless we give him a push.”

We each take a seat in a formal living room. For a young woman, the place is reserved, the furniture conservative and prim. I didn’t know her zia, but it’s clear an older person furnished and lived in this home.

“You like to live dangerously?” she asks dryly.

“Not really, but it keeps things interesting.” My tone is playful and light, although the risk is real and I’m not thrilled about having to tackle it this way. We’re talking about the mafia here, so we can’t go knocking on his door unless we have something to offer, and as of now, we don’t. I’d just be taking, and that simply won’t fly with La Cosa Nostra.

“How’s school?” I ask to change the subject and lighten the mood.

“Fine, the same. I don’t know what I want to do. I feel like I’m so behind in life. I’m nearly twenty-five and I’m just starting college, and even at that, I wonder what the point is. My life’s already been planned for me.” She sighs, her tone dejected and frustrated.

This is only my third time meeting with her, yet I can already tell that she’s a sweet girl. She’s lonely and lacking a bit in confidence, but my guess is that’s only because she hasn’t been encouraged or allowed to spread her wings. My wish is to let her out of this place, to watch her fly. Even in the short time we’ve been getting to know each other, it’s clear that she’ll soar and thrive, if only given the chance.

“No, it’s not. It’s yours to decide—I’ll make sure of it.” Our gazes lock in a familiar standoff. She’s regarding me with half doubt and half hope, and I’m showering her with all my sincerity. I like my sister, a lot, and something tells me that, if I don’t already, I could love her something fierce. “Listen, we’re gathering at The Waters for dinner tonight. It’ll be a bunch of the guys I work with, my friends and family, and I’d love it if you came.”

“Um, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” There’s hesitation and regret in her voice.

“Listen, let me worry about that stuff. Come, you’ll have fun. Carys really wants to meet you.”

Her eyes brighten at the mention of my girl. I’ve talked about Sweetness and Anna seems excited to meet her. Likely, it’s her first chance to bond with another woman close to her age.

“All right, but I have to change.”

We both glance down at her cutoff jogging pants and baggy tee. Nodding, she smiles and bounds out of the room as I text Carys to let her know Anna is coming. She’ll be thrilled.

She’s at her apartment meeting dickface — Greg. I had to pay him a visit at his law firm, told him in no uncertain terms that he was to come get his shit by the end of the week or else I’d burn it all. He was no longer going to hold this over Carys’s head; it was the only connection they had left.

Fortunately, he’s not stupid and called her this morning to arrange to get his stuff. Of course, he insisted that Carys be there. I didn’t like it, but she agreed. She wants it over, and if this is what it takes to get rid of him, so be it. I’ve got Tango on her in case the asshole pulls anything.

Anna’s nervous and fidgety. During the drive to the bar, she squirms and constantly shifts in her seat, asking endless questions about who will be there. She makes me think of an excited kid going to a birthday party.

She abruptly slips her tiny hand in mine as we enter the bar. Glancing down at her, I see her brow is furrowed and she’s gnawing on her lips. Nervous is an understatement. She looks up at me and I give her a small, comforting smile. They’re going to love her.

“Evan.”

Ma greets me with a warm hug. Then, turning, she gives her full attention to my sister. Her eyes are warm and inviting.

“You must be Anna.”

Anna nods, likely unable to find her voice, and a faint smile spreads on her lips.

“You sure are a beauty, and such a little thing.”

Leaning in, she encases Anna in her arms and squeezes her tight. Anna lets out a shocked whimper as her eyes widen and a nervous laugh erupts from her.

“Sorry, dear. I sometimes get carried away. I’m thrilled to meet you. Let me introduce you to everyone.”

Taking Anna’s hand, she draws her into the room. Anna glances back at me, seeking my approval, or perhaps making sure I’ll be close by. I smile and nod in encouragement and as Ma leads her away, I scan the crowd for Sweetness. She isn’t here yet.

Anna is introduced to Tate, Tripp, Coop, and a few of the guys from HC. Ry’s on his way and Max isn’t here. This is the third time Max has been MIA at one of our gatherings, and in talking briefly with Tate, she’s worried. Sure, he’s a doctor and sometimes his schedule doesn’t permit him to be with us, but it seems to be more than that.

While she’s estranged from their mother, Max is still very much entangled with her. From what Ry’s told me, she’s a dangerous woman, more dangerous than Tate is fully aware. I make a mental note to look into it. I don’t like the idea of my friends being in trouble or needing help. Yeah, you heard me right—friends.

Fortunately, Max and I managed to smooth things out since our rocky introduction. I’ve come to like the guy, even if he did try to make a move on my girl. I thank fuck there was no chemistry between them, because if anyone could give me a run for my money where Carys is concerned, it’d be Max.

As we’re about to order, I call Carys. She’s still not here, and there’s a growing knot in my stomach at her absence.

“Mr. Hart.” A male voice answers her phone and the hairs on the back of my neck bristle. “I was wondering when you’d call. I believe I have something of yours. If you want the opportunity to get her back, be at my place in twenty minutes.” His words are ominous.

“You fucking touch a hair on her head and I’ll kill you!” I threaten as the phone goes dead. The fucker hung up.