I roll to my back and blink rapidly, attempting to shake off the last vestiges of sleep. Something feels different this morning. My throat is sore, and my body feels tender in an unfamiliar way. I glance around the room, barely able to make out the shape of a bedside lamp in the dim light of early morning. The silence is shattered by a loud screech, followed by a meow that will be heard for miles. I sit up quickly just in time to hear a commotion in the hallway. “Goddammit, you mongrel, come back here! How was I to know you weren’t finished taking a shit? There was a pile in the box the size of a small building.” My mouth drops open as a light flips on outside the door, and I see Rufus run by, followed closed by a nearly naked Lee.

It takes my brain a long moment to register where I am and why, before I gather my wits enough to slide awkwardly from the bed. I look around but see no sign of my clothes from the night before or anything else for that matter. The sound of a crash, followed by curses has me tossing modesty to the wind and hurrying to find out what’s going on. I’m brought up short by the sight of Lee, with his hands on his lean hips, staring down as Rufus kneads his claws in what is undoubtedly a very expensive chair. “I think I’m gonna be sick,” I whisper as I survey the damage.

I swear, if it’s possible for a cat and a person to be glaring at each other, then they’re doing it. Rufus appears almost defiant as he works his claws into the leather while Lee stands there doing nothing to stop him. “You do realize that you’ll pay for that, don’t you?” he asks without looking my way. I open my mouth to assure him that I will, when he continues. “I know you’re doing it on purpose, and while I applaud your attempt to show me who’s boss, you’ve made a dire miscalculation.” He’s having a conversation with Rufus. Damn, I wish I had my phone to record this. I remain stock-still not wanting to ruin the moment. “You see,” Lee continues, “if you knew me at all, you’d realize that there’s only room for one boss here, and that ain’t you, pal. I let you get away with covering most of the bathroom in fucking sand and attempting to rip my dick off last night, but it’s the end of the line.” His voice takes on that commanding tone that I’ve heard so often at Falco as he raises his hand and points toward the floor. “Now come down from there right now and don’t even think about taking off.” I grin, waiting for Rufus to ignore him, but I’m astonished when my normally stubborn animal does exactly as Lee has commanded. Even going so far as to sit at his feet as if awaiting praise and his next order.

“Unbelievable,” I say to myself, but neither of them appear to know that I’m witnessing this scene unfold.

I’m further shocked when Lee bends down and scratches Rufus behind the ears. The cat begins purring loudly and staring at Lee with a look of absolute adoration. “Well done,” Lee praises him. “Since you listened so well, I’ll let the chair thing go, and you’ll be rewarded at breakfast. But if this happens again, you’ll be shitting in the street somewhere.”

That’s it. I can no longer hold it back. I begin laughing. Lee turns and rolls his eyes at me as if he’s known I’ve been here all along. “I swear you could be the cat whisperer,” I gasp out. “I can’t believe he did what you told him to. How in the world did you manage that?” Lee stands, and his eyes roam leisurely over me. It’s then that I realize that I’m completely naked. “I couldn’t find my clothes,” I say awkwardly as I cross my arms over my chest. Of course, the bottom part of me is still exposed, and I can’t do anything about it without looking like an idiot.

I almost expect him to pretend like nothing happened last night, but when he pulls me against him and lowers his mouth to mine, I feel giddy. He kisses me thoroughly, and when he pulls back, I’m drunk from the taste of his tongue sliding against mine. Sweet baby Jesus, the man is amazing at both kissing and fucking. Wait, did I just call it fucking? It’s hard to refer to being taken against the wall as making love. Whatever, it was amazing. I came in an embarrassingly short amount of time, but there was no holding back. His big cock, along with his mouth and hands, were enough to drive me insane with desire. I want him again now, and if the hardness pressed against me is anything to go by, then he is of the same mind. “Good morning,” he murmurs against the side of my neck, before dropping a kiss onto the tip of my nose. “I trust by all the sounds you were making that you slept well?”

I drop my forehead against his chest in embarrassment. When I’m overly tired, I do tend to snore. “Sorry,” I mumble. “I hope I didn’t keep you awake.”

He rubs my back leisurely before moving lower and squeezing one of my butt cheeks. He does seem to have a thing for my ass. His hands were there several times the night before. And even though I’ve always been self-conscious about the size of it, I haven’t cared. It feels so good that he so openly admires my body—even the parts I don’t love myself. “No, sweetheart, you were fine. I can’t say the same for the beast, though.” He turns his head to where Rufus is still sitting in the same spot watching us. “I’m surprised you didn’t hear him raising holy hell. I went in there the first few times thinking he’d hurt himself somehow only to find him absolutely fine.”

I press my lips to his chest, kissing him in apology. “It’s the new surroundings. I’m sure he was nervous. Other than the veterinarian, he’s never been anywhere overnight except for my house.” I look around for a clock but don’t see one. “I know it must be getting late, and we need to get ready for work. So as soon as I find my clothes, I’ll straighten up the bathroom.”

“It’s already been taken care of,” Lee mumbles. He looks uncomfortable now as he stares at some point over my shoulder. “I was up early, and I didn’t want you to have to deal with it.”

I’m beyond stunned. “You cleaned up? But surely, you didn’t scoop the box out? I can do that. I’ve done it so often; it’s almost like second nature to me now.”

“Honey, it’s been taken care of.” He isn’t making eye contact, and I’m not sure what to make of that. Then he adds softly, “I’ve never lived with anyone other than Pete in my adult life. So I’m used to a certain amount of order. If something needs to be done, I do it.”

“But don’t you have a housekeeper?” I ask, knowing he does. I’ve met her a few times when she’s dropped off stuff at the office that he needed from home.

“I do.” He nods. “But she mostly does the shopping and a bit of cooking. Occasionally, she handles the laundry. She’s away visiting her sister right now, though.” I want to question him further, but he derails me by saying, “Now that we’ve covered that, we’ll have some bagels that were delivered earlier and a glass of juice. Then we’re going to talk.” So much for him being tempted by my nakedness. Talk? This can’t be good.

“Don’t we need to get to work?” It must be earlier than I thought, because Lee is never late.

“We’re taking the day off,” he tosses out as if he’s discussing nothing of importance. “There are some things we need to address, and I don’t want to wait any longer. Plus, there are too many distractions and interruptions at Falco. Kara has kindly agreed to handle everything until tomorrow.”

New strategy time. “But I’m not wearing any clothes,” I purr in what I hope is a seductive voice. He’s still hard against me, so surely I can tempt him.

He appears faintly amused as his arms tighten around me. “I’m not blind, little bird. I’ve never been more aware of something in my fucking life.” I’ve so got this, I think a mere second before he puts me firmly away from him. “Your clothes are hanging in my closet. Why don’t you go do whatever you need to and then meet me in the kitchen for breakfast?” When I simply stand there gaping at him, his hands land on my shoulders as he turns me gently around before swatting my ass. “We’re going to have to work on this sulking. I know where the cat gets it from now.” I stick my tongue out at him childishly thinking he can’t see it, but his chuckle lets me know he does. “I’ll find a better use for that later,” he murmurs before walking in the other direction. I stop, a little giddy thinking about using my tongue on him. And now a little wet too. Damn the man.

“That was an epic failure in seduction,” I grumble to Rufus. “And what are you now, a lap dog? Have a little pride.” I swear he gives me a look of disdain before following behind his new master. Once in the bedroom, I wander into his closet and blink in surprise. It’s as big as my entire bedroom, and everything is organized so well it boggles my mind. The hangers are all pointing in the same direction and the clothing is arranged by color. All the shirts are grouped together as well as the slacks and jackets. There’s a separate area for his ties, shoes, and hell, everything really. I wander around the space until I find the items from my suitcase all carefully arranged at the far end of the closet. Dear Lord, he’s anal retentive. I’m almost afraid to touch anything. I have a feeling he’ll notice if a hanger is moved. He even hung up my yoga pants. I grab a pair with a wild floral pattern and a matching Nike shirt. I’m careful to leave everything as it was. I then go through a nearby set of drawers until I locate my bra and panties. Pretty, matching undergarments are one of my few loves. I choose a silky pair of purple boy shorts and a pushup bra and close the drawer. After a quick shower in Lee’s luxurious bathroom, I dress and head toward the kitchen. I have no idea how long it’s been, but I know how he is about punctuality.

He’s sitting at the bar with a glass of juice in front of him and Rufus at his feet when I walk in. He glances up and smiles, and my heart does a funny somersault. He’s so freaking beautiful. I’ve just taken a seat across from him when the cell phone near his elbow rings. He picks it up and glances at the caller ID before answering it with a curt, “Yes.” He stays on the line for what seems like forever with only the occasional acknowledgment of whatever the person is saying. He doesn’t add anything to the conversation—which seems bizarre. When I look up from my bagel and find his gaze fixed on me intently, I shift uneasily in my seat. I offer him a smile, but he doesn’t acknowledge it in any way. I understand how seriously Lee takes everything in life, especially business matters, but this feels different. Why isn’t he speaking? Surely, whoever is on the other end of the line has said something by now that would require Lee to say more than, “Yes” or “I see.” But he hasn’t, and even though I have no reason to be nervous, I am. I can’t help it. I know instinctively that something is wrong. It’s there in the waves of energy radiating off him. I feel the desire to grab Rufus and make a run for it—but I’m frozen in place. I don’t want to stay, but I can’t leave. Then it hits me with the force of a speeding train. He knows. I know he’s known something about Hunter Wrenn and me, but clearly it can’t have been as much as I thought. But now? I’ve never been so certain of anything before in my life. My nerves are at a breaking point by the time he ends the call and tosses the phone down carelessly onto the bar. It clatters loudly, and I can’t control my flinch.

I gape at him in confusion when he picks up his half-eaten bagel and takes a bite as if nothing out of the ordinary happened. I almost believe I imagined the whole thing if not for the weird current that still fills the air around us. “Is everything all right?” I ask hesitantly, unable to stand the silence any longer.

He doesn’t answer the question, but says instead, “Finish your breakfast.” His face is impassive, and his body language says clearly that any further conversation isn’t welcome. I take a few more bites of the blueberry bagel, but it’s like sawdust in my mouth. I finally lay my napkin down, and as if he has been waiting for the signal, he gets to his feet and clears the table. I don’t offer to help because I’m not sure my legs will work at this point. I’m literally a prisoner to the barstool I’m sitting on. Even upset, angry, or whatever the hell he is, he still carefully cleans up all the remains of our food, right down to wiping the crumbs away and loading the dishwasher. I have never known a person in my life—and certainly not a man—who is as much of a neat freak as he is. When he’s finished, he says stiffly, “Could you come into my office please?” He may have phrased it as a question—but we both know it isn’t. Gone is the man who couldn’t keep his hands off me. I follow him out of the kitchen and down the hallway to a door at the other end. He keys in a code to release the door, then motions me inside. I didn’t notice the lock when he pointed his office out last night, but I’m not surprised. He’s always been very security conscious, which made what my family wanted me to do virtually impossible—thank God. “Have a seat, Jade,” he says softly, and I comply without hesitation.

Then it hits me with the force of a lightning bolt. Jade. He knows my name. A denial springs instantly to my lips, but I don’t voice it. What is the point? It’ll only make matters worse—if that’s even possible. There has always been an air of danger around Lee, but I’ve never been afraid of him, and strangely, I’m not now either. I can’t bring myself to believe he’d ever physically hurt me. But I know now that he doesn’t have to, because he holds the power to destroy me with his words alone. “I wanted to tell you.” I sigh. “I didn’t know how to do that without you hating me.”

He steeples his hands before him as he stares blankly at me. “Funny thing about betrayal; it does have a way of turning friends into enemies.”

Leaning forward in my chair, I say huskily, “I didn’t betray you, Lee. At least not in the way you think. I never gave my father any information he could use against you. And believe me, I had to withstand a lot of pressure from him and my sister.”

He snorts as if he doesn’t believe a word. “You betrayed me the moment you took a job at Falco with a false identity.” He sits back in his chair, looking like the gangster he’s reputed to be. “Now, let’s start at the beginning. I know who you are, but I don’t have the specifics as to why. Don’t get me wrong. I’m aware of the past connection with your father and the company I took over. But this elaborate scam seems a bit extreme for simple retaliation. And don’t even think of holding back on me. I want the fucking truth. You owe me that.”

Without thinking, I raise my hand to the tender skin of my throat, and his eyes follow the motion. I see the first real sign of anger simmering there as he appears to come to a conclusion about how it happened. I look down to gather my composure before once again facing him. This is what I’ve worried about. This is why I left. I didn’t want to see the anger directed at me. “You’re right, this is about more than the company. Truthfully, I don’t think my father would have been so bent on revenge if not for the fact that the company you stole from him resulted in my mother’s death. Before you took Wrenn Wear, my father said she never drank more than a glass of wine with dinner. But afterward, she began drinking heavily. And the arguments—I remember they constantly yelled at each other. Sometimes, it seemed to continue all night. Until she went out one day—and never came back.” My chest is tight as I add, “Her car left the road, and she hit a tree. The police said she never even pressed the brake pedal. She was killed instantly.”

The mighty and powerful Lee Jacks did not expect that. He’s clearly surprised—no, shocked. Even though his expression changes very little, I’ve learned to read him. And it’s there in the way his hand clenches and in the slight tic of his cheek. “I don’t see the connection,” he says flatly. “It was but a small holding in the vast Wrenn empire. Of little consequence to anyone. I have no idea why Draco even wanted it,” he adds almost as an afterthought.

“I don’t know all the details. I was very young when it happened. But my mother was running the company you took over. According to my father, outside of her family, Wrenn Wear was the love of her life.”

Lee pinches the bridge of his nose and closes his eyes for a moment before saying, “You must know what kind of man your father is. Well, he crossed the wrong people and got off remarkably light.”

“You took the company for someone else?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

He inclines his head. “I did. He owed a debt to Draco Moretti, and he paid for it with Wrenn Wear.”

“You tossed my mother and everyone else there out in the street,” I say accusingly. This part of the picture hasn’t made sense to me since I got to know Lee. He’s ruthless in business, but always fair.

“The company was never officially mine, Liza… Jade.” He catches himself after using my assumed name and spits the other one out in contempt. He pauses for a moment. “It was signed over to Moretti Holdings the second it was acquired. That was always the plan. Back in those days, I worked for Victor, who was best friends with Draco. I didn’t question orders from either of them because they’d never once given me a reason to question their loyalty to me. Do you have any idea how rare that is in this fucked-up world?”

I don’t think he meant to tell me as much as he has. Naturally, I’ve heard stories of Victor Falco through the years. Draco’s name had also come up in passing, although there was very little information available on either man other than their supposed ties to organized crime. “I know my father’s not a good person.” I feel like I’m committing a betrayal of the worst kind, but what else is there to do? This has gone on for entirely too long. Eventually, someone would get hurt, and I don’t plan to be a party to it. “I couldn’t be around him for this many years and not be aware of that.” Moisture gathers at the corners of my eyes as I add softly, “But there’s one thing I can tell you that is absolutely true. He loved my mother. I might have been young when she died, but I clearly recall the way he worshiped her. He was different back then—even with my sister and me. Funny and loving—like other dads. Not this version that he turned into after her death.”

“Honey, I’m sorry, I truly am,” Lee says sincerely. I don’t think he notices the endearment he’s let slip because surely, he doesn’t mean it—especially now. “But, regardless of what you think, I had nothing to do with whatever happened to her. And it was and still is standard protocol to make staff changes in companies you acquire. That would have especially been true of Wrenn Wear considering it was acquired through a hostile takeover. Draco wouldn’t have felt comfortable leaving anyone in major positions there with loyalty to Wrenn. That would certainly include your mother.”

“But why would he have wanted that company? I mean, you, yourself have admitted that you don’t understand it.”

He’s getting irritated with my questions. His normally calm demeanor is fraying. His movements are abrupt and jerky. Very out of character for the man I know. “I don’t fucking know,” he snaps. “It never mattered to me back then. I was a kid off the streets, so taking a fucking company from someone was what I considered clean work. Sure, some rich bastard might not like it, but there was no physical force behind it. I took control by digging through company records until I found a weakness I could exploit. I won because I was smarter. I could think of scenarios that a team of lawyers couldn’t come up with.”

“And you loved that,” I say as I begin to understand the side of the man he’s always kept hidden from me.

“You’re damn right I did,” he says flatly. “I came from nothing—absolute filth, shame, and hopelessness. That was how Pete and I grew up. We were dirt on the shoes of people like your father. He wouldn’t have given me a job washing his fucking car. So yeah, the fact I could think circles around Ivy League assholes and watch them look at me incredulously as I moved in for the kill was a fucking high unlike any I’d ever experienced before. I was their judge, jury, and executioner. But what I killed was their hope that they could possibly keep me from taking what I wanted from them at any time. I never made threats to families or them personally. I didn’t have to. There was always a loophole somewhere in their company that I could climb through. I simply searched for it.” I want to ask him to explain why he and Peter lived in such hopelessness, but I’m not sure I have that privilege anymore. I want to know him. Dearly.

“So you did this for Victor and Draco?” I ask, wanting to know more about the powerful men who had so influenced his life.

“In the beginning, yes. Eventually, I began to build my own empire. By the time Victor died, my holdings were almost as impressive as his. Then I combined them, and Falco was officially born.”

I wasn’t sure how to word this next question and finally settled on, “But it’s run—differently now, right? I mean, than when Victor was in charge.”

He doesn’t pretend to misunderstand. “Yes, I’ve spent a lot of time and lost money making sure of that. I have a daughter and a grandchild who I want my part of Falco to go to eventually. I don’t want them to encounter any difficulties when that happens. It’s my desire for Falco to be a company they’re proud of. I have earned and deserve the whispers and speculation that follow me—but they don’t.”

There is a pang in my heart at his words. It’s so apparent that he’s been to hell and back. His loyalty to a man who the rest of the world thought of a killer isn’t surprising, but the fact that Victor was apparently just as loyal to Lee is downright astonishing. “Whoever said that there is no honor among thieves couldn’t be more wrong.” There’s a code that goes beyond that of blood. These men weren’t related, but they were family just the same. I have no doubt that Lee would have given his life for the one man who believed in him. “What happens now?” I ask haltingly. Do I really want to know?

Lee nods, appearing surprised by my words, before his eyes drop to my neck and his lips tighten. “Did your father do that to you?”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to lie, but I’m so tired of it all. Plus, he knows the answer; he always does. “Yes. I was summoned home last night. When I got there, he wanted to know what I’d learned since going back to work for you. When I told him there was nothing to find—that all men weren’t like him—he lost it.” I swallow hard as my fingers lift to rub the tender skin that is even more discolored today. “I thought… for a moment, I thought he would kill me. I’ve rarely seen him lose his temper like that. I mean, he’s been a verbal bully for years, but not physical.” I shudder, thinking of the look in his eyes as he held my throat. Took my ability to breathe away… “I’ve always been the outsider. My sister, Jacey, works with my father, and he doesn’t make a secret out of the fact he prefers her to me.” I drop my gaze in shame before saying, “A part of me was happy when he asked me to go to work for you. To help him get justice for our mother. It was the first time in so long that he acted as if I were worthy of being his daughter. It didn’t take me long, though, to realize what a mistake I’d made. And I wanted out. I tried to walk away, but he wouldn’t hear of it. Then some time ago, his interest in you became more crazed than it had ever been before. I don’t know what changed, but instead of Jacey contacting me, he was as well, almost daily. He was impatient, insulting, and even threatening. I just—couldn’t take it anymore. I cared about you, Lee, and there was no way I would be a part of anything happening to you.”

“So you quit,” he murmurs before rubbing his neck. He’s stressed. “Goddammit to fucking hell, Liza! I mean, Jade, shit.” He knocks a nearby book off his desk, and we both watch as it crashes into the wall and lands with a loud crash on the floor. It’s so apparent that it’s killing him to have it lying there ruining the otherwise tidiness of his office. Again, the tic in his cheek probably isn’t noticeable to anyone other than me, but I see it. I get to my feet and retrieve it, returning it to where it was just seconds earlier, before taking my seat once again. He doesn’t acknowledge the gesture in any way, but he visibly relaxes. I so want to know the rest of his story. The part that tells me why he can’t handle disorder of any kind. It goes beyond being a neat freak. There’s a driving force there and to know it would be to unlock an important piece of who he is. “I am so fucking angry with you that I honestly don’t know how to handle it,” he continues, as if the book thing has never happened. “You betrayed me in ways that no one has ever dared. I trusted you. I gave you access to files not many know exist. Falco is clean, so I’m not worried about that, but you’ve been lying since the very moment you walked into Falco. To me, it looks as though you were willing to do whatever was necessary to do your father’s bidding, up to and pretending to have feelings for me.”

“What? No!” I sit forward quickly, putting out a hand beseechingly. “I’d never do that. I fell in love with you, Lee.” I know this isn’t the time to hold back. “I could have witnessed you murder someone in cold blood, and I wouldn’t have been able to tell my father. I told you I never gave him anything, even when he really turned up the heat.” I point at my neck before adding, “This should show you that much. If I didn’t care, I would have told him anything to avoid having this, but I didn’t, and I never will.”

He snaps his fingers, and I flinch. “So, just like that you can turn your back on your family? For me? You knew nothing about me. That’s pretty convenient, don’t you think?”

I straighten my spine, willing him to see that I’m dead serious. “I don’t belong with them,” I say clearly. “I’ve been a Wrenn in name only, and they’d be the first to tell you that if they were honest. You’re the only one who’s ever seen me. Maybe you didn’t know my legal name, but I never pretended with you beyond that. You had the real me from the start. I found it impossible to be any other way. You always appreciated me—had confidence in my abilities when no one else did. They’re my relatives, and there’s nothing I can do about that, but my loyalty is to you. Surely deep down you know that.”

He gets to his feet and walks to stand before a large picture window. His hands are in the pockets of his jeans, and he appears lost in thought. I know his mind is running through everything he’s learned, and that I probably won’t want to hear the conclusion he reaches, but what more can I do? Regardless of what happens now, a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Everything is finally out in the open. I know in my heart I’ll lose him. There’s no way he can be romantically involved with someone he doesn’t trust. Heck, he can’t have that in his life, period. And for a man in his position, can I really blame him? It’s not as if I’ve stolen company office supplies. No, I told a trail of lies for the sole purpose of ruining him. How could he possibly forgive that? “I’m at a loss here,” he finally admits. I hear the confusion in his voice, and I ache to comfort him. He won’t show any weakness, especially toward a woman he will want to destroy. “If you were anyone else… it would be so much fucking easier if you were. Part of me wants to destroy everything you hold dear—to burn it to the ground and watch as the ashes land at your feet. But a piece of me, that I don’t even understand, feels compelled to save you. Yet the fucked-up thing is that I’m now your biggest threat. So how am I to battle myself?” I open my mouth, to say I have no clue, but he holds up his hand as if sensing it. “Please leave my office. Not my home. For now. I’ll know if any exterior doors open, so don’t think of going anywhere. I need time to process this.”

I stay where I am for a moment as I consider pleading my case further, then decide against it. He’s too divided right now, and anything I say at this point will only frustrate him. Lee is a loner, and I need to respect that or risk pushing him in a direction I don’t want him to go. “I’m sorry,” I say quietly, hoping he can hear the sincerity of it, before I stand to do as he’s asked. I’m surprised that I’m not falling apart now that I’m away from him, but strangely enough, the sense of relief I felt earlier is still here. How long it will last, I can’t say, but for now, I feel some hope.

Part of me wants to destroy everything you hold dear—to burn it to the ground and watch as the ashes land at your feet. What he doesn’t realize is that he is the everything I hold dear.

LEE

I hear the door close behind her and allow my shoulders to sag. After all these years, I thought I was beyond being fooled to the degree that Liza—fuck, Jade—has fooled me. Of course, I knew something was off from the moment she was spotted going to Wrenn’s house. I even guessed a family connection. But dammit, I hadn’t seriously entertained the idea that she could be out to infiltrate Falco with the sole intention of discrediting me. And the horrific part of the whole thing is that I never suspected anything. Nothing about her had set off any alarm bells. And that was the scariest thing of all. I survived many harrowing years by instinctively sensing danger and deception. But fuck it all. Nothing. She never so much as caused a blip on my radar in either of those regards.

I pick up my cell phone with the intention of asking Pete to come over, then think better of it. I’d rather not have to worry about Liza—fuck, Jade—overhearing our conversation. So instead, I send him a text and ask him to meet me at the sports bar a few blocks away. I then send an identical message to Lucian. Since he’s the one who gave me the bad news earlier, I figure he may have some other information I can use.

Even though seeing her again right now is the last thing that I want, I can’t leave without telling her I’m going. And reinforcing my order that she not go anywhere. I’m standing in the hallway trying to decide where to look first when I hear her voice nearby. It sounds as if she’s in the bedroom—which irritates the hell out of me. I don’t want to be reminded that mere hours earlier I was inside her beautiful body driving us both to an explosive release. Goddamn you, little bird. I school my face into its usual expressionless mask as I stand in the open doorway taking in the scene before me. She’s lying in my bed propped up on a mountain of pillows with Rufus stretched out on her stomach. Even from here, I can hear her occasional bout of sniffles. Her face is wet, and her eyes are closed. It almost looks as if she’s sleeping, but the steady stroke her hand over the cat’s back says otherwise. Despite the anger I feel toward her, the urge to offer comfort is strong. Only, how can I? To do that will condone what she’s done. So I harden my heart and clear my throat loudly. She jerks, which elicits a meow of complaint from her feline companion. In a gesture that’s oddly childish, she wipes her eyes with the back of her hands before staring at my chest instead of meeting my gaze. Her avoidance is a relief, making it easier to remain aloof. “I need to go out for a while. If you need anything, dial one for the concierge, and he’ll take care of it. There’s also plenty of food in the kitchen, or if you’d prefer something else, then order takeout.”

She turns away to stare at the wall before saying quietly, “I know the drill, Lee. I’m not to leave. And you don’t need to worry about that. I haven’t the energy or desire to go on the run at this time. So you can rest easy.” I stay where I am for a moment longer, but she says nothing else. She’s dismissed me as surely as she uttered the words. Childishly, I feel the desire to have the last word but refrain. Haven’t we said enough to each other for now? There’s nothing I can add that will make her or me feel better about what’s transpired today. That will take a fucking miracle, and the last time I checked, those were in short supply. So I take my leave instead. I stop at the front desk and inform them that I’m to be called if she leaves. Then I walk the short distance to the sports bar where I’ve met Luc at a few times. The crowd is sparse due to the early hour, which suits me perfectly. I glance around and see that both Luc and Pete are sitting at a table near the back, laughing like old friends. They’ve bonded easily since Lia came in to my life. “Oh fuck.” I roll my eyes, before surveying my surroundings nervously. “Please tell me that insane bartender isn’t here. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that. She’s scary as fuck.”

Luc laughs, while Pete appears lost. Surely, I’ve mentioned her before. “I haven’t seen Misty yet.” Luc smirks. “We can only hope it stays that way.” He nods toward Pete before adding, “She’d probably be thrilled to see some new blood. After Aidan rebuffed her, she hasn’t been the same.”

Now Pete really looks intrigued before it seems to hit him and he smiles. “Ah, I remember Kara mentioning her. I believe they’re friends now. She was at the cancer benefit we held. An interesting lady.”

“She’s crazy as a shit-house rat,” I deadpan as I pull a chair out and settle my large frame into it. “I’d like to be able to talk without her mauling me the entire time. The stuff she comes up with is downright disturbing.”

“True that, brother,” Luc agrees as he takes a sip from the beer in front of him. Even though we’re meeting during business hours, a few beers are nothing to any of us. If it were later, it would be scotch or bourbon.

“So what’s this about?” Pete asks curiously. “And why haven’t you been in the office today? Obviously, it’s not business related since you’re wearing jeans.”

This part is going to suck more than a little. I feel as if I’m betraying her trust by telling my brother, but considering all I know, how can I keep this from him now? There is simply no way to sugarcoat it, so I lay out the facts as I know them. “Liza’s name is actually Jade Wrenn. She’s the daughter of Hunter Wrenn. Twenty years ago, I took over Wrenn Wear for Draco, and apparently, Hunter has harbored a grudge since then. He concocted an identity for her and sent her to work for me to find anything he could use to ruin Falco. Well, me specifically. Only, apparently, she couldn’t go through with it and finally quit when he began turning the pressure up.”

Pete appears stunned as I pause, giving him time to process what I’m telling him. Finally, he asks, “How? Everyone at Falco is vetted thoroughly before they’re hired. It shouldn’t have been possible for her to get a job.”

“I have an answer to that puzzle,” Luc inserts grimly. “You hung up so abruptly earlier, Lee, that I didn’t get to tell you everything.” A sick feeling stirs in the pit of my stomach. “My guy found evidence that Sears was paid off to approve Liza’s background check. There’s also a good possibility that Jenkins is on the take as well. It’s far too convenient that they were both completely incompetent with anything pertaining to her.”

Pete curses under his breath as my rage hums through my veins. It’s unfathomable to me that Falco has suffered this kind of breach. He not only opened the door for our enemies, but he also rolled out the fucking welcome mat. Sears was fired for fucking up information pertaining to Lia. At that time, I had no reason to question anything related to Liza. But Jenkins—other than pointing out that she’d been to visit Hunter Wrenn, has given me nothing of value. He’s been stalling at every turn, so there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s been paid off. No one will ever hire him again, and he can only hope I leave it at that. I’d love to tear his fucking head off and spit down his throat, so firing and blacklisting his sorry ass will be far too lenient. I’ve been stumbling around in the dark for far too long and need the big picture. “Luc, can your guy dig up everything he can on Wrenn Wear? According to… Jade, her mother was running the company at the time of the takeover. She claims that after the management was replaced, her mother started drinking heavily and eventually died in a suicide car crash, thus spurring her father to seek revenge against me.”

Pete puts a hand over his face, muttering, “Goddamn. This is like some kind of soap opera. I don’t remember Wrenn Wear, but it sounds like an unusual company for Draco to want. Nothing like any of his other holdings that I’m aware of.”

I’ve been thinking the same thing. “All I was told was that it was payback for a business deal gone bad. It seemed strange to me at the time, but you know that both Victor and Draco could be eccentric. I never questioned their choices: he wanted it—I took it, end of story. As I told Jade, it was never mine, and I haven’t thought about it in years.”

“And she claims that Wrenn suddenly started pressuring her more?” Luc asks as he flips through his iPad. “From the report, I don’t see anything noteworthy from around the time she mentioned. Could be he just got impatient.”

“I’m finished thinking anything concerning this mess is a coincidence,” I say flatly. “We need to assume that any change in behavior is relative. Maybe have your guy concentrate more effort there. It could be nothing, but my gut tells me it isn’t. Especially after him trying to strangle her last night.”

“Wait—what?” Pete interrupts before I can continue. “Who strangled who?”

I told Luc about the latest developments earlier, but I’ve forgotten that Pete doesn’t know as much about what is going on as Luc does. A fact I now feel like shit about. My brother was always my closest friend and ally. I regret now that I’ve let my need to shield my family keep me from sharing information that they should have known about from the beginning. If there’s a threat against me, then it only stands to reason that Pete is also vulnerable. Fuck, I’ve made a mess of this. I sigh. “Apparently, Liza… Fuck it. Jade was summoned home to see her father last night, and when she made a remark he didn’t like, he assaulted her.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Pete snaps, clearly outraged. “We can’t let that bastard get away with this. Things might be questionable where she’s concerned, but I would have felt it in my gut if she were a danger to us. I don’t know where all the pieces fit together, but I’m willing to bet that she’s mostly guilty of being born a Wrenn. She would never hurt you. Hell, we all know she’s been in love with you for a long time.” So perhaps she wasn’t lying about that.

“It’s no secret.” Luc nods in agreement. “I realize how it appears on paper, and you both know I’m always suspicious of the motives of others, but I have to agree with Pete on this one. I’ve never felt any negative vibe about Liza either. We need to know a lot more before we can draw conclusions, especially concerning her. Wrenn is up to no good, though.” He flips through a few more screens before adding, “Hunter’s wife, Jasmine Wrenn, died in 1998. As Jade indicated, it was a car accident. There’s not much here on her, and if she’s the starting point to this vendetta, then we need to thoroughly consider the years before and after her death. Why wait this long to come after you? That part makes no sense to me. I’ve heard of biding your time, but this seems excessive for a man who should hate you enough to go to all this trouble to destroy you. Hell, he could have hired someone years ago to get close to you. Why send his daughter?”

“It is bizarre,” Pete muses. “Generally, people are more inclined to act when their grief or anger is fresh, hence so many workplace shootings within a few days after an employee is terminated. I’d say it’s rare to let it fester for seventeen years, then go balls-to-the-wall for revenge.”

Luc shakes his head in resignation. “After the shit that happened with Cassie, I didn’t think anything else would ever surprise me, but this has. That’s probably the part that unnerves me the most. The parallels between Wrenn and her. Not that the details are close to the same, but Max, Aidan, and I sat in this very bar and tried to make sense of it all. Then there was the whole mess with Lia’s friend Rose and her family. I realize it’s common that bad stuff happens to good people, but come the fuck on. I seem to be at the point where fucked-up shit constantly hits either me or those around me from behind, and we’re left to run for cover while we attempt to find a rational explanation for some fucked-up stuff.”

Pete raises his beer and taps it against the one in Luc’s hand. “True that, my brother. If half of this happened to anyone else, I’d think they were lying through their teeth. We barely get back to normal before we’re dealing with something new. Hell, I, for one, am tired of it.” He gives me a meaningful look before adding, “And I’m ready to do whatever it takes to eliminate this threat from our door.”

“Well, color me happy and drooling! I hardly ever get anything but angry rednecks who wanna drink beer in their truck and try to get their hands under my shirt. But it looks as if I’ve hit the stud-pot today.” Our heads swivel as one, and I inwardly wince as the bleached blonde puts a hand on the back of my chair and chews her gum so loudly I wonder how her jaw isn’t dislocated. Then I figure the muscles in her mouth are probably worked regularly and that brings up a whole other set of images I wish I could block out.

I give Luc credit for keeping his voice level and cordial as he says, “Hey Misty, how’ve you been?”

Her tits are fairly squashed against the back of my neck now as she leans closer. Not that I had any doubts going by the size, but they’re fake and not great ones at that. They’re so hard that with just a little force, she could probably knock me halfway across the table without every lifting a finger. “Oh, you know, sugar, just taking awesome to a whole new level as usual.”

“I’ll bet you are,” Pete mumbles under his breath, while keeping a smile plastered across his face.

“It’s a dirty job, but I’m sure you’re more than up for it,” Luc replies diplomatically. Of course, his double meaning is clear to me, but the giggle from Misty says that she hears only a compliment in the words.

“You know that’s right, handsome,” she purrs. She’s so fucking close to me now that her breath stirs my hair. “So refresh my memory here. I know I’ve seen these two, but what’re you boys’ names again?”

Boys? She has no fucking clue who she’s dealing with. I wish I’m the gangster Jade is accusing me of being. Hell, surely Tony Soprano wouldn’t let this insult go. “This is my father-in-law, Lee, and his brother, Pete.” Luc makes the introductions, saving me from saying something she’ll likely never forget.

“That’s right.” She clicks her tongue before finally moving away from me, only to walk around the table until she has a view of all three of us. “How in the world can you be anyone’s father? You’re way too hot to have a kid that old. What were you, like ten when you created her?” I almost wish she’d stayed behind me. At least then I wouldn’t be forced to make eye contact while attempting not to stare at the huge amount of cleavage she has on display. And then I make the mistake of reading the saying on her shirt. ‘Nipples… they’re not just for babies.’ Holy fucked-up shit. Who comes up with something like that? And has anyone other than Misty bought one?

Apparently, she’s waiting for me to answer her question. I fight the urge to roll my eyes. “Something like that.” If I thought to shock or even disturb her, I’m sadly disappointed because if the look on her face is any indication, I’ve just moved up a few levels in her eyes. Fucking perfect day.

“I thought you were devoted to our boy Aidan,” Luc says. Instead of being pissed that Misty has the hots for his future son-in-law, Pete appears amused. Did I miss a memo somewhere? It’s like a private joke I’m not privy to, and I’m irritated. So much for a serious meeting. This has turned into a three-ring circus.

Misty rocks on her feet, and I wonder if gravity will have her face-planting on the table at any moment. “Oh no, I had to give that up. Kara’s my girl now. We got each other’s back.” She thumbs her chest before adding, “Hoes before bros. Know what I’m saying? If he came in and begged for it, I’d show him the door, really quick like.” She gets a faraway look in her eyes, then adds wistfully, “Damn, it would be tough, because I’d just love me some Aidan. But he’s with Kara. Plus, since she was his first, they have that special kind of bond.”

Luc and Pete choke almost simultaneously on their beer, while I wonder if I’ve heard her correctly. Aidan’s first what? Love? Maybe she doesn’t know about Cassie. That makes sense. But why are Luc and my brother laughing? I rub my forehead, as if willing away the headache that is once again pounding there. “There’s no shame in remaining a virgin,” Luc manages to say with a straight face. Just when I didn’t think this conversation can’t get any weirder.

“Sure, that’s right,” Misty muses. “Although, I’ve gotta admit, it’s a tiny bit of a turn-off. Us women like to know that our man can wear the pants. You know, take charge and show us a good time. He’s a handsome devil, so I would have been willing to give it a shot. But I prefer a little more experience under the hood. There’s a big difference in being the driver for one night and having to sit in that seat all the time. You get my drift?”

“Loud and clear,” my brother replies with a blank expression I truly admire. And I thought I had a good poker face.

“Anywho”—she smiles broadly— “I know these two are taken.” She points at Luc and Pete. “But what about you, handsome? I don’t recall Kara mentioning anything about you being married, and you’re not wearing a ring.”

Before I can come up with a reply, Luc quickly interjects, “He… um… bats for the other team.” When I turn my head to stare at him incredulously, he shrugs. “Not all the time. Just some of it. He swings both ways.” What. The. Fuck?

Misty looks as if she’s just won a year’s supply of tacky T-shirts. I can practically see her hormones surging, and I’m damn near ready to throw my beer bottle as a distraction and run for my life. I shoot my son-in-law a scathing look before telling Misty, “I’m currently involved with a woman. And I’m sorry to say that neither of us share.”

Her huge tits jiggle alarmingly as she releases a breath before popping out her bottom lip in an elaborate pout. “I swear, why are none of you guys free? If you had an hour with me, you’d never be the same.”

“I don’t think any of us would disagree with that.” Luc grins.

“Here, here,” Pete chimes in, holding up his bottle to click against Luc’s. “You’re certainly one of a kind.”

Misty preens, accepting the compliment at face value. “Toby should appreciate me more. Does he have any idea how lucky he is? I could go home with half the men in here every night, but do I? Nooo, I’m loyal to him.” I’m hard-pressed not to point out that she’d just been trying to pick me up, but I don’t want to draw attention to myself again. Hell, thanks to Luc, I’m already a challenge to her. She’ll have bragging rights for years if she can turn a bi-man straight again. Little does she know, that the opposite would be more likely to happen were there any truth in the whole thing.

Thankfully, a table of guys who are apparently her regulars come in, and she smiles over at them flirtatiously. “We’re fine here, Misty, if you need to take care of that.” Luc nods in the direction of the new arrivals.

I must admire the way she seems to simultaneously pull her shirt down and her shorts up for maximum exposure before sashaying off with a roll of her hips that would do most anyone on a street corner proud. “What is wrong with that picture?” Pete chokes out.

“I’m thinking… a lot.” I shake my head. I’ve gone from being irritated at the interruption to grudgingly amused. It is hard not to be. Misty is so overly confident on the one hand, and almost adorably clueless on the other. You have to be impressed at how she goes through life encased in her own little bubble. I’d wager a bet that she stays less stressed out than the rest of us. There’s something to be said for picking and choosing your own reality. If you believe it’s true, then fuck what the rest of the world says. Isn’t that how a lot of life works? Fuck, I’m getting philosophical in my old age.

Seeming to echo my thoughts, Luc adds, “No doubt, but I kind of like her. She’s fucking nuts on a good day, but she brings a certain something to everything around her. Kind of like fucked-up confetti.”

“That’s certainly one way to look at it.” Pete laughs.

Luc glances at his watch, before getting to his feet. “I’ve got a meeting in thirty minutes, so I need to cut this short.” He claps my brother on the back, adding, “Pete, good to see you, man.” Then he looks across the table at me. “I’ll be in touch when I know something.” I nod as he tosses some bills on the table.

When he’s gone, Pete asks, “Have you considered contacting Anthony?”

I don’t need him to repeat the question, because even though I probably know a dozen men by that name, there’s only one who could possibly be of use to us now. Anthony Moretti, Draco’s only acknowledged son. I’ve heard rumors through the years that there are others who claim to be his illegitimate offspring, but to my knowledge, none have been tested to prove their heritage. Whereas I inherited Victor’s holdings, Draco left his estate to Anthony. There’s a ten-year age difference between us, so I’ve been more like his big brother than friend. I’ve bailed his ass out of trouble at the fancy private school Draco insisted he attend and loaned him money when his daddy cut his allowance off over some shit he was involved in. Truthfully, I love the kid. He’s bright, funny, and charismatic. He inherited that air of dangerous charm that always made his father so popular. Victor and Draco have been dead for many years now, and even though I’ve kept tabs on Anthony to ensure he’s okay, we haven’t spoken in longer than I care to remember. He used his money to open several nightclubs in North and South Carolina as well as Georgia and Florida. He took the Moretti fortune and built on it, instead of being content to live the easy life. He’s also gradually distanced himself from his father and Victor’s unsavory associations. Although I knew he would always be a member of the Moretti clan, I’m strangely proud of the man he’s become. I sigh as I realize my brother is still waiting for an answer. “I’ve thought of it, certainly,” I concede. “He was barely twenty-one when Draco died, though, so it’s doubtful he knows any more than we do about that time.”

“He was young, yes,” Pete says, “but to have broken the ties that he has, it would have been necessary to have an in-depth knowledge of Draco as well as his holdings. There may be something of benefit there.”

He’s right, of course. There’s no one in a better position to help than Anthony. The fact that I’ve been hesitant to reach out to him is largely due to my guilt for not making more of an effort to remain in his life. We were once a family, but as I set out to turn Falco in a new direction, I left the old one and those associated with it behind. Anthony, unfortunately, was a part of that. It’s not that I wouldn’t have come to his aid should he have ever needed it, but that’s never seemed to be the case. Quite the opposite, in fact. He was a born leader and is a decisive and successful businessman. “I’ll get in touch with him.” I nod in agreement. We talk for another few minutes before we leave. I’ve been fully prepared to throw Pete to the wolves or wolf and run, but luckily for him, Misty is nowhere to be seen. Poor bastard, he has no idea how close he came to being mauled. Regardless of what she said, I’m sure she’d bend all her moral rules in the blink of an eye.

I’m strangely hesitant to go home. With her there, it’s no longer my sanctuary. Even though I rarely use public transportation, I hail an approaching taxi. It squeals to a stop with impressive accuracy. I grimace from the smell of old smoke and body odor as I settle in the back seat. It’s amazing how easily these things offend me now when once I would have given them no thought. Have I become so used to the privileged life I now live? It’s a sobering thought for a man who thought he’d always be more street thug than gentleman. I give the driver the address of Anthony’s club from memory. I have no idea if he’ll be there or not. But I do know that his personal quarters are on the top floor of the renovated industrial building that houses Nyx. I’ll admit, I’ve been curious about the unusual name Anthony chose for his club, so I did some research and discovered it meant goddess of the night. The reference to darkness makes sense, considering how he was raised. As far as I know, he’s never been in a serious relationship, so that part is a bit trickier. I don’t believe it’s random, though. Even when he was young, there was always a meaning behind everything he did. And from what I’ve gathered, he’s become more intense with age.

The vehicle comes to a stop so abruptly, I’m forced to grip the back of the somewhat sticky seat. I try not to dwell on what has been there before me as I hand the driver the fare and a tip that has him thanking me profusely. I wave away his gratitude and step out onto the sidewalk. Even in the light of day, the concrete and glass façade of the club is impressive. I know from photographs that purple floodlights illuminate the exterior at night, making it appear almost iridescent.

I stride toward the double doors and am surprised when one opens easily under my touch. Somehow, I didn’t expect that at three in the afternoon. Surely, a man like Anthony Moretti is more security conscious. Then a picture of Liza… fuck, Jade fills my head, and I realize that for all my attempts at safety, she’d waltzed straight through the front doors of Falco and fooled everyone there. But what had she been after? Or more so, why after all this time had Wrenn targeted me? Did he really not know that Draco had purchased Wrenn Wear?

I’ve barely taken two steps into the dim interior when my arm is gripped. I react instinctively, freeing myself within seconds, then pressing my unknown assailant against a nearby wall with my forearm against his throat. He gasps and claws until I tighten my hold, effectively immobilizing him. “I’d appreciate it, Lee, if you’d release my manager before you kill him,” drawls an amused voice from behind me. It’s almost painful to bank the adrenaline pumping through my body. I force myself to relax, and the man before me wrenches away, coughing and cursing.

“Sorry about that, but in the future, you might want to know a bit more about who you’re putting your hands on before you do it.”

“Fuck you,” the man wheezes out, from where he still leans against the wall.

“He’s right, Jax.” Anthony chuckles as I turn to face the man who is no longer a boy—and hasn’t been for a long time. He’s older, certainly, but that’s not what I notice first. It’s the hardness around his mouth that wasn’t there before. Even smiling as he is now, he’s alert and poised for any and all threats. It’s a survival skill that cannot be taught—you’re either born with it or you’re not. Sure, a person can learn how to fight and win, but Anthony’s eyes see things that aren’t even there yet. His brain is scanning the area for things out of place. It’s as instinctive to him as breathing. He is Draco Moretti’s son and Victor Falco’s godson. He’s been taught by the best—but he’s better. His skills are natural—I recognized that fact years ago. He never stood in the shadows of his powerful father. He is his own man. He extends a hand to me, all politeness and civility. “Lee, it’s good to see you again, brother.”

I hear the man behind me gasp in shock as I step forward and ignore his outstretched hand. Instead, I clap him on the shoulder, feeling oddly choked up as I say, “You as well, Tony. It’s been too long.”

“It has.” He nods before telling his manager, “Jax, we’ll be in my office.” Anthony turns on a heel and heads toward a staircase in the far corner of the room. I follow behind him, paying little attention to my surroundings. This is his home, and it only takes me a moment to know it’s more than secure. He won’t tolerate anything less. He removes a keycard from his pocket and opens a metal door before waving me inside. The interior is clean and expensively furnished, yet not flashy. He circles around behind a large, mahogany desk, and I take a seat in front of him. It hasn’t escaped my attention that he opted to keep things formal, rather than use the more casual seating area in the corner that contains a well-worn sofa and matching armchairs. Good for you. I would do the same. He’s clearly sending me a message that although we have a history, he doesn’t consider us friends. Without preamble, he levels a direct stare at me and asks flatly, “Why now, Lee?”

I don’t insult his intelligence by pretending to misunderstand. “I have some questions about a business deal that your father was involved in almost twenty years ago. I thought you might be able to shed some light on his reason behind it.”

He quirks a brow, once again appearing amused. “You realize I was a teenager back then. Dad didn’t make a habit of running anything by me, much less his rationale for the decisions he made.”

“I realize that, Tony, but don’t play the dumb-kid card, because I know better. Your father never tried to hide anything from you, and you certainly paid attention when it suited your purposes. I’m hoping this was one of those times.”

“Touché.” He shakes his head. “Be that as it may, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s been a long time. But you’re free to ask.”

“Do you recall a company called Wrenn Wear? I instigated a successful hostile takeover for it, then signed it over when it was complete. It was owned by—

“Hunter Wrenn.”

“That’s right,” I say as I lean forward in my seat. There’s something here, I can feel it. This is no more random to him than it is to me. “What can you tell me about it?”

“Why do you want to know?” he asks instead, looking at me intently.

Honesty is the only way to go here. I’ll just alienate him further with half-truths, which will get me nowhere. “I never understood his desire for the company. No, it was more of an obsession. I took it and walked away afterward, but it puzzled me. Everything about it was out of character for him. He claimed it was revenge for a business deal, but never said what. And to my knowledge, there hadn’t been anything to warrant that kind of retaliation. In fact, I could find no evidence that there had ever been any dealings between them before.”

“I can see you being curious about this back then, but why the sudden interest now? Both Wrenn Wear and my father have been gone for years. You’re not one to get nostalgic and attempt to solve puzzles from your past just for the hell of it. So what’s fueling this curiosity?”

“I recently discovered that my assistant is Jade Wrenn, Hunter’s daughter. Apparently, he planted her at Falco two years ago to find what she could to destroy me.”

The slight widening of his eyes is the only indication that I’ve surprised him. “How is that possible?” he asks flatly. “You probably have some of the best security in the country. Are you telling me that a woman managed to infiltrate your company for that long without you knowing it?”

I grimace, feeling strangely embarrassed by the amazement in his voice. “That’s exactly what I’m fucking saying, Tony. And I really don’t need another post-mortem. Believe me, it’s already been done to death.”

He gives me an assessing look before leaning back in his chair. He’s the picture of relaxation—even though he’s anything but. He’s always been like a caged tiger, and I have no reason to think he’s any different now. “Where is Jade Wrenn now? I assume you’ve dealt with the breach accordingly.”

What he’s asking is if I’ve handled it in the way that Victor and Draco would. Handled the breach. Not at all. The question seems to have been asked more out of curiosity than a desire to see brutal justice served. It’s only natural that he wonders if I’ve followed in my mentor’s footsteps, although I must believe he’s kept tabs on me through the years as I have him. We were too close once to completely sever the connection. Who gives a fuck if he thinks I’m weak? We’re not likely to be engaged in any kind of turf war. I’m not Victor, and he’s not his father. I get to my feet and cross the room to his impressively stocked bar. I don’t bother to ask, but simply pour a hefty measure of what appears to be bourbon in a crystal glass, before tossing it back. The alcohol burns as it slides down my throat. It’s smooth, though, in a way that only the expensive shit is. I refill my glass, before turning to give him a questioning look. He nods once, and I fix him one as well. I hand him the glass and return to my seat. “Jade is staying with me. I just found out about this today.” I give him a brief overview of what I’ve learned from Luc as well as Jade.

He takes a sip of his drink before stating flatly, “You’re in a fucking mess, aren’t you? I never thought I’d see the day that the great and powerful Lee Jacks was felled by something as human as feelings.”

“Fuck you,” I snap. “What would you have me do, Tony, execute her? Maybe kill her whole fucking family in front of her before putting a bullet in her head?”

For the first time, there’s real humor behind his laugh. The bastard literally shakes with the force of his amusement. “Damn, Lee, you watch too much television,” he chokes out. “Sure, it’s a fucked-up world and shit like that happens more often than anyone can even imagine, but that’s never been what you’re about.” When I give him a sarcastic smirk, he adds, “I know you crossed the line a few times in the name of Victor and Draco. I also know you meted out justice when necessary. But you’re not a cold-blooded killer. Both my father and Victor had plenty of people more than willing to handle that end of their business. You were the brains of the operation, and everyone knew it. People were terrified to fuck with you because you could bring them to their knees without ever laying a hand on them. You were the enforcer they feared the most. And that’s why you had both the old man and Victor’s respect. I heard them talk about you more than once. You were everything they weren’t, so they not only respected you, they fucking revered you. The kid from the streets who would be king.”

It’s my turn to laugh now. “This isn’t Camelot, Tony, and I’m not royalty. That’s more your birthright than mine. I’m the son of a crack whore and who the fuck knows. I was a glorified thief and was lucky enough to be good at it. If I hadn’t been, Victor would have still fed and sheltered me, because he knew I’d have his back in any way that I could. Honor and loyalty are the two hardest things to obtain in this life, and when they’re given, they’re priceless.”

He tilts his head, reminding me so much of his father at that moment, that it’s almost surreal. Tony had always resembled Draco, but as he’s gotten older, it’s become uncanny. It makes me curious about who his mother is. She’d been out of the picture before I’d come along, and no reference was ever made of her. It was as if she didn’t exist. And in Draco’s world, that wasn’t unusual. “Say what you will. But modesty doesn’t suit you, my friend. You and I both know that you wouldn’t have been Victor’s heir had you only been some charity project for him. You were his son in every way that mattered, and neither he nor my father was advocates of free rides. Hell, I think they were a little scared of the man you’d become. They knew that should you ever turn against them, you could topple their kingdom down around their feet.”

I don’t bother to deny his statement, because it’s an unproven truth. I was privy to so many damning facets of Victor and Draco’s personal and professional lives. Even without that insider knowledge, I could have dealt a heavy blow to their assets. But with it, I could have become the fucking grim reaper where they were concerned. But my loyalty had never been questioned, nor their faith in me shaken. Victor had told me once that he’d trusted me because he could see the integrity in my eyes the first time we met. I hadn’t known what he’d meant then, but it’s crystal clear now. A smart man knows how to read others. But it’s not learned; it’s a part of the DNA you’re born with. And Victor had that. Which is why it’s still hard for me to fathom how a junkie could have killed him. Dammit, were we all just one split second of oblivion away from meeting our maker? “Sometimes you have to take a chance in life and hope it doesn’t fuck you over. I’m not happy with the position Jade has put me in. And if I believe for one moment that she’s continuing to play me, I wouldn’t be here now. The mystery of why wouldn’t concern me as much as revenge.”

“So you’re in love with this woman.” He’s not asking a question; he’s stating a fact. And even as I open my mouth to deny it, I know it’s true. I’ve been in love with her for so long that there’s no bombshell; it’s more of a moment of clarity and acceptance. I wonder if I would have been capable of admitting it, even to myself a year ago. But when my daughter came into my life, it changed me. I’m vulnerable to those I love in a way I never was before. Opening my heart fully to Lia and Lara makes it harder to deny my feelings for Jade. I’m deeply shaken by the deception that she’s been a central part of, but in my world, things are rarely black and white. And as fate would have it, I’m in love with the daughter of a man who wants to destroy me for reasons that I’m not fully privy to—yet.

“I am,” I acknowledge. “That’s why I need to find out what’s going on. I don’t believe Wrenn Wear is the reason he’s after me, but it’s certainly an important piece of the puzzle.”

“I agree.” He nods. “The only person I know who might possibly have that kind of information is my uncle. He wasn’t involved in my father’s business, but they talked.”

“I met him a few times. You’re right; he had nothing to do with any of Draco’s companies. Hell, didn’t he sell insurance?”

“He’s a partner in the company now.” Tony laughs. “He’s nothing like my father, but they were brothers and stayed in touch through the years. Let me touch base with him and we’ll go from there. Like you, I find that I’m more than a little curious about all of this now.”

“Thanks, Tony,” I say sincerely as I get to my feet. I’ve been gone from home far longer than intended, and I’m more than ready to see Jade now.

“Congratulations, by the way,” he adds when I’m almost to the door. I turn, giving him a questioning look. “I heard about your daughter.” He looks down at his desk, before saying softly, “And if you hadn’t taken care of the problem, I would have seen it done. I owed you that much.”

Lia’s abusive stepfather. I’m moved by his words. Like me, Anthony may have distanced himself from that part of his life, but he still lives by a code. We were brothers once, and he would avenge such a wrong on my behalf if it came to that. I’d do the same for him. Where we come from, the family we make for ourselves is often stronger than the ones with a blood right. “I’m sorry it was necessary to cut ties, but it was in both of our best interests. The attention that our continued association would’ve brought was the last thing either of us needed. But be assured that should the need have ever been necessary, I would have protected your door with my life. You were never forgotten, my brother.”

“Nor were you.” He clears his throat before nodding once. “I’ll be in touch.” And with that, my first meeting with Anthony Moretti in ten years is over. I know instinctively that even though he’s no longer involved in the family business, Draco would be proud. There’s strength and integrity there. Tony is a force to be reckoned with in his own right, but he doesn’t have to resort to violence to do it. No, he rules with his head, and from the troubled look in his eyes when we were discussing love, I think that he too may have fallen victim to his heart.