I’ve had to remind myself of the same truth since the moment Luca approached me in the kitchen.
His intentions weren’t kind. They were cruel. He knew exactly what to say to gain a reaction out of me. He’s a skilled manipulator. An accomplished sadist.
“Everything will be fine.” I squeeze those tiny fingers. “Your dad would never let anything happen to you.”
His eyes remain riveted on mine, uncertainty staring back at me.
“I promise.” My assurance is yet another lie.
I can’t be sure of anything anymore. I’m not even certain this excursion isn’t a trick. Or a test. All I know is that Luther will hand me over to his son as a peace offering and then try to facilitate a private moment for me to be alone with Luca.
“Tobias, you’re going to make your father proud. He believes in you and so do I.” I stand and turn my attention to the inky ocean, no longer able to watch his suffering. “We’ll be okay.”
We continue to bound over the water’s surface, the tiniest glow of the upcoming sunrise barely visible against the boat’s bright headlight.
A darkened pier comes into view on the island we approach, with another boat lying in wait. Slowly, a man is illuminated, his features unmistakable even from this distance.
Cole.
He’s wearing a business suit, his tight expression a clear indicator of our lack of welcome.
His demeanor doesn’t change when the boat’s engine is cut and the vessel is tied in place alongside the pier. He just stands there, tension ebbing off him.
“What are you doing here?” He crosses his arms over his chest, his stylish jacket defining his muscled arms and shoulders.
“Morning, son.” Luther walks to the side of the boat and holds out his hand for me to take. “We need to talk.”
I remain quiet as I’m helped from the vessel, my bare feet dragging along the wooden pier.
I let their conversation wash through me. I acknowledge the aggressive chitchat and Luther’s promise of not being armed. But my attention is focused on the darkness of the island, trying to find the target for my attack.
Luca isn’t in sight.
He’s not here to protect his boss. He’s not the one patting down Luther or Chris—that task is left to Cole.
It isn’t until the cold eyes of his son hit me that apprehension truly takes hold.
He’s so much bigger than I am. And from memory, Luca was even larger in frame. Those meaty fists could knock me unconscious in seconds. Those hands could snap my neck in an instant.
“If you came to talk,” Cole mutters, “why did you bring a woman and child as a shield?”
“A shield.” Luther balks. “Do I need one against my own son? Because I brought her here as a peace offering. The woman is yours.”
I’m shoved toward Cole, my footsteps fumbling.
“You’re handing her over?” He scrutinizes me.
The weight of his appraisal is heavy. Cloying. The pinpoint focus makes me itch to brush my fingers over the hidden plastic tube to make sure it’s not going to fall from my waistband.
I drag my gaze away to stop the nervousness from taking hold. I return my focus to the island. I work harder to find a man hiding in the scrub as Luther attempts to manipulate his son into inviting us up to the house, using Tobias’s fatigue as an excuse.
They continue to argue under a tone of barely contained civility until finally Cole complies with a, “Fine. Go ahead.”
He indicates for me to start walking. For me to lead us into battle.
I don’t move.
Unease hits me like a freight train.
“Penny.” Luther waves a hand, instructing me to hurry. “You first, my sweet.”
My pulse catches at the endearment. No, it’s a blatant warning.
I have no choice but to obey. I have to do this to regain my position of menial power. To reassert my strength.
Fuck.
I hold out a hand for Tobias, who walks forward to join me, then we both lead the way to the end of the pier and onto the island.
Murmured words carry from behind us, the subtle timbre letting me know everything remains faux civil as I make my way toward the light of the house up ahead.
Tobias keeps glancing over his shoulder, watching, waiting. I clutch his hand tighter, attempting to calm the tremble of his fingers. It’s the only comfort I can provide. There’s nothing else.
I can’t gush soothing words. I’m unable to lie to him anymore. I can only attempt to give reassurance in the tightness of my hold as we continue along a winding gravel path, bringing us closer and closer to the large expanse of a mansion up ahead.
I take us into a house yard, my feet hitting cool cement tile placed around an immaculate pool.
“I’m scared,” Tobias whispers. “I want to go home.”
Me too.
“Be strong.” I squeeze his sweaty palm tighter. “This will all be over soon.”
I reach the glass door leading to the brightly lit living area and stop to wait for instruction.
“Go.” Luther comes up behind me, shooing me forward. “Get inside.”
“Wait,” Cole barks. “You, the woman, and the kid can go inside, but your dog isn’t welcome.”
The demand twists my stomach.
I look at Chris—the dog. Disdain crosses his features as I wait for Luther to voice a reprimand that never comes.
I’ve never seen anyone disrespect this monster and get away with it. Not once. Not ever.
“Whatever you say,” Luther complies.
It’s an act. One I can’t mimic.
“I guess I’ll stay here then.” Chris steps away. “Just so you can feel like more of a man for keeping me outside.”
Cole claps him on the shoulder as he approaches the house. “If I were you, I wouldn’t forget your best buddy ate lead yesterday because of me.”
I suck in a breath as white noise assaults me.
Everything stops.
Every. Single. Thing.
Thoughts. Breath. Time.
I glance between the two men as they exchange muttered retorts my mind can’t decipher. I’m stunned. Confused. And painfully hopeful.
Your best buddy ate lead.
Should I allow myself the luxury of believing the comment was made about Robert? That the vile, piece of shit might actually be hurt? Or better yet, dead?
He didn’t return home with Chris and Luther.
They haven’t made mention of him at all.
My stomach heats, the warmth spreading rapidly as Luther stalks toward me, his glare enough of a warning to get me to hustle my ass inside while Chris and Cole continue to swap barbs.
I don’t allow hope free rein as I walk into the opulent house. I keep optimism’s wings clipped as I take in the open living and kitchen area, the entire space immaculate apart from a few mugs on the dining table.
“Sit,” Luther growls. “Here, beside me.”
He claims the recliner and pats his hand on the armrest.
I do as instructed, sticking close to my nightmare, not only to be seen as an obedient slave, but to read his energy. I want nothing more than to confirm if the anger simmering below his surface is from the loss of his henchman.
Tobias settles away from us, perching on the opposite sofa, right where Luther foretold him to be—alone, ready for Cole to take a position beside him.