Page 122 of Ruthless Redemption
I snort. “Bishop is far from a punk. A thug maybe. But he can be a good guy, too. He reminds me of you sometimes. They both do.”
“Are you trying to flatter or insult? Because I assure you, you’ve done the latter.”
“If you knew them you’d think differently. You’d approve of the brutality of their protection and the underhanded calculation. They have no fear, just like you.”
“I have fear, sister. And right now, the biggest part of it revolves around Langston dragging you into something that could risk your life.”
“He’d never drag me into anything I didn’t want to be a part of. I’ve always made my own decisions. Even the horribly bad ones. They were all my doing. And that won’t change. Whatever happens in the future is mine to own. Never blame Matthew, okay?”
“Layla.” My name is a more ominous warning this time. “What the fuck is going on? You’re talking as if—”
“I’m talking as if I’m at a crossroads, and I’m sure you can understand that given my situation. I want to be with Matthew and that’s going to mean a lot of disruption to my life. But before I take the first step, I’d appreciate your forgiveness for all I’ve done in the past. I never meant to betray you, Cole.”
There’s a pause. A temperamental build of silence.
“Come home,” he demands. “I’ll send a jet. You can—”
“No. Please don’t.” The gentle whoosh of a door opens behind me.Matthew.“I shouldn’t have called. I’m sorry for confusing you. But I promise I’m fine.”
“Layla, get that fucker to call me. I want to know—”
“He’s not going to call you.” I speak over the top of him. “I’m not your problem to deal with anymore. Okay? We’ll speak again soon.” I disconnect as Matthew settles in behind me, his arms circling my waist.
“I hope you didn’t end the call on my account,” he murmurs against my neck, placing one gentle kiss after another.
“Not at all.” I turn, my breath hitching in my throat at the sight of him shirtless and stunning. “You don’t seem surprised I have a cell.”
“I’d be more surprised if you didn’t. Your family are cunning.”
I grin. “When they want to be.”
Something vibrates. Short and sharp.
Matthew glances at his watch, the display alighting with an incoming call from a private number.
“I assume that’s my brother.” I wrap a hand around his neck, holding him close. “Please don’t answer it.”
“I didn’t plan on it.” His hands glide over my ass, dragging me closer.
I wait for his interrogation. For him to question if I’ve betrayed our plans.
But he doesn’t ask. Instead, he stares at me like I’m his next meal, one side of his mouth lifting in a predatory grin.
“I wanted to set things straight.” I run my nails along his nape. “He knows where I stand with you now.”
“You don’t have to explain. Your family is important. What you discuss with them is none of my business.”
“But I want it to be your business.” I inch back. “I don’t want there to be any secrets between us.”
“In that case, I’m all ears,mia dea.” He leans back in, nuzzling my cheek, kissing my jaw. “Tell me all the details.”
I shudder as his stubble tickles my skin. “You’re in a good mood today.”
“Why wouldn’t I be? You’re in my arms and were in my bed. And by nightfall, Emmanuel will be dead.”
“What?” I push against his chest, needing space to understand. “That soon?”
“That soon.” He stands tall. “Isn’t that what you want?”
