Page 47 of Ruthless Redemption
“I don’t want to spend the rest of my life looking over my shoulder.” She grabs her napkin and dabs at the corners of her mouth. “And I won’t allow that for Stella either.”
“I’ll assure your safety.” I keep my tone in check. No instability. No aggression. Just a simple vow.
“You can’t do that when I’ll be living on the opposite side of the country.”
If only she knew what lingered underneath all this pretense. If I don’t win her back, her brother will have me in Portland doing his dirty work. Right under her nose.
“We’re not getting rid of his brothers.” Bishop stabs at his meal. “Those fuckers aren’t worth the time it would take to dispose of the bodies.”
“They killed my husband.” She raises her chin.
“Doubtful.” He shoves the forkful into his mouth, chewing as he speaks. “They’re not built for violence.”
“They had no problem playing a role in the abduction of children. And they were there when Benji was shot.”
“So was Abri,” Bishop adds. “Yet she was the one who fucked me over by helping you flee Emmanuel’s house. I’m telling you, they don’t have the balls to kill anyone.”
“They were literally shooting at us a few days ago.” Her voice raises with brittle emotion.
“No, they weren’t,” he adds. “The bullet holes on the car weren’t above thigh height. They weren’t aiming to cause injury. They didn’t hit anywhere near the back seat windows. They barely broke a taillight.”
She frowns, her attention turning to me. “Is that true?”
She doesn’t want the truth. She wants ammunition. Condemnation. But I can’t give that to her.
I incline my head. “I assumed they were warning shots.”
Disbelief enters her eyes. “Why?”
“Maybe that’s something you should find out before planning their cremation.” Bishop pushes his bowl away and grabs his wine glass. “Just a thought.”
She holds my gaze, attempting to read me. “Why, Matthew?”
I’ve wondered the same thing myself. They were sent to retrieve Layla yet made no real attempt to do so. Salvatore had a clear shot at Cole. He could’ve hit Bishop and didn’t try. Maybe he was aiming for our tires, but even then, he didn’t come close. Which means he’s either a pathetically shitty shot or he bailed on Emmanuel’s orders for a reason.
“I don’t know.” My phone vibrates in my jacket. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to predict their motives.” I retrieve the cell and excuse myself from the table as I answer the call. “Hello?”
“Brother,” Abri says in greeting.
I slow my trek across the deck. We haven’t spoken since Denver. Since the awkward goodbye at Emmanuel’s house.
“I know this is unexpected,” she says into the growing silence. “But I thought I should tell you father’s men are out hunting for you.”
“His men or Remy and Salvatore?”
“Both. I don’t think they’ve got a clue where you are at the moment, but they won’t quit. Father won’t let them.” Certainty strengthens her voice. “They’ll find you.”
“Well, you can tell him his minions won’t return if they do.” The admission twists my gut. I don’t want my brothers dead, but I’ll kill anyone in an effort to keep Layla safe.
“I’d prefer not to tell him anything seeing as though he’s unaware I’m making this call. And before you ask, yes, I’m using a burner.”
“Why call at all?” I turn toward the house and stare at my reflection in the floor-to-ceiling glass. “Is this to help Layla again?”
“No, it’s to helpyou… andme. I hate what’s become of us. I need you back in my life.”
Paranoia and skepticism claw at the back of my thoughts.
I want to believe her, but it’s not that simple. She chose the life she’s in, just like I chose mine. She accepted her father’s behavior. She encouraged it by staying at his side. “Get rid of Emmanuel and I’ll see if I can make that work.”
