Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78873 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78873 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
“Leo.”
Leo is one of the older guards. He’s been with us for over ten years, so I feel he’s a good pick.
“Inform him that he’s to guard Miss Lucas,” I instruct. “Form a team which he will take charge of. I want five men with her at all times when she goes out.”
I can feel Elena’s eyes snap to me, and turning my head, I meet her shocked gaze. “Do you have a problem with the arrangements?” She quickly shakes her head, and it has me muttering, “Good because it’s not negotiable.”
Leaving the airfield, we form a motor brigade. Soon I’ll be home, and then I’ll have to face the sight of my dead father.
Chapter 14
ELENA
Just as I think I’ve dealt with one threat to my life, I have a new one to worry about. I’m not so sure I’m going to last long with Lucian. At the rate he’s killing people, I’ll probably be dead by sunrise.
I mean, my God, it’s not normal.
Is it?
Is this what Dante and my father do when they’re gone from the villa? Is this everyday life for them, and I didn't know because I was held captive?
It was easy for Dante to kill Alfonso and Gino.
Maybe that’s why it’s so easy for them to hurt me.
My eyes dart to Lucian, and the grim expression etched on his face makes me hesitate, then his dark gaze snaps to mine, and he mutters, “What now?”
Pushing through, I ask, “Is it normal?”
Lucian frowns, and shaking his head, he asks, “Is what normal?”
“Shooting people.”
He lets out a chuckle that sounds more like a threat. “In our world, it is.” The frown returns to his face, and he tilts his head. “You’ve seen your father and Dante kill… haven’t you?”
The memory shudders through me. “Once.”
Surprise tightens his features instantly. “Only once?”
I nod. “I’ve told you before I never had anything to do with the business.”
“So the kill was personal?” Lucian asks.
The demons stir, and it has me glancing away from him. “It was very personal.”
It was the day my life became a nightmare.
“Who?”
I shake my head, not wanting to tell him about it. “Forget I said anything.”
I can feel Lucian’s eyes on me as I stare out the window, regretting I asked the question.
Luckily silence fills the vehicle until we drive through two massive gates. We’re driven up a long driveway and come to a stop in front of a modern-looking mansion.
When I get out of the car, I blink at the black walls.
Who paints their house black?
The devil.
The front door swings open, and a middle-aged woman comes out. The moment she sees Lucian, she rushes to him. I watch as they hug, Lucian holding her tightly to him.
“Zia Ursula,” I hear him breathe her name, relief in his voice. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“I came as soon as I heard. I’m so sorry,” Lucian’s aunt says. She frames his face and kisses both his cheeks.
When they pull apart, Lucian turns to me and holds out his hand. “Come.”
My eyes dart between him and his aunt as I walk closer. When I take hold of his hand, his aunt frowns at us. “Who’s this, Lucian?”
“Elena Lucas,” he introduces me. “Valentino’s daughter.”
Her eyes instantly widen on me. “I didn’t know he had a child?” Lifting a hand to her mouth, she whispers, “Dio, you’re the spitting image of your mother.”
“You knew my mother?” the question bursts from me. Hope stirs in me, thinking maybe I can finally learn something about my mother.
“I only saw her at functions. We weren’t close, but she had a beauty you don’t forget easily.” Lucian’s aunt pulls me into a hug. “You’re part of the la famiglia. Call me Zia Ursula.”
“Let’s go inside,” Lucian says. He tugs me into the mansion while Aunt Ursula greets the other men.
My eyes dart around the interior. The walls are black inside as well, with light wooden floors forming a sharp contrast.
There are lights everywhere, so it doesn’t appear dark like I thought it would. Actually, it looks stylish.
Lucian’s home fits him.
A guard follows us up the stairs with our luggage, and I try to take in everything before Lucian opens a door and I’m pulled into a room.
God, even the furniture and bedding are shades of grays and blacks.
“You really like black,” I mumble, and it draws a chuckle from Lucian.
“I do.” He gestures around the room. “Make yourself at home. The suite is yours for the time being.”
“For how long?” I ask, wanting to know what to expect.
The corner of Lucian’s mouth lifts in a predatory way, and it makes my stomach tighten.
“I’ll answer that question tomorrow.” He lifts a hand to the back of my head and presses a kiss to my forehead, then he walks to the door. “I’ll check in on you later. Get settled.”
The guard sets my luggage down, and then he leaves with Lucian. With a sinking feeling, I watch as the guard shuts the door.