Page 71 of Sinful Wrath

“I was out with Lucia last night, and Alfonzo followed us.”

“You sure it was him?”

“Positive. He had the very same snake tattoo up the side of his neck.”

“Fuck.”

“I want to get Lucia out of the city. He got fucking close, Alexei, which means he likely knows she’s staying here with me, and I wouldn’t put it past him to break in. She’s not safe here.” My chest tightens as I glance at her bedroom door.

This could have been so much worse, and Massimo Conti would have had every right to slit my throat because yet again, I have failed to protect his daughter.

“Bring her to Forest Hills. There’s no way Alfonzo will attempt anything with the security I have here.”

“Are you sure?”

“Mikhail, Lucia is about to be part of our family, and I protect my family.”

My jaw clenches at his words, at what they imply.

I hate having to run to my older brother for help, but right now, Lucia’s safety is more important than my pride.

“We’ll be there soon.” I hang up the phone.

Letting out a deep breath, I try to push down the sense of panic that is starting to simmer beneath the surface.

I was so close to losing Lucia, and the thought almost sends me to my knees.

The sooner I can get her to Forest Hills, the better.

Lucia is busy folding clothes on the floor of her closet when I re-enter her room.

“We’re going to stay at Alexei’s place.”

“Why can’t we stay here?”

“It’s no longer safe enough for you here.”

I pick up her half-filled bag from the closet floor and begin to grab more clothes off from the pile on the chair, tossing them into the bag.

She follows behind me, her arms full of clothes that she throws onto the bed.

“Mikhail—”

“We don’t have any time to waste, Lucia.” I throw some more clothes into the bag.

“Mikhail, pleasestop.” Her voice cracks, and the sound has me pausing.

I look over at Lucia, and she’s eyeing the suitcase warily, her face drained of color.

“What is it?” I swear if she’s about to snap at me for my lack of folding skills, I will actually lose it.

The threat on her life is more important than creases in her designer pants.

She shuffles on her feet as she avoids my gaze. “Are you coming too?”

I freeze at the question.

“Why wouldn’t I?”