Devious Eyes (A Cane Novel Book 2)

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Devious Eyes (A Cane Novel Book 2) Page 28

by Charlotte E Hart


  I did it all for her, and I’ll do it again if I have to.

  She disappears for a moment, leaving me with nothing but her smile and visions of beaches that we should both be walking along. Bora. We’ll go back there, make ourselves safe for as long as I can before this shit starts all over again, because it will. And it’ll be worse than the first time around.

  “Hey.” I hear her before I see her.

  The sound of it sends me straight back to that beach bar where we met, her fingers linked around my neck as we danced. There’s nothing I want more than that, but that’s not what life holds in store for us now, no matter how much I might want it. I am a Cane. And maybe, with luck, she might be, too, one day. But life is coming and it’s bringing war with it.

  She finally comes into view, and anger comes racing back into my guts as I stare at her. She’s still badly bruised, blacks and blues speckled over her olive tones, scratches and cuts biting into her skin. I don’t know what I expected, but this isn’t my vision of her. She’s effortless and pristine, beautiful and graceful, not this fucked-up skin and battered face. I scowl, annoyed with myself for having her anywhere near my life.

  She fidgets a little, concern creasing that beauty further, and tries to appear stronger than she is. I look her over, wondering how she’s managing. She’s been raped, beaten, and now she’s standing here looking more worried about me than herself.

  The eight feet between us is unacceptable.

  “What you doing over there?” I ask, holding a hand out and beckoning her over to me. Still she stands there, unflinching. “You okay?”

  “Does it end, Nate?”

  “What?” I beckon with my hand again. “Come here.”

  “This life of yours?” She gazes back with such intensity my heart damn near breaks at the sight of her. All that shit on her skin is because of me, because of who I am. Or at least partly. The vision of her brother slides into my mind, the one man who should have protected her at all costs, knowing the line of business he was in. He didn’t. “Does it, Nate?”

  I sigh and put my hand back in my lap, knowing it doesn’t end. It never ends. Quinn’s just reinforced as much, and she needs to make decisions based on that alone.

  “No,” I mutter, looking at the floor rather than at her. I might love her. I do love her. But if this isn’t what she wants, what she can handle, then she’s free to go with no interference from me. I’d rather that than her live a lie—one where she can’t be honest. “And you need to accept that or leave, Gabby.”

  Minutes pass, her face seeming to harden with each one ticking by. I don’t know why, but maybe, with any luck, she’s about to go all in with Cane and we can make a future together. I can’t be without her, but I can’t stop being a Cane either, no matter how hard I try.

  “You’d let me leave?” she says quietly. My heart sinks, body giving up the will to damn well live if I can’t have her by my side.

  “I love you. I’d let you do anything you want to do, leaving me included.”

  It might only be small, but the smile that suddenly lights up her face has me mirroring the move, amused at my own admittance. Love—not that any Cane deserves it.

  “You do, huh?” she says, crossing her arms.

  “Yeah.”

  “Not a very calculated emotion.”

  “Believe me, it’s the most calculated decision I’ve ever made.” I snort and watch her smile widening. “You, plus beaches, plus fucking, plus that smile of yours. It’s a good equation.” She laughs lightly.

  “Well, I guess leaving would be stupid then.”

  “Guess so.” She walks over, a small nod coming with the action as she uncrosses her arms and moves closer. I hold my hand up before she does something she regrets, needing to enforce the sentiment. “But you can, Gabby. I need you to know that. Cane is all in or not at all. And this shit’s just blown it all out of the water again. I don’t know what’s coming for us now, but it won’t be rainbows. I can tell you that.”

  She hovers for a second or two, her face flattening from the smile that was there.

  “That hurt still?” she asks.

  “What?”

  “Your leg,” she says, moving her ass towards it.

  “Yes.”

  She sits anyway, at least trying to put her weight on the other one. Not that I give a damn because the moment her lips land on mine, and the second I feel her mouth come home to me, all those feelings of love come racing back to obliterate any other feeling I’ve got. Pain included.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  I felt better—stronger—after finally talking with Nate. He’s been asleep for nearly two days. They kept him sedated because he grew so agitated being stuck in bed. But he has to heal. Or at least start to. Quinn forced the issue with the doctors, which they dutifully obeyed. I saw some sense in it. It’s made me fidgety to see him awake again, though, and Quinn is as short with me as ever, but I suppose it gave us all time to come to terms with what had happened.

  Nate didn’t sugar coat anything for me, which I was grateful for despite the pain and anguish it caused. All in with Nate Cane might be a dream while we can escape and find our bubble, but that world, the one with guns and violence and death—the one I’ve hated all my life—just got a hell of a lot closer.

  He’s set my mind in motion and it all leads back to my brother. I can’t bear to visit him, but I know I need to get it over with. It’s like pulling a Band-aid off—a short, sharp tug will get it over with and let me move on.

  If only this was going to be as simple as that.

  The entrance to Andreas’ room is similar to Nate’s. I can see him through the window propped up on the bed with his arm in a sling. His chest is bare and covered in bruises. My feet squeak on the polished floor as I slip inside the room. As soon as I enter, Andreas stirs, snapping his head to the source of the sound. “Hey,” he croaks.

  “Hey. I can come back if you’re resting?” I nod towards the door.

  “No, it’s fine.” He pulls himself up, his eyes focused on me. “You okay?”

  “Sure,” I lie. “A few bruises.” My fingers fiddle with the cotton edge of the sheets, not wanting to look him in the eye. I don’t need to go into details. Andreas is fully aware of the extent of my injuries.

  As my brother, I should be relieved that Andreas is safe and talking, but there’s anger burning inside me for everything that’s happened. Not just anger at how he put everything else above me, but how my whole life, all the pain and loneliness, has stemmed from him. His dealings, his business—it all started with him. And until I was in that room with him, until he witnessed his little sister being raped rather than give up his business, I didn’t see how evil and twisted he’d become.

  “Are you just visiting?” He lowers his head to catch my eye.

  “Yep. I wanted to make sure you’re safe.”

  “After your boyfriend shot me, you mean.”

  “Nate shot you?” My voice catches as my shock registers and I hate that I still feel any sentiment for my brother. The acid burns in my stomach as the warring emotions dig in.

  He shuffles up on the bed, back propped on the headboard. “Pretty smart. He took me out. Meant I couldn’t be used against him. He is a Cane after all.”

  “What does that mean?” The muscles in my body snap to attention as I defend Nate and my anger grows at Andreas’ remarks.

  “Cane is one of the biggest criminal enterprises on the east coast. Mortoni wouldn’t shut up about how he was in bed with them. Fucking idiot.”

  “This isn’t about Nate. This is about you and the drugs and all the other deals you’ve worked leading to this. Leading to the Yakuza following me around the world to use me as leverage against you.” My finger stabs at Andreas accusingly. “Leverage that you ignored. You watched, and you ignored, and let them…hurt me.” Tears clog my throat, but I swallow them down. He seems oblivious to what he let them do to me, uncaring. “You need to stop and make this all go away, Andr
eas.”

  “Go away?” He scoffs. “Come on, Gabriella. Don’t be so naive. The Yakuza will never leave this. And they won’t give a crap about me when they have a vendetta against Cane.”

  “No. They wanted your port. Your business. That’s why they stole the diamonds—to get to you.”

  “And now they have it. But they also figured they can take a swipe at Cane as well. Nicely done, by the way.”

  “After what you let them do to me, you don’t have the right to talk to me that way.” My teeth clench together as I bite the words out. “They nearly beat you to death. Nearly killed me.”

  “If you think you can be happy with him, you’re delusional.” There’s venom to his words that smash into my chest, knocking the fury I felt flat.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “I have to hand it to you, hermana, you know how to pick them. You think my life has been violent?” He shakes his head. “He’s a fucking Cane, Gabriella. Wake up and look at what they are rather than thinking with your body.” I frown at that. I know Nate. I do. He’s kind and decent, regardless of what’s happened, nothing like my brother’s underhanded world.

  “So? I didn’t know that about him when I met him. I won’t hold it against him.”

  “But you’ll hold it against me. For the rest of my life?” Anger fumes through me, dropping my calm voice to a hiss of hatred.

  “You let them rape me, Andreas. You even watched,” I snap out, still able to feel that man inside me. “You could have stopped them, helped me, like I’ve tried to help you.”

  “They wouldn’t have stopped. It was all to get me to talk, to give up the port. Of course, your novio probably knows that already.” He turns as if to dismiss me.

  I can’t believe this is the brother I’ve loved my whole life. I’ve always looked out for him and wanted him safe. Yet, he can’t do the same thing for me.

  “You’ll never be safe, Gabriella. Not with Cane. Yakuza want you, too. They think you’re part of the business that I’ve handed over to them on a fucking plate.” His bitter words add yet further fear to that I’m already processing.

  “You might be right. But it’s my life. Whatever happens, I’m done wanting to be a part of yours. Instead of stepping up to be a brother, you just ignored me, only ever calling on me when you needed something. You used me to your advantage. Have you ever thought about when I might have needed you? Didn’t you hear me screaming at you for help in that room? As they fucked me?” Every word I speak resonates through my body. This is how I’ve felt for years—years of seeking approval from someone who is selfish and cruel.

  He shakes his head and turns away, sucking his bottom lip between his teeth. I turn around, too worked up to look at him right now. He’s never going to change. And he can’t take back what happened to me, or his choice. His betrayal cuts deeper than anything I’ve ever felt before. Family be damned.

  “Are you going to stop what you do?” He swings his gaze back to me, and I see judgement clear in his eyes. “Stealing diamonds or anything else that takes your fancy? I know that’s what you do. Travel the world, taking your pick of what you want. You’re not so innocent, hermana, and if you think you can come in here and lecture me, you can leave.”

  “What I do is none of your business. It has never been because you couldn’t give a shit about what I do unless it benefits you.” I stare into his eyes, knowing we’ll never find a route through this. We’re too different, too far apart. “All I ever wanted was your approval, Andreas. Your love.” I head off to make a dramatic exit. I’m done with this. Done with him. “Oh, and I’m damn well sure no one’s ever died from what I’ve done.”

  I could slam the door, but my body is too drained. All I want is to hide away and cry. A family is all I’ve ever wanted. He’ll never see me as the little sister I am. How could he after what he let happen? No loyal brother watches that without trying to stop it. The disappointment I feel is heavier than I ever imagined possible.

  But that’s it. I’m done.

  There’s a sofa outside in the hall, and it catches my fall as I drop onto it. The sting of hot tears burns at the backs of my eyes, but I force them away. I’ve spent too much time crying, and I won’t give any more to Andreas.

  His words echo in my head, though. Nate said it himself. This life will never end. I don’t think I fully comprehend what he means by that, but I’m pretty sure he’s not referring to spreadsheets and numbers. I love him, though, with all of my heart, and I can see he’s my chance at a family—not my blood, but the person my heart has chosen.

  My mind circles the problem, surveying it and assessing all the weaknesses. I could have everything I ever wanted with Nate, but I’d have to live with the world in which he operates. And how would he feel about me going off to recon a job? Would he challenge me to stop like I've done to Andreas, to keep me safe?

  A holiday fling now holds my heart in his hands, along with a life I’ve always wanted. But is the cost too high?

  Quinn stands next to Nate, both of them caught up in conversation as I walk past. I approach slowly, giving them time to finish their talk. Lines of worry etch furrows over Quinn’s face, but he smoothes them out, turning his back to me and Nate as I come in closer.

  Nate puts his hand out for me, and I gladly place mine in it.

  “You’ve got plenty to occupy yourself. I’ll be in touch.” Quinn breezes past and disappears.

  “Everything alright?”

  He smiles and nods. “Yeah, it’s time for us to leave.”

  “Leave? As in the hospital?”

  “Yes.”

  “But it’s only been…a few days since you were out of surgery.” He smiles and reaches for my face.

  “I’m fine, Gabby. It’s time to go.”

  “Where? Back to Chicago?” My mind spins at how fast things are moving all of a sudden.

  “No. A hotel for now. A team is already on route to the Setai. We’ll be based there until we’re fit to fly.”

  “Nate, please. Slow down.”

  “Gabby, do you trust me?”

  “Why did you shoot my brother?” It comes from nowhere, but if he’s going to ask me questions about trust, I need to know why.

  He shakes his head and looks away. “He was going to be used as leverage, a negotiating point. That wouldn’t have worked, but I also needed to show he wasn’t valuable to me. I calculated the risk. It was a clean shot.” He says it mechanically, as if it was a simple decision. I can’t even process how that sort of mind works.

  “For you to make? Or for Andreas to live?”

  “Both. Why is this a problem now? Have you seen him?”

  “Yes, but he said the same thing.”

  “At least he’s honest to some degree then.” He huffs, obviously still annoyed with my brother. I know the feeling well. “What’s the problem, sweetheart?” His eyes quiz me as if he can’t see any problem here.

  “I know we haven’t talked about it, but this holiday romance hasn’t really stayed to the holiday.”

  “No, it hasn’t.”

  “And you said you love me. Well, I love you, too, but that doesn’t mean I like the world you work in. I’ve always hated what Andreas does, and I won’t tell you to stop. It’s just…I never thought I’d concede something like this over a man.”

  “A man you love?”

  “Yes, but what you do…”

  “Has been turning the Cane empire into a profitable and legal business. There might be a new threat now, but the Yakuza are the only reason I’m going back to that life. I worked too damn hard to have everything burn.”

  “You killed people.” The pain in my heart is crippling as I admit those words.

  “And I’ll do it again if I have to.” His words are so methodical I can barely believe he’s the same man I met in Bora. “Gabby, you’re my family. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect the ones I love. Picking up a gun and pulling the trigger included.”

  It’s as roman
tic as it is violent, but I think I understand. His eyes are nothing but sincere as I search for reassurance. There’s nothing there but concern and love. From the moment I first met him, I knew this would be different. We both broke the rules and got burned, but the core of us, the centre of our relationship has only grown stronger, enduring through the pressure to become brilliant.

  “I want us to go home, Nate, but I have no idea where that is.” I’m careful not to put too much pressure on his leg as I lean over him and wrap my arms around his neck.

  “Don’t worry. I know exactly where we’re going.”

  It’s been two days since Nate discharged himself and set up ‘home’ at the hotel. A team of guards have been with us the whole time. Private security. I’ve not left the hotel grounds. The view of the beach is so tempting, to push my toes into the sand and feel the warmth radiate through my body, but I want my bruises to heal before I go out too much. And even if I went, it would be with an armed escort.

  Nate’s been resting. At least his body has been resting. His mind has been plotting. His laptop must have been surgically attached as he’s barely turned it off. It’s a state of limbo. We’ve barely talked since we got to the suite. Denny and Joe have been our shadows. There are others as well, but I’ve not seen them. Joe’s assignment is to keep me safe. That’s all he’s really said to me. He certainly doesn’t blend in. Being over six foot and built like an American football player, he turned every woman’s head in the lobby when we checked in.

  A pang of guilt hits me as I remember Jon. His job was to protect me, and it got him killed.

  For the last forty-eight hours, all I’ve had to do is get lost in my own head, constantly bombarded with questions about the future, about my life, my friends, what we’ll do now. It’s sobering.

 

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