Shadowed: A Hitman Mafia Romance (Team Zero Book 4)

by Rina Kent

  The house has a vast garden with thick rows of trees. I told Dad I liked it when we passed it by once. He must’ve asked for permission to bury the time capsule here.

  My hands and nails are filled with dirt from so much digging. Even my jeans are smudged, but I finally got the rusted metallic box out. What’s inside is almost the same.

  The letters’ paper turned yellowish, but the words remain in Dad’s messed up handwriting. There’s a small robot he bought me and I hid it here so Mum wouldn’t find it. Beside it rests a drawing I made at school. A little girl with two braids clutches her father’s hand, laughing from ear to ear with all her teeth visible. No mother is in the picture.

  I was so happy when I came with Dad to Mrs Adler’s house to bury the time capsule. It was one of the fewest times Mum didn’t have an excuse to make Dad believe I didn’t want his company. She must’ve had too many pills that day.

  “I’m so sorry, Daddy.”

  Tears run down my cheeks as I rummage through the memories. This time capsule is all I have left of him. He was supposed to open this with me, but Mum took him away.

  Just like she promised she would.

  She was mentally and emotionally screwed up. However, I can’t help thinking that this is all my fault. If I didn’t hang on to Dad that day, maybe she wouldn’t have wanted to kill us. Maybe Dad and I could’ve had a few more years together.

  Now I understand why I flipped the memories and made him the villain. It was easy to focus on avenging my mother than to live with the agonising guilt that I caused Dad’s death.

  Why did Dad and I have to pay the price for her instability?

  What if…

  Panic grips me by the gut as I place a hand on my stomach. What if it’s hereditary and I’ll become insane like her? What if I hurt my child?

  No. No.

  I spring to my feet and almost fall over, shaking. I can’t become my mother.

  Maybe I should abort the child before I hurt him afterwards.

  The thought of killing my baby springs a sense of terror and helplessness.

  There’s also therapy, but what if it’s not enough. What if whatever I do, I’ll become a crazy whacko who thinks she can take her child’s life at any time?

  “Hey, babe.”

  My muscles lock at the familiar voice coming from behind me. I shove the letters and the robot in the metallic box and close it before turning around.

  Johnny half-leans against a tree, arms and ankles crossed. The leather jacket stretches over better-developed muscles than the last time I’ve seen him. It’s like he’s been working out heavily. A heinous smirk curves his lips, causing the scar to appear more gruesome.

  This is the last place I expected to find Johnny in.

  While he doesn’t scare me, he’s the malicious type, and I need to tread with him carefully. I adopt my most confident tone. “What are you doing here?”

  “Followed you, babe. I was beginning to think you disappeared off the face of the earth until my contact spotted you in Le Salon.”

  Dammit. Do Ghost and Shadow know they have a traitor?

  Johnny is about the last person I need to be tangled with right now. My revenge against President Joe is pointless. His only sin is not locking his whacko daughter away.

  Maybe he should pay for that, but I’m too exhausted to think about it. All I care about is the future. It’s possible that I’ve given up on revenge since I blocked Johnny’s number during those blissful weeks I spent with Shadow.

  Johnny stalks towards me. His dark, greasy hair reaches his shoulders and he seems to not have shaven for days. From his slow, but not firm steps, it seems that he’s tipsy, if not drunk.

  It’s confirmed when he stands close and his breath smells of Jack Daniels. He reaches to my cheek, wipes a tear, and licks his finger.

  Disgust churns my stomach, but I maintain what I hope is a neutral expression. I can’t antagonise a volatile man like Johnny. It’ll only hurt me.

  “Ready to go, love?”

  I offer my sunniest smile. “I’ve been informed that I can’t leave Le Salon or I’ll pay the price.”

  “I’ll protect you, babe.” He clasps a hand around my upper arm. “Now, come on.”

  My throat constricts at the harsh grip. Sweat breaks down my forehead, and I can feel the panic attack bubbling underneath the skin.

  Now, I know why I have this strong reaction to being grabbed harshly. It’s due to how Mum shoved me down when I attempted to get to Dad.

  I try to keep my smile as I bargain with Johnny. “Let me take a few things and I’ll meet you, okay?”

  All I have to do is contact Shadow, Elle, or Liam. Just a moment would do.

  “No, babe.” Johnny’s repulsive alcohol breath fans my face. “You’ll go with me now.”

  “I can walk on my own.” I’m sure my smile looks fake because it’s coming with that edge of panic. I can’t even control it. An invisible hand is squeezing my heart and I have no way to stop it.

  He hauls me forward, and I nearly fall to my face. Whoa. His force is no joke although he’s tipsy.

  “Walk, babe.”

  My breathing calms a little now that he’s not touching me. The hell was I thinking when I struck a deal with this guy?

  I hold the box close to my chest as my eyes dart to my surroundings, searching for an opening. My best shot at running away is to draw someone’s attention outside.

  The sun is disappearing behind the buildings. If it becomes night, my chances will dim.

  Twigs and branches snap under my ballerina flats. It takes everything in me to keep the calm façade.

  “You’re really a gem, babe.” Johnny’s high pitched voice from behind me is threatening and amused.

  “What do you mean?” I try to remain amicable. It’s for my best interest if he continues talking.

  “President Joe thought he can kick me out like I was nothin’, but he’ll think again after this.”

  I peek at him over my shoulder with a plastered smile. “This?”

  “All in good time, babe.”

  Dammit. I didn’t even know President Joe kicked Johnny out. If we’re not heading to their club, then where the hell is he taking me to?

  I don’t know if it’s panic or the need to protect my baby, but I don’t stop to think. I run. I know Mrs Adler’s forest-like garden, so I have an advantage over Johnny.

  Footsteps sound behind me, but as expected from a drunk, Johnny can’t keep up. I tighten the box against my chest and forge forward.

  Some branches slash into my arms and legs. My breaths come in quick succession and a wave of adrenaline tightens my limbs.

  All I have to do is find the main road and –

  Something hard crushes against the back of my head.

  … a rock?

  Pain explodes in my skull and a hot liquid streams down my neck.

  I fall, or I think I do. The box and my body hit the ground with a thud. Something churns in my stomach.

  My baby.

  No, please.

  Johnny kneels beside me while tossing a rock in the air. A dark smirk moves his lips. “Sorry, babe, but you can’t run away.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  I crawl.

  What I assume is blood trickles down my neck. Sharp pain nearly splits my skull open.

  I don’t stop crawling.

  My T-shirt bunches up my stomach. Pebbles and dirt scrap the skin. I ignore the burn, all I think about is saving my baby.

  Someone laughs and it’s like being stabbed in the head by tiny needles.

  “Give it up, babe. I always get what I want.”

  Using my elbows, I drag my body down the dirt. My pulse spikes with each inch I take, but it’s not enough. My strength is waning and my limbs scream with pain.

  Johnny is still laughing. The repulsive sound echoes in the emptiness around us. I know he’s playing with me. I know he’ll let me crawl just so he’d snatch the hope away.

  I can’t
stop. I’m not dying today.

  Tears fill my eyes, but a surprising energy shoots in my limbs. I groan as I lift myself to my hands and knees. The agony rips through me as I push forward.

  Johnny stops laughing, and I think he’ll be on me. I crawl on four as fast as my scraped hands and knees allow. When I find a tree trunk, I clutch it with trembling hands and use it to stand up.

  Sounds of hushed footsteps run my way. They’re nothing like Johnny’s heavy, drunken ones.

  “This isn’t over, babe,” Johnny shouts from a distance.

  I cast a glance his way and he’s already disappearing behind the trees. A shadow passes in my peripheral vision before Shadow himself stands in front of me. His T-shirt sticks to his chest with tension. The overcast of his eyes darkens to a frightening colour as he looks to where Johnny disappeared.

  He’s here.

  Relief floods over me. It’ll be fine. If Shadow is here, my baby and I are safe. I grab his arm, my nails sinking in the flesh to keep myself standing. His gaze snaps my way.

  The darkness is still there but something a lot warmer disturbs his handsome, sensual features.

  Save our baby. I want to tell him, but no words come out.

  “Zoe?”

  He calls my name again and curses.

  I fall against him and let the darkness drift me away.

  I crack my eyes open and a splitting headache pounds my skull. My mouth feels so dry and grungy as if I were eating sand.

  Space is turning in a slow, hazy circle. I can’t make out my surroundings or the distorted voice coming from somewhere beside me.

  I was hit with a rock. I fell. My stomach twisted.

  I sit up with a jerk. Pain explodes in my head, but I don’t pay it attention.

  My hand cradles my stomach. My baby is still in there… right?

  What if… What if…

  “Zoe!”

  My head snaps to the feminine voice. Elle sits on the edge of the bed watching me with furrowed brows. Now that I’m not dazed out of my mind, it seems that we’re in Shadow’s room in Le Salon.

  “My baby…” I swallow. “My baby is fine, right?”

  Her lips part and she’s speechless for long seconds. “You’re... pregnant?”

  I nod, and a tear slides down my cheek. “Am I still pregnant?”

  A tall man with dark, solemn features strolls in from the bathroom. His eyes are so black, it’s like they’re a piece cut from a moonless night. He rolls down the sleeves of his fit navy blue suit, seeming just finished with washing his hands. He doesn’t spare us a glance as he fetches a brown leather briefcase from the floor.

  Elle clicks her tongue. “This is Aaron. He’s Julian and Shadow’s disciple and apparently a doctor. Not that I’m convinced.”

  “Too bad your opinion doesn’t matter.” Aaron’s face lacks any expression. He has a cool, imposing presence that fits a killer more than a doctor.

  But he’s all I have right now.

  “How is my baby?” I ask in a small voice, terrified of the answer.

  “Alive and well.”

  I release a long breath and tighten an arm around my stomach.

  “You needed a few stitches for the wound in your head and plasters for the scratches on your knees, but there’s nothing serious.” He states with a bored expression but a firm tone. “Focus on nutrients and your iron intake. Your body is weak.”

  “I will.” I trap my bottom lip between my teeth. “Have you told Shadow?”

  “Patients’ confidentiality.”

  “Wow.” Elle mocks. “I’m surprised you care about that.”

  “Thank you.” I’m so glad he hasn’t told Shadow. I want to deliver the news myself.

  “If you want to thank me, stop getting hurt. I’m tired of being forced to come to stitch wounds.” He turns to leave.

  Elle springs to her feet. “Did anyone tell you that you’re obnoxious?”

  He throws her a dark look over his shoulder. “Do I look like I care?”

  “Ugh.” Elle falls on the bed after the door shuts behind Aaron. “He’s so annoying. I need to find Julian a new doctor.”

  “Where’s Shadow?” I try not to sound disappointed that he’s not by my side.

  “He went to buy you the medicine that Aaron prescribed and…”

  “And what?” I straighten.

  “He seemed pissed off so maybe he went after Johnny. Why did he attack you anyway?”

  “He wanted to take me somewhere, but I don’t know where.”

  “I hope Shadow teaches the wanker a lesson.”

  I hold the sheets close to my chest as a shiver crawls down my spine. I want Johnny to pay, but not on the expense of Shadow’s life. He’s a professional killer and should be fine, but he’s not an immortal. What if Johnny has his own mercenaries? What if he sets him a trap?

  “Zoe?”

  “Hmm?” I face Elle who’s considering me with a wounded expression.

  “Why didn’t you tell me about your pregnancy? I thought we are a family.”

  My chest knots. “I’m so sorry, Ellie. It’s that this baby came out of nowhere and I didn’t know what to do.”

  “Is it… Shadow’s?”

  I nod. “I wasn’t even in a relationship with him at the time, and I was so scared about what he’d do if he found out.”

  She holds my hands in hers, and it’s as much comfort as Elle can offer. “What happened during all those months?”

  I tell her all about my mum’s familial ties with President Joe, my revenge, and eventually learning the truth. I choke on words, and Elle pats my back.

  When I’m finished, she regards me with support. She doesn’t have ‘Poor girl’ written all over her face like the social workers did when my parents died. Elle lost her mum as a child due to an overdose, so she understands. People like us don’t need pity, we need a shoulder to lean on.

  A hope.

  A promise of something better.

  “I wish you told me before so I could be there for you, Zoe.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s better late than never, right?” She strokes my hand. “What will you do now?”

  “I want to be a good mother. It terrifies me that I’ll become like my mum one day.”

  “You’re nothing like that woman, Zoe. You’re full of injuries because you wanted to protect your child. The first thing you asked about after waking up isn’t yourself, it’s your child. I’m sure you’ll be a marvellous mother.” She pauses. “But how about Shadow?”

  I swallow audibly. “I don’t know what I’ll do about him. What if he takes it badly?”

  “Hmm. I’ve seen how he was concerned about you when he brought you over. He even hauled Aaron from a business meeting so he’d come to treat you.”

  “He… did?”

  “Yup. Besides, he always looks at you like he wants to devour you and protect you, so I believe he cares about you, but…”

  I lean over. “But?”

  She releases a long sigh. “Shadow is unpredictable. Also, there’s the whole problem with The Pit so he might dedicate his attention to it.”

  My shoulders tense. “The Pit?”

  Elle’s hands clench in the mattress. “Julian thinks I don’t know, but Scar told me everything. Hades is demanding that one of Team Zero returns to The Pit if they don’t give him double profits. The previous month, Julian sold twenty-five per cent of the factory’s shares to President Joe and therefore managed to get profits.”

  “Can’t he sell more shares?”

  “President Joe refused to buy less than twenty per cent. If he gets forty-five per cent, Hades will find out and everyone will be in worse trouble.”

  “Why does Julian have to go?”

  “One of Team Zero hostages will be killed or tortured to death, and Julian can’t allow that. I know how loyal he is, but I wish he wouldn’t offer himself as a sacrifice… you know.” She chokes on words, tears shining in her eyes.

  “Elli
e…”

  “It’s okay. I know I signed up for his cruel and unpredictable world.” She pauses whenever words strangle her. “I think he’ll leave without telling me. What am I going to do?”

  I wrap my arms around her and pat her back as she sniffles on tears. “What if I can help?”

  She pushes away to stare at me. “How?”

  “I told you that President Joe is my grandfather. He doesn’t know about me, but I can try to convince him to buy lesser shares.”

  “What makes you sure he’ll listen to you?”

  “I’m not, but I can’t know until I try.”

  She bites her lower lip. “What if you get hurt? President Joe is known to be ruthless.”

  “He wouldn’t hurt his own granddaughter.” I curl my hand around hers. “Hey. I’d do anything for your happiness. Ghost helped me once, so this is a small payback.”

  “Let me tell him about it.” She clutches my shoulder. “Don’t do anything before we plan it.”

  I nod.

  She smiles and her hand cradles my stomach. “Hey there, little one, nice to meet you. I’ll be your godmother.” She throws me a glance. “Right?”

  “Of course.”

  “Thank God. I thought you’ll betray me and choose the redhead witch Mist.”

  I laugh. “I don’t think she’s into the godmother scene.”

  Elle’s attention goes back to my stomach. “You better be a girl so I can teach you how to kick some arse.”

  I grin despite myself. “That’s so sexist, Ellie. Does that mean you won’t teach a boy?”

  “His father can do that.”

  My grin widens. His father can do that on one condition that he doesn’t raise him into a professional.

  The door opens – no knock whatsoever – and Shadow storms inside.

  A bag of med dangles from his hand, but he doesn’t seem to be hurt anywhere. Thank God.

  Elle stands. “We’ll talk later.”

  I make an affirmative sound. She squeezes my hand one more time then she’s out of the door.

  Shadow strides to my side, fishing into the bag and reading through the labels. “This is for now. This is for after meals and this –”

  I stand up, ignoring the ache in the back of my head, and hold his hand. “Why aren’t you looking at me?”