Luca (Hunting Her)

by Eden Summers

  “I think it really helped me,” she continues between nuzzling pecks.

  It didn’t help me one iota.

  I’m fucking dying to have her. Dying trying to keep my restraint in check.

  She sighs. “Will you—”

  The slam of a door cuts her question short and drags us apart. The patter of light rushed footsteps lets me know this moment isn’t going to last any longer. The kiddie giggle only confirms it. The unmistakable squeal from my niece sends my dick into hibernation.

  “I think the mini stampede means Tobias is here.” I drag my hands off her. “You should go say hello.”

  She glances to the closed door, her lips parting.

  “What are you waiting for?” I walk to my duffle, busying myself with pulling out a change of clothes. It’s not my business to intrude on her special moment, no matter how much I wish it was. We’re not at that stage yet. Maybe we will be one day. Who the fuck knows? But I’m not going to crowd her. “Go on. Enjoy the reunion.”

  “Thank you.”

  I don’t look back at the sound of her fleeting footsteps. I get dressed, pulling on old jeans and a shirt loose enough to hide the gun buried in my waistband.

  I try not to focus on all the fucked-up scenarios potentially waiting for us, but it’s hard not to imagine the worst when the hits keep coming.

  If Penny’s right and Robert is still alive, it’s not merely his revenge we need to worry about.

  His ability to blow Torian’s secrets sky-high is more than a huge fucking dilemma.

  None of us will be safe, now or in the future, if news of Luther’s arranged murder becomes public knowledge. And if that information is paired with the inside info that Torian was working with Anissa—a Fed—our deaths won’t come easily.

  In this world, snitches get more than stitches. They get a one-way ticket to unending torture to set a blatant example for anyone else who might want to do the same.

  Men will die.

  Women, too. Maybe the kids.

  I doubt anyone will be spared.

  Things would be different if Anissa was dirty. Turning a cop, a Fed, or a government official is worthy of a five-star bonus. But that woman wants to remain clean, meaning we’re all as good as fucked if Robert is kicking and decides to expose the truth.

  So my days could be numbered, and if that’s the case, there’s no place I’d rather spend them than by Penny’s side, my hands in her hair, my mouth against hers.

  I walk from the room toward the noise and find the living area filled with familiar faces—Hunter, Sarah, Torian, Decker, Keira, Layla, and my niece, Stella. All of them watch as Penny kneels on the plush rug in the center of the room, hugging the heck out of Tobias.

  Her smile is amazing. Far more brilliant than anything I’ve encouraged.

  Shit. That little fucker makes me jealous.

  Her entire face is alight. From her skin to her eyes. Even those lips.

  “Long time no see.” Hunt comes up beside me, nudging my shoulder with his. “Was she okay after we left last night?”

  Torian walks past, snickering, his smirk enough of an answer before he continues to the sofa.

  “She was fine,” I grate. “Everything was fine.”

  “Everything except my car,” Hunt clarifies. “But just so you know, Decker ambushed me earlier. He wanted to know why Penny ran yesterday.”

  I face him, trying to read his expression. “And?”

  “And you owe me. I told him I must’ve made her feel uncomfortable, so she took off. He’s buying it for now.”

  The goodwill doesn’t make a lick of sense. Unless Sarah put him up to it. Even then, kindness isn’t their style. “Thanks.”

  He grins. “I’m not looking for kind words, bucko. Like I said, you owe me.”

  “Great. That’s just what I need.” I turn back to the room, my glare fading as my niece catches my eye.

  “Uncle Luca.” Stella runs toward me, her hair bouncing around her shoulders. “I missed you.”

  I crouch and open my arms, hauling her into a tight hug. “Hey, sweetheart. How are you? I hear you’ve been looking after Tobias.”

  She smiles. Nods. “Uh-huh. He’s fun. Really smart, too. Mom says he might be starting school with me next week.”

  “Is that so?” I release her to ruffle her tangled hair. “I’m not sure that’s the best idea. How will your teachers handle two Torian brats in the one place?”

  “I’m not a brat.” She giggles. “Not all the time.”

  “I think your father would disagree.”

  “Daddy thinks I’m an angel.” She plants a playful punch on my thigh and skips away.

  “If that’s the case,” Hunt mutters, “then her dad is a fuckin’ idiot. That girl is the devil.”

  I chuckle under my breath. He’s not wrong. On both counts. “You try telling Benji that.”

  I return my attention to the reunion. Tobias is enthusiastic with rapid arm movements as he describes the park near Stella’s house, then proceeds to recount the names and descriptions of all the friends he’s made.

  Penny takes it all in. She’s parental affection personified. Kind eyes. Energetic nods.

  “I’ve got so much to tell you,” Toby rambles. “Oh, I almost forgot.” He leans forward, whispering something in her ear.

  Her surge of tension is almost unnoticeable. The stiffening of her spine is minute. But I see it. I see everything.

  She glances over her shoulder to me, the brief expression of panic quickly hidden under a fake curve of lips. She leans forward, returning a secret message to the boy’s ear, then pushes to her feet, rubbing his arms in affection. “Don’t fret. There’s nothing to worry about.”

  He nods, his bubbly nature returning as he stares up at her. “What about you? What have you done while you’ve been here? Have you seen much of Portland? Did you know I’m going to school next week?” He jolts, as if hit with another truckload of questions. “What about the others? Why aren’t they here? I want to show Chloe a picture I drew.”

  She doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t even falter. Not until she opens her mouth. “They’re um…”

  “Hey kiddos…” Stella’s mom, Layla, interrupts. “Why don’t the two of you pick where you want to sleep before the adults steal the best rooms?”

  “That’s a great idea.” Keira waves them toward the hall. “I’ll help.”

  “Yes.” Stella dashes around her aunt. “Toby, I’ll race you.”

  “No fair. You got a head start.” Tobias runs from Penny’s side without a backward glance, the two little brats leaving in a whirlwind of excitement.

  “I’ll keep them occupied as long as I can.” Keira gives Penny a sad smile and continues for the hall. “But you might want to come up with a plan. He’s been asking about the other women for days now.”

  Penny hitches her chin at the news.

  I want to go to her. To pick her up and make all the shit fade away. And I would… if her brother wasn’t in the kitchen watching her like a hawk. Watching me, too.

  Despite Hunt covering my tracks, I swear Decker is waiting for the opportunity to hang me from the closest shower railing.

  “Does Tobias need to be told?” Sarah asks. “Don’t you think it’s best to keep them in the dark? At least for now?”

  “We can talk about it later.” Torian stalks to the fridge. “Help yourself to whatever food or drinks you need. It’s time to have a meeting while the kids are occupied.”

  There are nods of agreement, shuffles of feet, food grabbed, and coffee made.

  Penny remains in the center of the room, those arms wrapped tight around her middle, desperately trying to self-soothe when I could do a far better job. I can’t stand idle anymore. I can’t watch her struggle.

  I start toward her, seeing her brother take notice from the corner of my eye.

  He watches, unmoving as I go to her, stopping a foot away to offer wordless comfort.

  Her plea for support is equally silent, the f
urrow of her brow deepening, her nose scrunching.

  “What do you need?” I keep my voice low, almost unheard.

  She cringes and bows her head. “You… I just need you.”

  I don’t hesitate.

  Fuck her brother.

  Fuck what’s right.

  I step into her, pulling her into my arms, hugging her close to my chest. She doesn’t return the embrace—merely stands there. Broken. Battered. Her cheek nestling into my neck.

  “I fucking knew it,” Decker snarls. “You son of a bitch.”

  I shoot him a warning glare as Penny remains defeated in my arms.

  He’s furious, his narrowed eyes promising retribution as he sneers, “Is everyone else watching this shit?” He swings around to take in Hunt and Sarah’s lack of reaction.

  “I’m seeing it.” Sarah takes a bite from an apple, a mug of coffee in her other hand. “I just don’t give a shit. Luca’s been helping—”

  “Get your fucking hands off her.” Decker skirts the kitchen counter, coming toward us. “Do it before I do it for you.”

  “Take a walk, Deck.” Hunter strolls forward, blocking his path.

  “I’m not walking anywhere.”

  “Like fuck you aren’t,” Torian demands. “Walk now or you’ll be on your own until you cool down.”

  Decker curls his hands into fists, his face turning red. “That shit better be platonic,” he seethes. “Otherwise you’re dead.”

  “Walk,” Torian growls.

  “Fuck you.” Decker storms from the room, spewing a mouthful of colorful language. The verbal barrage doesn’t stop for long moments, the creative threats making Hunt chuckle.

  “Has he been watching too much TV?” he asks. “He’s overly dramatic.”

  Torian moves to the fridge and pulls the door wide. “Just wait until he finds out they’re sleeping together. You’re going to want popcorn for that show.”

  “Ignore them,” I whisper in Penny’s ear. “This is how they get their kicks.”

  A door slams in the distance and laughter murmurs through the room.

  They all think this is a joke—Pen’s situation, Decker’s outrage. Maybe I would too if I was on the other side of the fence. But each quip hits her harder. I feel it in the tension coiling through her.

  Hunter glances over his shoulder to us. “If this is the way he reacts to you guys hugging, you might want to rest with one eye open. My man might slit your throat in your sleep.”

  “We’re not fucking,” I snap. “Y’all are as bad as he is.”

  “Those scratches don’t lie, buddy. Just wait until he notices them. He’s going to snap your spine like a twig.”

  Penny stiffens, her arms finally weaving around my waist in a protective hug.

  “They’re just having fun,” I whisper. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “Yeah, Pen, don’t worry.” Sarah chuckles through the placation. “We’ll protect Luca. We won’t let him get too much of a beating.”

  Vibrations echo from under my feet, the muted pop, pop, pops carrying in perfect rhythm.

  “What’s that noise?” Penny looks up at me in concern.

  “There’s a shooting range in the basement. Your brother is letting off steam.”

  “Or perfecting his aim.” Hunt grabs a cookie from the jar on the kitchen counter, shoving it into his mouth to chew with an exaggerated smile. “My guess is the latter.”

  “That’s real funny, asshole.” I rub Penny’s back, trying to loosen her rigidity. “Seriously, don’t worry about your brother. I’ll speak to him after he cools down.”

  Keira reenters the room. “Guys, I don’t know how much time we have. Layla will keep the kids occupied as long as she can. But who knows how long the nanny will take to get here on short notice?”

  “Okay. Everyone, hurry up.” Torian leads the way to the hall at the other end of the living area. “My office. Now.”

  I give Pen a final squeeze, then step back. “You’ve gotta be hungry; you didn’t eat breakfast.” I grab her hand and lead her to the kitchen. “Food? Coffee? Both?”

  “A piece of fruit will be enough. My stomach isn’t playing nice.”

  I grab an apple and raise a brow in question.

  She nods. “Thanks.”

  I lob the Granny Smith at her and pour myself a mug of caffeine. Sarah and Hunt help themselves to the fridge. Within minutes we’re all in Torian’s office, Keira sitting in the middle of an elegant sofa, Sarah and Hunt leaned against opposite armrests, while Penny and I remain standing, side by side.

  “So, what’s this about one of Luther’s men being here in Portland?” Hunt asks. “I thought we took out those fuckers in Greece.”

  “I thought we did, too.” Torian takes a seat behind the large wooden desk, and turns his Mac screen to face us. “Penny, on the other hand, thinks this is Robert. One of my father’s nearest and dearest.”

  The bank ATM image is on display, the poor picture quality magnified with the larger size.

  “Looks like a big blur to me.” Sarah leans forward, squinting. “How can you be sure?”

  “I’m not.” Torian swings the screen back to face him. “We’re playing it safe. But whoever it is stole from us.”

  “It’s Robert,” Penny murmurs. “There’s no question.”

  Everyone looks at her, their expressions differing from mild skepticism to Hunt, who rolls his eyes with blatant disregard.

  “How do you want us to go about finding this asshole?” I ask. “It’s in our best interests to keep this shit quiet and smoke him out as soon as possible.”

  Torian nods. “It needs to be fast and unnoticed. So far there have been no whispers about him being in town, which means it’s either not him, or he hasn’t made his presence known to any of my father’s men.”

  “It’s him,” Penny repeats. “I swear to God, it’s him.”

  “It’s okay.” I take a mouthful of coffee and close in behind her, rubbing my free hand along her arm. “Why don’t you go spend some time with Tobias while we figure this out?”

  “So you can question my sanity without me here?” She swings around to face me, her eyes pleading. “You still don’t believe me. You think I’m crazy.”

  “I believe you.” It’s the truth. “I trust your judgment.”

  “Nobody thinks you’re crazy,” Sarah adds. “We just need to be sure of what we’re up against.”

  “Speak for yourself,” Hunt mutters. “She stole my car. If that doesn’t scream batshit I don’t know what does.”

  I glare at him. “I’m done with the jokes. If Robert’s here, we all need to watch our backs.”

  “He is here.” Penny faces Torian. “And my sisters need to be taken care of, too. Who’s looking out for them?”

  “Benji should already be on his way back. Once he arrives, I’ll get him to arrange security.”

  “He’s coming here?” I disguise my annoyance with another mouthful of coffee. “Does that mean all the women are with their families? Why the hell haven’t I been updated on this?”

  “He’s taking the last one home today.”

  “I can get started on the security arrangements,” Keira offers. “That way the other women will be taken care of sooner than later.”

  Torian shakes his head. “It can wait. We’ve got more important things to focus on.”

  “More important things?” Penny seethes. “More important than their lives?”

  I dump my mug on a nearby bookshelf and return to my position behind her, placing both hands on her waist. “That’s not what he meant.”

  “Then what did he mean?” She shrugs away from my touch.

  “Penny,” I warn.

  She can’t make waves in here.

  At my home it’s different. She can rail on me all she likes without consequence. But here, Torian will use her anger against her. He’ll make her regret the outburst.

  “No, let her speak.” He leans back in his chair. “If she wants to criticize how
I’ve saved her and her friends, by all means, let her continue.”

  She doesn’t reply. Not immediately. She stands tall against his taunt, the tension seeping from her tight shoulders. “I’m sorry if I seem ungrateful.” She enunciates the words slowly. “I have nothing but appreciation for what you’ve done.”

  She pauses, the silence growing uncomfortable.

  “But?” he drawls.

  “But one of my sisters was murdered moments after leaving Benji’s care. And it’s now clear Robert took her life. So I’m struggling to comprehend why a man of your means wouldn’t rush to provide the necessary security to stop the bloodshed happening again.”

  He narrows his eyes on mine. “Who was murdered?”

  “Abi.” Penny steps forward, demanding his attention. “I don’t care what was reported. She never would’ve killed herself. It had to be Robert. Or someone working with him.”

  Sharp glances dart through the room. Sarah to Hunter. Keira to her brother. All of them returning to Penny, silently questioning her theory.

  “Abi didn’t kill herself?” Torian repeats. “She was murdered?”

  “Yes.” Penny nods. “Without a doubt.”

  “And Robert is responsible?” There’s an edge to his tone, an aggressive, barely leashed skepticism.

  She keeps nodding. “He has to be.”

  “Right… So let me get this straight, because I’m starting to see a pattern.” He pushes to his feet and rounds the desk to lean his ass against the front edge. “The police and news outlets reported Abi’s death as a suicide. But you claim otherwise because…?”

  “Because I know her.”

  “Of course.” He inclines his head and crosses his arms over his chest. “And even though Luca and I assured you Robert is dead, you also think that’s a lie due to a grainy, undistinguishable image?”

  “Don’t be an ass,” I snarl. “Give her the benefit of the doubt.”

  “I need to get the facts straight. Here I was thinking I was dealing with a one-off situation where she truly believed Robert was alive. But this is just panic gone wild, isn’t it?”

  “No.” Penny balks. “It’s not. That photo is Robert. I know it is.”

  “And Abi was murdered, despite the police having labeled it an open-and-shut case?”

  “Cole, stop messing with her,” Keira pleads. “Let it go.”