Luca (Hunting Her)

by Eden Summers

  But instead of protecting Penny I endangered her. Became distracted by her. And even now, with one of her friends dead and another injured, I don’t think I can regret falling for her.

  “You couldn’t have seen this coming. Torian told me Robert was dead. That all Luther’s men were taken care of. Get your head out of your ass and realize you’re no better than anyone else. You couldn’t have predicted this. You’re just as helpless as the rest of us.”

  “It was my job.”

  “Yeah, well, it was my job to find her in the first place. She’s my sister. So quit the pity party.”

  Is that it? Is all this macho hostility because I found her instead of him?

  “And while you’re at it,” he snarls, “quit fucking her, too.”

  “Don’t push me, Decker.” I grind my teeth to the point of pain. “I’ve told you I’m not fucking her.”

  He scoffs and looks away, his jaw ticking.

  The need to fight this out is reciprocated. There’s only one reason we aren’t, and she’s a few feet away, behind that bathroom door.

  “Look.” I huff. “I care about her. And whether you approve or not, I’m going to keep protecting her.”

  “With your dick?”

  “Enough,” I warn. “We don’t have time for this.”

  He straightens, his vicious eyes meeting mine. “Fine. But we also don’t have time for you bitching about how you let her down. So powder your fucking vagina and make up for your mistakes.”

  My ears keep deceiving me. Through the threats, his demands sound similar to thinly veiled approval.

  I breathe out a laugh. “She got to you this morning, didn’t she? Whatever she told you in the basement has you second-guessing putting a bullet between my eyes.”

  “Hardly. I’m still trigger-happy, motherfucker. Keep pushing me and you’ll see how close I am.”

  There’s little intimidation in his tone. Penny must’ve dug deep under his skin, and a whole heap of pride accompanies that knowledge.

  She’s healing.

  Slowly, but surely.

  The water cuts off in the shower, then the screen door clatters open.

  “She’s going to be out here in a minute.” I clap my Mac shut and sidestep Decker to grab my wallet and car fob from the bedside table.

  “Where are we going?”

  I pause. “We?”

  There’s a beat of silence as I turn to face him.

  “Yeah, we. The two of us are all she’s got. And I’m not going to put my family in harm’s way because of my hatred for you. I want to find this fucker, and it needs to be before tonight.”

  The bathroom door opens and Penny pads into the room, her loose hair damp around her shoulders, her skin flushed, her T-shirt and jeans still incredibly baggy. As soon as she notices I’ve got company, she stops, her eyes growing wide. She glances between me and her brother. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing.” I walk for the duffle to dump my Mac inside. “Deck and I are getting out of here.”

  Her gaze turns frantic. “The two of you?”

  “It’s all good, Pen.” Decker jerks his chin at her. “We’re setting our differences aside. For now.”

  She pins me with a stare. “Is he serious?”

  “Quit eying me like that. You heard the guy; we’ve become best buddies.” I wink at her. “But we need to make a move. We’ve got a lot to do.”

  She continues with the visual tennis match as she slowly nods. “Okay. What should I do? I need to help.”

  “Nothing,” Decker answers for me. “Relax. Read a book. There isn’t anything you can do.”

  The moron has no idea she’s incapable of relaxation. She needs a distraction.

  “You said you remember Luther talking to Benji.” I walk to her, gliding my hands over her upper arms. “It would help if you started recalling anyone else he might have spoken to. I need names and specifics. Come up with as many details as you can. No matter how big or small.” I run my fingers over her chin and lean in for a kiss. “Robert’s working with someone, and the more information we have, the easier it will be to find him.”

  She nods into me. “I can do that.”

  Decker mutters something under his breath and trudges to the hall.

  I take a second to breathe her in. To remain close before I have to leave. I kiss her again, deeper, and my dick appreciates the proximity.

  “I like this.” I skim a hand down her arm to the leather cuff firmly affixed to her wrist. “It looks good on you.”

  “It’s the only weapon I have, which means I’ll never take it off. All I need now is to learn how to use it.”

  I lean back, already regretting the distance I’m about to place between us. “I’ll teach you as soon as I can, okay? And I’m sure Sarah would be happy to show you a trick or two.”

  “Okay.”

  I step away, retreating toward the door. “I’ll have my phone on me all day. Do you still have the cell I bought you?”

  Her eyes widen. “I didn’t bring it.”

  “It’s no big deal. I’ll be back as soon as I can. But if you want me for any reason, just ask one of the others for a phone. They’ve all got my number.”

  She bites into her bottom lip, her teeth digging deep. “Please stay safe.”

  I smirk. “Always.”

  She attempts a smile. “I mean it. I need you to come back. And I need you to look after him.” She glances toward the hall and lowers her voice. “Please don’t let anything happen to Sebastian.”

  “I will.” I cross a finger over my heart. “I promise.”

  I just hope I’m capable of fulfilling the vow.

  28

  Penny

  I started on the list as soon as they left. It took a while, my unwanted memories unwilling to come forward after I’ve spent weeks attempting to suppress them.

  When I’d finished, Keira texted the information to Luca.

  She didn’t seem surprised by the names I came up with. Nothing triggered her interest—at least not from what I could tell. Her disregard only made me strive to focus harder on my past in the hopes of coming up with something pivotal.

  Even after she sent the message, I relived my time in Greece like a rolodex, flicking over one memory to the next, trying to recall the details of Luther’s conversations only to gain tiny snippets that seemed inconsequential. There was too much static to think clearly. Too much debilitating anger that blocked the finer details of the past.

  By mid-morning, I was frantic with the need for a distraction without Luca by my side.

  There were no updates on his progress as I watched Tobias and Stella play with the nanny. I surrounded myself in their laughter because each passing hour made my apprehension grow.

  The other women spent their time making calls and dinner plans. I overheard Layla cancelling reservations people had already booked at Cole’s restaurant, while Keira contacted extended family to invite them to the special occasion.

  None of the men came home for lunch.

  Neither Luca nor Sebastian interrupted the afternoon “Female Empowerment” session Sarah made me attend in the basement.

  I both appreciated and cursed every minute that ticked by as I held a gun in my hands and learned how to aim and shoot. And although I adore the leather cuff strapped to my wrist, I much would’ve preferred Luca to be here giving me good news instead of having Sarah instruct me on how to slice someone’s carotid with lethal efficiency.

  “They’re going to find him,” were the only soothing words offered to me from Layla while us four women sat outside in the afternoon sun, the neighborhood now sickly quiet without the barking dog.

  It wasn’t until later in the day when the sun began to set and Keira excused herself from another chat session around mugs of tea in the kitchen that my confidence in Luca’s promises faded.

  She didn’t give an excuse for leaving my side, but it was clear she needed to get ready for the evening with my parents. They all did. Which
meant I was left to sit on the sofa by myself, drowning in fear.

  I hadn’t let myself believe Luca and Sebastian would return empty-handed.

  But they have. I can feel it.

  When the front door opens not long after and heavy steps down the hall bring Luca into view, the sight of him only confirms my despair.

  Even though he stands tall, head high, shoulders straight, his expression speaks of failure. Those usually intense eyes now beg for forgiveness.

  I swallow over the tightening in my throat and look away, my hands clutching the sofa beside my thighs.

  “We tried everything,” he says in greeting as he walks my way. “We looked everywhere. Spoke to everyone. We fucking interrogated and threatened and threw our weight around, but nobody knows a damn thing.”

  He stops before me, his red and swollen knuckles clenched at my eye level.

  I fight against the need to blame him. To yell and scream even though it’s not his fault.

  “Where’s Sebastian?” I keep my gaze lowered. “Did he come home with you?”

  “Yeah. He’s getting ready.”

  A sharp stab enters my heart, penetrating deep. “So, that’s it? There’s nothing more that can be done? I just have to sit back while my parents are used as bait?”

  “They’re safe. Nobody is going to get to them. Torian has men set up everywhere. There’s not an inch of space in a three-block radius that won’t be watched.”

  Yet again, I’m defenseless against the demands of powerful men.

  Everything is always out of my control.

  “Your list helped.” He strokes a hand through my hair. “Just not enough to find anything concrete.”

  I jerk my head away and push from the sofa. Antsy. Angry.

  “I tried, Pen,” he murmurs. “I fucking tried.”

  I know. That’s what makes this worse.

  I don’t want him to exude defeat and wordlessly beg for forgiveness. It only increases my suffering.

  “I’m hoping he’s left Portland,” he continues. “We’ve got so many eyes on this city, someone would’ve had information if he was still here.”

  I nod, but there’s no belief to accompany the gesture. I’m well aware Robert is in control inside his perfect hiding place.

  He’s preparing.

  Scheming.

  And I refuse to let him win.

  “So, what now?” I suck in a deep breath, forcing strength. “What am I supposed to do?”

  “We wait it out. If someone catches sight of him tonight, then Hunt and Sarah will handle it. If not, we try again tomorrow.”

  “Right… We wait…” I scoff at the ridiculousness. My parents are lambs at the mercy of hungry wolves, and I’m expected to kick back and watch television as if their lives aren’t on the line.

  “There are things I hate about this, too, Pen. I want to be the one to find him—to fucking slaughter him. I don’t want to be stuck here all night either.”

  “Then don’t. I’m not stopping you.”

  His eyes narrow. “I get that you’re angry. But don’t pull this shit with me. You know you’re my priority.”

  I can’t help it. My rage grows and my helplessness along with it.

  “Come here.” He grabs my wrist and tugs me into him, wrapping his arms around my back. “This will all be over soon. And your parents won’t even know they were a part of it.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  Slowly, his confidence seeps into me, strengthening my resolve. When he releases me, I’m no longer clinging to anger.

  “I need to take a shower. Come with me.”

  “Not this time.” I slump onto the sofa. “I need to clear my head.”

  “You sure?”

  “Positive.” I want space. Even if only for a few minutes.

  “Okay.” He reaches for the television remote on the coffee table and hands it to me. “I won’t be long. Find a movie to watch, and I’ll order dinner once I come back.”

  I nod.

  “You know I’m proud of you, right?” He gives a sad smile. “You’re taking this like a warrior.”

  “It doesn’t feel that way. I’m so angry I could kill someone.”

  He chuckles, soft and low, then leans in to place a quick kiss on my forehead. “Aren’t we all?” He retreats, heading toward the hall. “I’ll be back soon.”

  I scoot farther back on the sofa and stare into space.

  While he’s gone, the others return to the mansion to prepare for the party. Chatter echoes through the halls. The kids’ laughter carries from different rooms. Doors slam, and hinges squeak with the flurry of movement.

  Then one by one, they leave while Luca and I eat Chinese out of cardboard boxes and pretend this might not be the worst night of my rescued life.

  The only people left behind are us, the children, and the nanny, the sudden quiet of the once bustling house leaving me numb.

  It doesn’t take long for anger to return. Then jealousy.

  Everyone else is meeting my parents.

  My mother.

  My father.

  And I’m here, watching as the nanny herds Tobias and Stella down the hall to shower and dress for bed.

  “I’m not sure if you want to hear this, but Torian sent me a text.” Luca tilts his cell screen my way from his position beside me on the sofa.

  I’ve doubled the security on the house. If you go somewhere, take a tail with you.

  “Why would we go somewhere?” I ask. “Do you plan on leaving?”

  “Not at all.” He gives a subtle shake of his head, his expression turning sympathetic. “But it’s not too late if you want to see your parents.”

  “No.” My answer is immediate.

  I’m not ready.

  Maybe soon. But not now.

  “I don’t mean face-to-face.” He pockets his cell. “We could drive by the restaurant. You should be able to see them without leaving the car.”

  I open my mouth to repeat my protest, only the words don’t come. Yearning clogs my throat instead. It’s a painful, agonizing hunger for closure.

  I’d kill to see them. Even if just a glimpse.

  The thought of my mother’s smile… the remembered sound of my father’s laugh…

  The slightest glimmer would mean the world to me.

  “What about Robert?”

  He shrugs. “Like Torian said, we wouldn’t leave without protection. I’d make sure we were covered.”

  I swallow over the anticipation tingling like wildfire in my stomach. The pounding of my pulse becomes thunderous.

  I want this.

  With every pain-filled heartbeat, I really, truly want this.

  “Okay.” I nod. “But only if you think it’s safe.”

  He gives a half-hearted grin. “Let’s get you in the car.”

  I scoot from the sofa. “Hold up. Let me get changed first. Can you tell the nanny?”

  He inclines his head and then I run for the hall, yanking off my baggy sweater to throw it to the bed.

  I pull on jeans, a comfy suede jacket, and a pair of Sketchers before meeting Luca at the front door.

  “I’ve arranged the escort.” He releases the deadlock and pulls the door wide. “One of the guards from the gate will lead the way to the restaurant.”

  “Good.” I follow Luca to his Suburban, my hands shaking by the time we reach the doors and climb inside.

  “You should lie down.” He winces in apology. “We don’t know who’s watching.”

  “Not this time, please. I’ll stay on alert. I promise.”

  He sighs and starts the engine, not answering my plea.

  We drive from the property in silence, following a silver sedan slowly through the streets.

  “You look nice…” Luca keeps his attention on the road. “For someone who has no intention of leaving the car.”

  My cheeks heat, stupidity warming my face. “It’s silly, I know.” He doesn’t answer, the quiet compelling me to fill the silent void.
“Even though they’re not going to see me, I want to look presentable.”

  “It makes sense.” He grabs my hand and entwines our fingers. “But you don’t need to explain.”

  I ignore the world gliding by around us and focus on him—the one who continues to devote his life to making mine better. But the increasing happiness doesn’t detract from the rampant beat of my heart as we drive closer to my parents.

  My palms grow slick with sweat. My throat dries.

  “You’re going to be fine,” he murmurs. “It’ll do you good to see them.”

  I know.

  I really do.

  It’s the gravity of the situation. The vulnerability I’ve always feared.

  “When you finally do stand face-to-face with them, what will you say?”

  I balk at his question. “I don’t know. I have no idea.”

  His lips curve in a thoughtful smile. “You’re going to cry like a baby.”

  I know that, too. My tears well just thinking about it.

  “It’s going to be beautiful, Pen.” He shoots me a glance. “Seeing you happy. Smiling. Even through the tears. It’s going to be so fucking beautiful.”

  I’m lost for words. For thoughts.

  His care for me is unlike anything I’ve experienced. Even from my adoring parents.

  I love him. God, how I love him.

  “What?” He scrunches his nose before returning his focus to the road. “What’s that funny look for?”

  “Nothing.” I swallow and turn to face the windshield, unwilling to let emotion get the better of me.

  “We’re almost there.”

  My breath catches as the silver sedan’s brake lights flash. I dig my teeth into my lower lip. Sit straighter. Scan the sidewalk.

  “See those men on the corner?” Luca jerks his head at the two casually dressed guys leaning against a brick wall, their attention on their cell screens. “They work for us.” He tilts his chin to the other side of the road. “Those three, too.”

  I trek my attention to the small group chatting out the front of a bar.

  “There are men all over the streets. In parked cars. Inside buildings. On top of roofs. All armed and ready at a moment’s notice.”

  I nod, no longer concerned about cover when my pulse feels capable of instigating a heart attack. I can sense my parents nearby. It’s as if their hum fills the air; my belly, too.