As soon as he said the words, I recognized him from my stupid visit to the university. Oh, my God. HewasRocco Luciano. My heart thudded against my chest, and I did my best to keep my mind from being shaken by terror.
It wasn’t working.
“Then I remembered that you were there asking questions. One thing led to another and here I am. It would seem you’ve drawn the attention of… the Wild Boys.” He laughed, the sound just as dangerous as the man. “What a ridiculous name, but they were formidable in the day. To think I wanted to join them. Oh, well. The past is the past.”
“You killed my brother. Didn’t you?”
“Very good, although I wasn’t inside that prison. I had some very loyal men do that for me.”
“You bastard.”
“I heard he cried like a baby.”
That was all I could take. I lunged toward him without thinking, punching him square in the jaw. As I tried to kick him in the balls, he grabbed a fistful of my hair, yanking me against him then sliding his forearm under my chin.
“Such a bad girl. Goodness. I can see I’ll need to deal with that right away. Now, you’re coming with me. We’re going to have some fun, you and I. And I’m going to send Alexander daily pictures. I think he’ll enjoy that.”
“That’s not going to happen, Rocco.”
My heart skipped a beat as I heard the second voice. Alexander.
Rocco placed the weapon against my forehead, dragging me back by several feet. “I don’t think you will be that stupid, Alexander. I don’t mind pulling the trigger.”
Alexander offered a smile, then darted his eyes in my direction. He held his weapon much the same way Rocco had been a few seconds earlier. I almost whimpered when Daniel moved from behind him, the look on his face one I would never forget. Two of my heroes had arrived to save me. How had they known I was in peril? Tears threatened to give away how terrified I was.
Rocco squeezed me tighter then kissed the side of my head. “I’d hate to kill such a pretty little thing.”
“You’re not going to.” Brogan’s voice boomed in the room. “Sorry I’m late. I had a few items of trash to take care of.”
While I couldn’t see Rocco’s face, I sensed his increasing anger by his ragged breathing.
Brogan moved around from the other side, shifting to within a few feet of Rocco, his weapon pointed directly at Rocco’s head.
Alexander walked closer. “I’m well aware that you didn’t keep your word, Rocco. I know about your plans to infiltrate New York. That isn’t going to happen. As of now, the Luciano family no longer has a hold on any city.”
What was he doing?
Rocco laughed, still nuzzling against the side of my head, his stench making me gag.
“Then I hate to tell you that you will lose someone you care about. Again. I suggest you place your weapons on the table.” Rocco’s defiance was absurd. He was outnumbered.
Alexander locked eyes with mine. Then he raised his arms, showing his weapon and easing it down as Rocco had demanded. What the hell was he doing?
Brogan shifted closer, the barrel of his weapon only a few inches away from Rocco’s head.
“You’re such a coward, Alexander. As always, you’re going to make someone else do your dirty work,” Rocco huffed.
There was something in Alexander’s eyes that I’d seen more than once. At that moment, I knew that not only could I trust all three men, but I realized they were all my heroes and would always be. Everything happened so fast, but as soon as I felt Rocco’s hold slipping, I jerked free just as the bastard swung his arms toward Brogan, prepared to fire.
I heard the shot, a single, popping sound that echoed in my ear.
“Not this time, fucker,” Alexander hissed, still holding his weapon in his outstretched hand after taking the shot.
Brogan grabbed my arm, yanking me away, his hand planted on the back of my head as he pulled me against his chest. “It’s okay, baby. You’re safe now. Safe.”
That’s when I lost it and I knew that I never wanted to spend another minute without them.
My bad men.
My heroes.
My wild boys.