“Unless you want to use it, then toss it in a trashcan or something.” I shrugged at Espada.
“Sure, I’ll throw it away. I have burner phones in my bag.”
Espada shook his head. “This chick has an answer for everything.”
She sure did. “You really trust Gina?” I didn’t like the chick. Not after hitting on me at the lake when she knew Brynne wanted me.
“I mean, I’ve known her since freshman year, and we’ve shared an apartment for the last three years.”
“Gimme a minute to think this through,” I told her. No matter what, I couldn’t risk Brynne’s life. But she seemed desperate and determined to get her bag.
I couldn’t even call Storm or my old man for advice with Brynne in earshot. Our plan had gone sideways, and they had no clue about it.
On the positive, Brynne was coming with me to the compound willingly—silver lining.
Who in the fuck was Dorian, and how did he know Brynne? Why would he want to hurt her?
18
Dorian
Twenty-two Years Ago
My princess was quieter than usual. She probably suspected what I wanted to ask her and was nervous. She should know by now that all I wanted to do was make her dreams come true. But then, I wasn’t the only guy vying for her affection.
My best friend, Bruno, had been after Tina too.
We’d agreed to a fair fight and shook hands, wishing each other luck at winning her. But I knew she loved me more. It showed in her laugh, her olive-green eyes when I looked into mine, and her words. She adored me. Loved me. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Not true. I wanted Tina to be my wife. After she graduated high school, of course. I’d sense Bruno was planning to one-up me any day, so I asked Tina to meet me at our spot on Lake Michigan, so I could pop the big question before Bruno.
“It’s a beautiful evening.” She fidgeted with the hem of her dress. It struck me as odd. Tina had always been perfectly poised.
“Not more beautiful than you.” I took her hand and kissed the top. “What’s on your mind, princess?”
“Dorian, you’re so sweet.”
“You make it easy. Talk to me, love.” Despite our age difference—ten years—Tina was mature beyond her years. She had a calm spirit and cared deeply for people. Not many seventeen-year-old girls were like her. And I knew most in her school. Tina was everything I sought in a wife: beautiful, intelligent, obedient, and a virgin.
“I don’t want to hurt you, Dorian, but I can’t lie to you.” Her words alarmed me. Had she chosen Bruno and was about to destroy my heart? I’d kill him before she could marry him.
“What is it?” Every muscle in my body tensed. She didn’t love Bruno. The only reason she spent time with him was because of her father. He liked Bruno.
Tina stood from the park bench and climbed onto my lap. Her arms went around my neck, and she started to cry. To have her petite, warm body against mine stole my breath away. I’d handled her with such care. Treated her with the utmost respect these past months. I hadn’t dared to cross the line. I’d been doing my very best to win her heart.
“My sweet girl, why are you so upset?” I relished having her so close. It was better than I’d dreamed it would be.
“Do you love me?”
“With my entire heart, Tina. I’ve told you hundreds of times I will always love you.”
“I know, but I’m afraid you’ll stop after I tell you something.”
“Nothing you tell me could make me stop loving you.”
“Really?” She sniffled and pulled back.
“Yes, love.” I wiped away the tears from under her eyes. “I will love you forever. Until I take my last breath.”