Unfortunately, everything still ties to me unless they know the truth otherwise.
“I’m not sure if I’m welcome here, but I need to talk to Stacia.” I swivel on my feet, meeting Leandro’s gaze. “Did they update you on everything?”
“You mean about you claiming to have been behind the hitman? Yeah. But we know you’re full of shit. I recognized the account. It’s the one St. Germaine paid me with. I know both of you share it, but I didn’t tell Stacia that and thought I’d give you the opportunity. St. Germaine fucked up enough already. He underestimated the fact that Stacia isn’t his sweet little girl anymore, showing her forged documents that said something else. It’s a lot of bullshit, and I’m fucking tired.” Leandro taps his finger on the glass, grabbing everyone’s attention inside. “Now stop being a fucking coward. It’s unbecoming of you. You’re supposed to be a hard ass.”
I punch him in the arm, but he doesn’t budge, matching me in strength. I respect him immensely for hanging around despite all the bullshit. Many would’ve run. They would’ve tried to get in touch with the police. But we own this area. The police are on our payroll. He wouldn’t have gone far if he had tried.
“Yeah, fucking yeah. I’ve just had a long day. Shit is fucked up, dude.” I scrub my palms against my beard, trying my best not to get angry all over again. Leandro wouldn’t take kindly to me busting the window to get rid of the rage brewing inside me.
“And the day is not fucking over. I’m so upset with you, birdie.” Stacia saunters around the corner of the house, her fists on her hips and her arms akimbo. She looks sexy as hell, wearing just a long T-shirt, and I bet if I got close enough, I’d be able to smell one of these bastards all over her. Maybe even all of them.
I’m jealous that I wasn’t here to partake in such incredible bonding experiences. I hadn’t realized that I might have a cuckold kink. I love hearing Stacia moan in pleasure, no matter where it comes from. And seeing her get fucked? I get a damn boner just thinking about it.
I open my arms, too exhausted to put up a hard front toward the woman who makes me weak in my knees. She doesn’t hesitate and falls into my embrace, resting her head against my chest.
“I want you to tell me everything. You know I don’t fucking believe you about hiring a hitman. I know Daddy was involved. I confronted him, and he blamed it on Christos. Can you believe that?” Stacia tips her head back, her blue eyes sparkling in the soft light of the sun peeking through the heavy clouds. “He said a whole bunch of fucked up things. Something isn’t right, Talon.”
If only I had the nerve to tell her right here, right now, but a part of me knows that she needs to learn it for herself. It might break her, and I don’t want to be the one to give her that sort of news. Am I an asshole for trying to save myself? Fuck yeah, I am. But her tears ruin me. She needs the jagged edge of her father’s betrayal to find what she needs to fight back harder. Because shit is about to explode.
“I know, wild child. I didn’t want to admit this before, because I think our businesses have been jeopardized, but the alias on the wire transfer? Your father and I own it jointly.” My chest rises and falls with my quick breathing, and I wait for her to smack me and turn away.
But she doesn’t. Her eyes search mine, peering into my very being, determined to find answers I hold back.
“That’s what I don’t understand. He hired a fucking hitman to kill me. So fucked up.” Stacia closes her eyes, thinning her lips in an attempt to stop her jaw from trembling.
“It is,” I confirm, reaching up to brush a warm tear from beneath her eye.
“But why?” Stacia clings onto the front of my shirt, begging me with her watery eyes to give her answers.
I swallow and tighten my jaw, resisting the urge to lay it all out for her. To be the man to deliver news that might break her heart more so than knowing that her father hired a man to kill her.
“I don’t have all the answers, but I know who does. I think it’s time we visit your mom, Stacia. When’s the last time you saw her?” I ask, turning my attention to Leandro as he remains a silent shadow behind her.
Stacia lifts and drops her shoulders, shaking her head. “I don’t know. She’s been in rehab. I guess it’s been months. I haven’t talked to her since a couple days before I had to hide.”
“Then we should go tonight. I’ll arrange everything. Pack a bag in case.” I turn to Leandro. “I need you to watch Kenneth. Make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid. And if he does, call me.”
Leandro looks like he wants to argue but decides against it, nodding his head and then turning around to walk away, giving Stacia and I a moment alone.
I ensure it by tugging her away from the window until I press her back to the cinderblock wall, separating the yard from the neighbor’s. I cup her cheeks and lean in, kissing her trembling mouth, trying to empower her like she needs.
“I’m sorry for trying to deny your trust in me. I’m not a good man, Stacia, but you’re right. I would never do anything to hurt you. I only do things to protect you.” I rest my cheek against hers, inhaling soft breaths of her citrusy fragrance. “I love you, wild child. It’s never been more clear to me.”
Stacia hugs me tighter, pressing flush against me. “I love you too, birdie. But you have some fucking making up to do. I thought I was going crazy. I was so confused. And then I felt abandoned.”
I sigh, my chest heavy with her words. “I plan on it. I promise. As soon as all the shit is over, I will bow at your feet. I’ll treat you as you deserve. You’ll be my beautiful Queen.”
Stacia smiles, her face lighting up at my words. She kisses me again, the weight of her body keeping me grounded. Because another part of me wants to explode. I want to ruin the world for this woman.
And maybe I will.
She deserves to watch those who have tried to destroy her break.
I’ll be the true Executioner.
25
Secrets