“Your father hasn’t been able to keep his mouth shut since he’s been dropped off. Went on and out about his partner.”
Partner?What the fuck is he talking about? Who else is out there that I have to hunt down and kill to make sure my wife stays safe?
“We thought he meant your mother at first, but he started dropping names. Guess who was one of them?”
Elli moans and I look over my shoulder to see her run her hands through her hair to push it off her face. But her eyes remain closed. “Who?” I ask, ready to get this over with.
“Chance.”
My spine straightens and he taps his tatted knuckles on the table. “So I planted a bug.”
“What do you mean by planted a bug?”
“I made sure he got word that you had passed away.” He gives me a smile, showing off his white teeth. They’re a stark contrast to the black ink that wraps up around his neck to his jawline.
“You what?” I snap, stepping closer to the table. That’s why Chance’s face turned white when he saw me and said I was dead. He was so sure that I had died. “Why would you…” My voice trails off and I suck in a deep breath. “You wanted him to go after Elli.” He used her as bait. “You son of a bitch…”
“It worked, didn’t it?” He looks over at her still passed out.
“He could have killed her.” I point to her.
“She looks alive to me. A little out of it,” he shrugs carelessly. “But breathing nonetheless.”
“He could have. Fuck. He drugged her. Who knows what he would have done to her had I not got to her in time.” I’m screaming, throat burning. Fuck him for playing this game with me. My wife is off-limits.
“I made sure you were aware of the situation…”
“Situation? You didn’t tell me where she was. I thought you guys had her, for fuck’s sake.”
He snorts at that. “If we were going to take your wife, the last thing we’d do is let you know. She’d just … vanish.”
My chest tightens at that thought and I step back, getting closer to her once again.
“What happened to Nicholas was unfortunate. And we don’t like being made to look like fools.” His eyes go to my wife as she makes another noise that sounds more like a whimper. “And Elli really was an innocent.” They return back to mine. “I’m all for brutal revenge, but not when it’s not deserved. So…” He stands from the head of the table. “Take it as the peace offering it is. She has her father and you. Not to mention, I brought to your attention an enemy that you didn’t know existed. Now you’ve killed every person that has harmed or planned to harm your wife. I’ll say our business is done.” Walking over to me, he holds out a black box I hadn’t noticed he had with him. “Here, you’ll want this.”
“What is this?” I’m so tired of surprises.
“It’s your father’s phone. There’s some interesting content on it.” He walks past Elli, not even bothering to look at her, and goes to exit the kitchen.
“My father and her mother?” I ask, needing to know.
He pauses, wanting a second to decide if he wants to tell me or not. “They’re both still alive. For now. But don’t worry, you have my word they won’t ever leave Carnage. The guys have already found her mother to be useful, and they enjoy the way your father begs.” He smiles. “Now enjoy your wife, I know I would.” He turns and exits the kitchen. I hear the front door open and close seconds later.
I slide my father’s phone into a kitchen drawer; I’ll come back and get it later. Walking over to Elli, I grab a hold of her shoulders, pulling her face and chest up off the island. Picking her up in my arms and grabbing her water, I carry her into the master suite bathroom.
I sit on the edge of the corner Jacuzzi tub and hold on to her with one arm while the other turns on the faucet. Once the water is where I know she’ll like it, I stand and set her on the edge.
Her head falls forward, and I cup her cheeks, holding it in place. “Elli, I need you to help me out a little, okay?”
Heavy eyes open and look around aimlessly. “Sin?”
“You need a bath, Elli. Okay. I’ve got to clean you off.” Reaching the hem of her shirt, I pull it up and over her head. Then I unfasten her bra and toss it to the floor. I lift her up and hold her with one arm while the other undoes her jeans. I manage to get them down her legs and pick her up before placing her in the tub. I’m going to get her clean and put her in our bed. Then I’ll shower and wash myself off before joining her because I’m having problems keeping my eyes open. I’m crashing hard. I’m so done with this day. Hopefully tomorrow is better.
ELLINGTON
I OPEN MYeyes, a little confused, but it only takes me a second to realize that I’m back at home. Morning light filters through the window. I look over to my right and see Sin on his stomach, arms up under the pillow, sound asleep. I remember bits and pieces of last night. Like in the bathtub—him washing me clean and me crying, confused why he was there. I was told he was dead. He just kept reassuring me that he wasn’t going anywhere and that I was safe while I hugged him tightly. I was afraid to let him go. That he’d disappear.
I’ve got a slight headache but other than that, I feel okay. Reaching under the covers, I run my hands over my body to find myself naked and I wonder if we had sex last night. If so, I don’t remember. My body feels tight, muscles ache. That could have been the drugs or a really good fuck.