Bloody Roses (14 Days of Love and Lust Bikers & Mobsters)

Prologue

Eighteen Months Ago

Los Angeles, CA.

“So, how was my funeral?” I suppress a yawn as I look at my godson on the tiny phone screen.

“Lots of tears. Plenty of regrets,” I snort out a chuckle.

“Regrets that they didn’t kill me themselves, you mean.” Lucas shrugs as he sits back, ripping open the buttons of his expensive suit with one hand so he doesn’t spill the bourbon in his other.

“How are the Alps?” I groan as I look out the sliding door directly behind my laptop that he can’t see, showing me the sandy beach, and shake my head.

“Not there yet.” He curses as he slams his drink down.

“Bruno, if anyone finds you here,” I sigh and hold up my hand.

“My flight is in a few hours. No one will see me. I swear it. I just needed to make sure everyone bought it. I couldn’t leave without being sure. Asking me not to contact you for the next five years is a lot, kid.” I don’t think I’ve gone more than a few weeks without seeing him since he was born.

He really is the closest thing to my own child I’ll ever have.

I’m gonna miss this fucker.

Great, now I’m sniffling instead of yawning. I keep my face turned away from the camera so he doesn’t see the distress on my face. I’m not scared of being in the mountains alone. I’m afraid I won’t be here for him when he needs me the most.

Like when he becomes a father.

“Listen to me. It’s not forever, just long enough for people to hopefully forget you. A little age, a new haircut, and contacts will do the rest to hide you in plain sight. You’re no good to me dead.” I finally turn back the camera and frown.

“I’m no good to you in Sweden.” He sighs and hangs his head.

“But I know you’ll be breathing. Don’t make me bury you, too.” Ouch, I didn’t need the reminder of Sebastian’s funeral.

“Fine.” I clear my throat and wipe my face like I’m trying to rip my skin off. ,“But I want pictures of my grand nephew and twice-yearly updates. I’ll set up a post box in a fake name. I can’t not know you’re all okay.” It’s too much to ask, and he fucking knows it.

“Fair, now do me a favor.” I hesitate before nodding.

He knows I’d do anything for him, including die, which I guess I have.

“Get out of my city.”