Chaptet 10
V ANCE
M y heart aches as I watch Clarissa sleep in my bed. I worry about how long it will take her to get used to being here, being with me. I feel a lightness I haven’t felt for a very long time. She belongs here with me. I’ve never been more certain about anything.
My phone buzzes. I walk into the bathroom, and my arm stings as I lift it from the counter.
Enzo: We got him. Should be at the cabin in thirty minutes. You sure this can’t wait? I can hold him for a few days.
Me: No. I want this done. Tonight.
I put the phone down and unwrap my arm. I smile as Clarissa’s name stares back at me. Grabbing the first aid kit, I clean my wound, wrap it up with gauze, and head downstairs.
I throw on a coat and open the door as Enzo pulls up to the house. He gets out, followed by Tony and a man I can only guess is Roy.
“Where am I?” Roy asks, flashing me a dirty look. “You’re all gonna be in a world of pain.”
I step up to him and smile. His eyes widen. My smile alone puts people on edge—right before they meet my blades. They never believe I’ll do it until it’s too late.
“Welcome, Roy. My name is Vance Matthew.”
He thrashes against Tony at the mention of my name, desperate to get free. “Listen, man, I don’t know what this is about, but I swear to God I haven’t fucked with anything to do with Vincent Ricci. I know who you are.” He falls to his knees like a pathetic roach, “I swear on my mother, man.”
The pathetic fucker just swore on his mom. That’s the thing about men like Tony—they’re weak bullies, unreliable little boys. The only thing they know how to do is use women. I step closer and kick him directly in the face, watching with satisfaction as blood oozes from his nose.
“This has nothing to do with Ricci, Roy. You’re here ‘cause you fucked with what’s mine, and I don’t like anyone doing that.”
“Man, I didn’t, I swear. I know not to come near anything you’ve got your hands in.”
I crouch, fisting his hair in my hand, and yank hard. I want the fucker to know that tonight is the last night he’ll be breathing. “You put your hands on Clarissa.”
Roy’s eyes widen as I say her name. “Clarissa? Emily’s friend? What the fuck does that bitch have to do with anything?
The volcanic rage inside me explodes. I pound Roy’s head onto the gravel with such force I hear several cracks. I probably broke his nose and other bones in his face with the power of the hit.
I drop him and stand. “Look at me, Roy.”
Roy’s eyes meet mine, and I see the fear in them. It’s a look I know well, the one a man gives when he knows his time’s up. “Please, stop,” he begs.
“Is that what Emily said when you beat her?” Roy’s eyes dart around as if she’ll appear out of nowhere. “She’s not here, Roy. I don’t even know her.”
“Then what am I doing here?”
I bend once again, looking him directly in the eye. “You’re here ‘cause of Clarissa.”
“Emily’s cunt friend?”
I pull his hair back and punch him in the face with all my force, knocking him out.
“You’re gonna make it extra painful, aren’t you?” Enzo asks, shaking his head.
I shrug, wiping my hands on my coat. “He shouldn’t have said her name if he wanted this quick and easy. Let’s get him situated. I can’t wait to see the fuckin’ look of fear when he opens his rat bastard eyes.”
“The cleaners will be here in about three hours,” Enzo says as he hoists Roy’s limp body.
I bring down the ropes and tie his hands and feet to raise him above us.
Enzo winces as he watches me. “You can’t just fuckin’ shoot people, huh?”
I discovered years ago that I like using the strappado method for those who deserve it. I have no issues with guns when taking care of business, but for rapists, pedos, and abusers, I like a little extra flair. I enjoy watching them tied up, helpless and vulnerable to my whims. “Some of them don’t deserve a painless death.”
Enzo shakes his head. “You should see a therapist about your shit.”
I smirk at Enzo as I tighten the rope around Roy’s wrists. “You’re not any better, brother.”