CHAPTER NINE #2
We’re led into the parlor that Ryder had correctly predicted would be the meeting area. Stella shoots me a nervous glance as Cole, Marshall, and I move to the side of the room along with Marino and Voss’ guards.
It’s like Buckingham-fucking-Palace in here.
My senses are on alert, ignoring the antique furniture, tightly filled bookshelves, oriental rug, and ornate light fixtures. Servants discreetly bring in trays of food and drinks, placing them on the large coffee table in the middle of the room.
“Windows are sealed shut.” Cole says into his comms piece quietly after taking a few steps over to one of the bay windows.
Marshall and I share a concerned look. Who the fuck seals their windows so you can’t get in or, more importantly, out?
Criminals, that’s who.
Then abruptly, the mood shifts to a whole other level as Tony Marino enters, surrounded by five tough-guy security men.
They’re almost as big as me.
The first thing they do is assess the three of us as we stand in warrior stance. Meanwhile, their boss grins at his vast audience like he’s just walked onto a stage.
This isn’t a reality show, asshole.
If it were a movie, he’s the villain who thinks he has all the power. Maybe he does. I don’t have enough data to make that assessment, but one look at Victor tells me more than I knew yesterday.
He’s extremely wary.
What the hell is going on here?
Marino isn’t the young, handsome man you’d want to hand your daughter over to. He looks older than his forty-two years, and there’s something dirty about him.
Death.
I’ve sensed it before. He’s killed—murdered—and at a guess, I’d say he enjoyed it.
His hair is graying, making the image of him touching Stella, who’s only twenty-five, even more revolting. In truth, it’s not age that bothers me. He could be anyone.
I want her.
I know that.
She feels like she belongs to me. I can still feel her little hand in mine, fitting like a puzzle piece as if made for me.
Jesus, I don’t know if I can stand by and watch her marry him, but this is the job. This is what Josh hired me to do. And I can’t let Stella down. She’s asked for my protection, and I’d rather shoot myself in the head than let her down.
Except something is not right here. I know families arrange marriages, and oftentimes they are not what society deems acceptable. Legal, yes, but even in America contracts are put in place for kids years before they come of age.
That’s not what this is.
I’ve been trained to see beyond what is in front of me.
This feels like a trade.
A human trade.
My teeth clench as Stella stands in the middle of the room as if she’s cattle heading to the slaughterhouse. Jesus, if we make it through this meeting without me losing my shit, it’ll be a miracle.
Marino stalks toward Stella as if she’s his prey, with his arms stretched wide open, Italian style. “Stella, welcome.”
Panic lines her face as she glances quickly at me, but I stay still, despite every muscle in my body aching to go to her.
“Christ,” Marshall mutters quietly.
One of Marino’s guard’s glances over, expressionless, and gives Marshall a silent warning. In response, Marshall rubs his unshaven jaw without taking his eyes off the guys and grins.
The air is thick.
I don’t like this. Not one bit.
Stella pleads with me as her future husband kisses her cheeks.
Get your filthy hands off her.
“Your photos don’t do you justice, bella.”
“Tony, I’m pleased to present to you my daughter, Stella,” Victor says as if gifting the man a box of Cuban cigars. “My wife was unable to make it, but she is looking forward to our families joining.”
I’ll bet my ass she isn’t.
Tony doesn’t take his eyes off Stella. “And you, bella? Are you looking forward to becoming my wife?”
SEALs are arguably the most highly trained warriors on the planet. Self-control is mastered. Yet, the moment those words fall from his mouth, I move.
Fortunately for me, I get no further than one step before Marshall steps in front of me and stills me with his outstretched arm.
But I’ve played my card, and everyone knows it. His guards reacted, revealing weapons, even though they weren’t lifted, and Stella’s father.
And Marino, the snake.
He smirks as he glances from Stella over to me. “Ah, you have a boyfriend.”
“Everyone, calm down.” Cole lifts a hand. “My buddy here was just stretching.”
I wasn’t.
I was probably going to kill him.
I step back, swallowing down all the words I want to say.
“He’s just my bodyguard,” Stella replies, her speech fast and her blue eyes wide with fear, while a raft of curses goes off inside my head.
I’m putting her in danger and should know better, but my reaction wasn’t voluntary. When it comes to her, it seems to come from deep down on a predatory level. A need to protect her and keep her safe.
Which she fucking isn’t right now.
“These men will end their contract before the nuptials.” Victor Voss glares at me and turns to Marino. “I will sort this.”
The fuck we will.
“My men are employed by me,” Stella reminds her father, attempting to move an inch away from Marino as he studies her like she’s a new toy. “Their contract is ongoing. I will make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
I can’t do this.
I’m going to lose my fucking mind if I have to watch her throw her life away.
Marino slides his hands into his pockets, looking uninterested in her promise. He takes in the entire room, briefly acknowledging me as if I’m unimportant, in a show of power.
“You told me she was more compliant.” Marino lifts a brow at Victor. “I’m disappointed.”
“Excuse—”
“She is. She will be.” Victor nods, speaking over his daughter.
“Listen, I agreed—” Stella argues.
“Clear the room!” Marino booms, cutting Stella off, and Marshall steps in front of me proactively, nodding and dragging me out.
Bad move.
When we’re out in the hall, I smash him into the wall and lift my gun to his throat.
“Never do that again,” I growl deeply.
“I just saved your life.” He shoves me. “You are welcome.”
I grunt and stand three inches from the door, waiting for it to open. Unless I shoot it down.
Stella is in there.
Unprotected.