My gut clenched. “No,” I gritted out. “Fuck.”
The fact she hadn’t told me spoke to how far we had to go. She hadn’t let me in, not at all. But she’d been through hell, much of it alone. It wasn’t surprising she didn’t trust anyone—she’d had to protect herself. It would take time for her to give some of that burden to me. I’d take it and be glad of it every damn day.
“When?” I demanded. I wasn’t surprised Gunner had looked more deeply into her background. He was tech security and research for the club when it was needed. He could find anyone or anything with a few keystrokes. It was damn impressive.
Gunner eyed me with concern, his trademark levity nowhere to be seen. “She was ten.”
“How?” I demanded before holding up a hand. “You know what? Don’t tell me. I want her to do it when she’s ready.”
He nodded.
“Francesca has our loyalty and our protection,” Cole proclaimed firmly. “Anyone questions it, they answer to me.”
I eyed him steadily. “All due respect, Prez, but she’s my woman. Anyone makes her feel uncomfortable or like an outsider—they’ll answer tome.”
He looked at me and I saw respect reflected in his gaze. “All right,” he agreed before turning eyes to the rest of his men. “Now, we need to take care of these assholes.” At the nods of agreement around the table, he continued. “Been doing some digging, making some calls—we’re not the only ones who want that. The Rossis have been in power a long time but they’re not as large as they used to be. Seems Angelo isn’t as popular as he’d have everyone believe. The Carpino family has been angling to expand in Vegas for years—they’ve agreed to help.”
Wes’s dark brows rose. “We really want to be makin’ deals with the mob?”
“Not a deal.” Cole shrugged. “Just fact. A fact that helps us. They want him taken out. They’ll handle Vegas. Angelo comes here, we’ll do our part. This is our territory to protect. Only agreement I made was that the Carpinos will stay out of our territory and we’ll do the same.”
“I hope those assholes give me an excuse,” I muttered darkly. I wanted the chance to avenge my girl.
Cole looked to me, understanding lighting his expression. “You may get your chance.”
I nodded once. I’d never wanted blood more in my life, but the most important thing was keeping the club and Francesca safe.
Maybe, just maybe I’d have both.
Chapter 14
FRANCESCA
“You mix in the dry ingredients,” I reminded Sophie, as Maddox’s mom had insisted I call her.
After only a little bit of awkwardness, Sophie had thoughtfully pointed me toward where I was most comfortable: the kitchen.
Now, a few glasses of wine later, Sophie, Olivia, and I were chatting like old friends while I attempted to give Sophie some baking tips.
“It’s hopeless,” Liv stage-whispered to me with me a wink. With her blond hair and blue eyes, Olivia was a beautiful girl.
I fought a grin as Sophie huffed indignantly at Liv’s comment. Watching them together made me miss my own mother desperately. I could only hope I was lucky enough to experience the same thing when I had a family of my own someday.
It was the first time I’d allowed myself the thought, I realized with surprise. For so long I hadn’t even thought of a future for myself. I’d merely been surviving day-by-day.
“Mad is on his way,” Liv shared, looking down at her phone.
“Already? You just got here,” Sophie complained.
Liv snorted. “With the way Mad was looking at this one before he left, I’m surprised he’s been gone this long.” She hooked a thumb in my direction.
I blushed, busying myself checking the cookies I’d put in the oven. As much as I wanted to see Maddox, I hoped I was at the house long enough to take them out of the oven. Something told me that despite explicit instruction, they’d get burned if I wasn’t.
“Is there anything else you need?” Sophie asked, her gaze serious. “I know Mad’s place is pretty bare.”
Olivia snorted at the statement. “That’s putting it mildly.”
I fought a smile. “It’s certainly minimal.”