Chapter 30

CHAPTER THIRTY

Violet

I hate that I'm in this truck with Cain and Skylar, knowing that I have to leave. I hate that he's told me all this now, right when we're on the cusp of doing what I came here for. A part of me reasons that he didn't tell me before now because he didn't want to jeopardize this operation, but… I know better.

It kills me to know that everything I had here—the friendship, the family, the love of a man a woman could only dream of—is now gone.

I look out the window and see Romulus and Remus staring at me, their eyes hopeful that I'll come home. They wait for me in the window when I leave and wag their little butts when I return. But this time… I'm not returning.

How could I? How could I trust anything at all after what Cain told me?

I'd had sneaking suspicions, but all this time figured it was only in my head. Someone was following me. Someone was trailing me. Back when we hunted for the man who abducted Skylar, he was after me, too, and I assumed that those feelings of being followed were only because of him, because I didn't feel that way anymore after we apprehended him and the brother he worked with.

But I know the truth now. I didn't feel like anyone was following me anymore because I was with Cain, and he had no reason to track me when I was in his fucking house.

All people react differently when they're angry. Some scream and throw things, and I have vivid recollections of a foster mother who'd done just that. After being on the receiving end of one of those adult tantrums, I'd made up my mind that would never be me. Ever.

Some people cry. Some drown themselves in cookie dough and ice cream, and others in alcohol or drugs.

Me? I shut off my emotions. I can't feel anymore when I'm angry. I retreat to a place of practicality, a pragmatic approach, I suppose. I think of what I can control, what I can do, and I throw myself wholeheartedly into that. Sometimes that means cleaning the hell out of my bedroom, my car, or a closet. Sometimes that means running until my feet feel like they're on fire and sweat drenches my body. Sometimes that means a boxing workout, no gloves, that tears the skin off my hands because for some reason, that feels damn good.

And I can't do any of those things right now. I breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth, willing myself to stay calm.

Cain takes the driver's seat, and I don't argue. This truck's hard to maneuver, and I don't trust myself not to wreck it in the state of mind I'm in.

Skylar looks at me, then Cain, then blows out a breath. "So, I'm guessing you all had that conversation that I suggested?"

"You knew?" I ask, my eyes flashing.

"Not on purpose," Skylar says. "Recently stumbled on some incriminating evidence, but I wanted Cain to be the one to talk to you."

"Oh yeah. Well he did, and I don't want to talk about it, Sky."

"Violet…" her voice trails off.

I grunt in reply.

"I mean it was a shitty thing to do, but I?—"

"I literally just said I don't want to talk about it," I snap.

"But Violet, seriously."

Cain makes a growling sound. "Skylar, enough. Knock it off," he says in that big brother tone that means business.

"Don't yell at her."

He looks at me in disbelief. "I was defending you."

"No, you weren't defending me, you were getting all bossy and telling her what to do, which, I might add, is like your favorite thing to do anyway, so I shouldn't be surprised."

"Oh for the love of fucking God," he grumbles.

"Ew," Skylar says, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Watching you two fight is like when someone throws one bone to Romulus and Remus."

"Did you seriously just make that analogy?"

"It is! They growl at each other and act like they're going to snap each other's damn heads off and gouge their eyes out, but you know they're inseparable and will end up sprawled all over each other come bedtime."

I grimace at the mental image of me sprawling all over Cain. I don't want to even look at him, much less touch him.

I've got something to say. "Okay, so I'm here for a reason, and I shit you not, it has literally nothing to do with getting relationship advice or even discussing anything that doesn't have to do with our meeting with the Rossis. Got it?"

Skylar nods and Cain sighs. "What she said."

Cain's phone rings. Henri.

"Answer it on speaker."

Normally, I love Cain's commanding attitude. Hell, I crave it and even find it hot. Right now? He is pissing me off.

"Anything you say, Mr. Master," I mutter in a singsong voice. Apparently when I'm angry I get petulant, too. Skylar shakes her head slowly from side to side, and I finally just flip her off to shut her up. I hit the speakerphone on Cain's phone.

"Henri here. I need to fill you in on the Rossis."

"On it," Cain mutters.

"Family home north of Boston, not far from here. Oldest brother's Romeo, youngest Mario. Grandfather's Giorgio Rossi, nicknamed The Iron Fist, do with that what you will."

Excellent.

"Mother's Tosca Rossi, seems she's tight with her kids and her husband, but she has a reputation as a flirt. Those should be the only ones you see today, if my intel can be trusted."

"Got it. Thanks for that, Henri."

"Sir, you know I don't like to give you advice."

"Right."

"But this time, just one quick word of warning, sir. I think you should have Skylar reach out to her connections. I've only researched the Rossis briefly and updated our files on them, but they are not what one might call approachable by any stretch of the imagination."

"Excellent," Cain mutters, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Anything else we should know?"

"They have guard dogs by the front gate. Bring the treats Violet keeps in the truck for our boys."

Cain looks at me. "You keep dog treats in my truck?"

"‘Course I do." I pull the dog bones out of the glove compartment.

Cain exhales audibly. "Thanks, Henri. We're not far out, so text me with any updates."

Skylar taps her foot on the floor, her fingers flying over her phone. She mutters under her breath.

"Any luck?"

"Marialena just woke up, she isn't going away with her family. She says it's fortuitous for me to reach out to her, she read her cards last night and found she would be approached by an old friend." Skylar smiles. "D'aw. Isn't that sweet?"

Cain rolls his eyes. He has no use for anything outside of the physical realm, placing all things spiritual and otherwise in the same category as the Loch Ness Monster or the Boogeyman.

"Very sweet," I say, placating Sky. "Can she get us in?"

Sky frowns. "Unfortunately, she's finishing up her classes and won't be home until later. She isn't going with the family to Tuscany because she needs to finish a few finals."

"Got it. So that leaves Loverboy?"

Cain makes a choking sound I dutifully ignore.

"On it," Skylar says in a singsong voice, apparently very excited that she has been brought into this. She taps happily away on her cell phone, and at least I'm relieved that she isn't trying to interfere in our fight.

We drive in silence for long minutes, as Skylar waits to hear back, and Cain and I have nothing to say.

So this is it. We've come this far with one purpose in mind, and if everything goes well with the Rossis, we'll close in on finding the people I've come for. The answers we need.

Skylar's phone chimes. "Score!" she says with a grin, making Cain flinch. Apparently, he doesn't like the idea of his sister scoring anything. If I wasn't so fucking furious with him, I'd reassure him. Right now, I am more than happy to let him handle this on his own.

We're over. We are through.

I want to sob and break things into little pieces. I want to run to the cliffs that overlook the ocean and scream until the wind carries my anger and hurt away.

And that's it. There's the rub. I'm more hurt than I am angry. I trust hardly anyone in my life. I can count those I do on one hand, and Cain was one of them.

But now… now after everything, I can't trust him anymore. And what's a relationship at all if it isn't built on trust?

"He says come on over. Meet him at the back gate, and he'll get us in."

"Excellent." I nod. We're one step closer.

We pull up to an actual, bonafide castle, the biggest estate I've ever seen, bigger even than Descamps. This one strangely doesn't have a security gate, though.

"Um, why did no one tell me this family lives in an actual castle ?"

Skylar grins. "It's amazing, isn't it?"

I shake my head in disbelief. "And yet, no security gate? Or…moat?" I ask, curious about this one detail.

"They have dogs and snipers," Cain explains. "And they trust their reputation. They've got a security team that rivals any on the East Coast."

I whistle. "Damn."

"Yeah."

"So where's your guy, Skylar?"

We drive slowly, our tires gliding over the black paved driveway with ease. She points to a large mansion up on a hill. "There."

A tall, good-looking guy with short black hair stands, wearing nothing but a T-shirt and jeans against the bitter cold wind. He looks like he could be a throwback to the James Dean era, his dark hair falling over his forehead giving him a bad boy vibe. He scowls when he sees me and Cain, his eyes narrowing.

"You did tell him we were coming, right?"

"Welllll," Sky says with an apologetic shrug. "I mean, I told him I was."

"Sky," I groan.

Cain parks the truck and exhales. "Violet, you stay here. I'll go with Sky and tell you when to come."

"Fuck. Off." I slide over and get out of the truck behind Skylar. She giggles softly to herself, and Cain slams the truck door so hard I'm surprised the windshield doesn't break. But I don't work for him. I don't take orders from him. I did for a time because we liked it that way. Because I told him I was his. But now… now he's lost that privilege.

"Mario Rossi," Sky says under her breath, "is loyal to the core. Keep that in mind. Say nice things about his family."

I see the dark eyes of his dogs lurking behind him and pat my pocket reassuringly. These treats are going to come in handy.

"Skylar." His voice hasn't ripened with age, and I'd guess he's probably a junior or so in college. Early twenties, though men in organized crime like this likely age a lot quicker than your run-of-the-mill boy. "You didn't tell me you were bringing company."

"Missed you, too, Mario," she says with a charming grin. "This is my brother Cain and…" she pauses, unsure of what to call me. "His co-worker Violet."

Ouch.

Mario doesn't respond.

"They need to talk with your dad or brother." Violet says unassumingly. "Please?"

"They're packing, heading to Tuscany. They don't want company right now."

Skylar sidles up to him and kisses his cheek. He rests his hand on her hip, and Cain's whole body tightens.

I don't care I don't care I don't care.

Mario grunts, whispers something in Skylar's ear, and she giggles like a little girl. God.

She whispers back to him. "Alright," he says with a nod. "Five minutes. I'll bring you in, make sure you don't get shot, then you're out of here, but all I'm giving you is five minutes."

"That's all we'll need," I assure him.

Storm clouds roll in overhead, as the large front door opens. A pretty woman, probably old enough to be my mother, stands on the front step. Her figure's impeccable, and her clothes are high-end. She wears torn jeans, a black fitted top, and boots to her knees, but it's the calculating look of charm she gives me I notice most of all.

"Skylar! How lovely to see you, my sweet. Come, come in, Skylar . "

Skylar trots up the steps and kisses the woman on each cheek.

"Mama, this is Skylar's brother Cain and his associate, Violet. This is my mother, Tosca. They need to talk to Dad or Romeo."

The woman escorts us in. "Ah, of course. Come in," she says warmly. "My husband's busy preparing for our trip this afternoon, but my son should be here. Please, make yourself at home."

Four armed guards in suits stand nearby, their faces stoic and unmoving. One steps to the front.

"Weapons, please."

Cain and I don't balk, but hand him our guns without question. I don't move, hoping they don't notice the knife sheath. I give Cain a quick look and he shakes his head so casually, one might not notice. I don't take out my knives.

"Is that all?" he asks pleasantly, though his posture tells me this man knows how to shoot a gun and he isn't afraid to use it.

I nod. Probably not a good idea to lie, but it's a worse idea to go into the Rossi family home unarmed.

Though they seem friendly and their house is gorgeous, there's something I can't quite put my finger on in the air.

Skylar and Mario are gone. "Where'd Sky go?" I ask Cain.

His lips thin, but Tosca Rossi's all charm. "Ah, they went off a bit by themselves. Come, have a seat. Can I get you a drink, Mr. Master?"

I catch Cain's eye. She knows exactly who he is.

"Hot tea would be fantastic, thank you."

She smiles. "Of course. And you, Violet?"

"The same." Neither of us will drink the tea, but I know why he's asked for it. I'm surprised Tosca's fallen for it. A hot beverage makes an excellent makeshift weapon if push comes to shove.

She busies herself with preparing our tea, and even serves it on a gorgeous platter nestled by a plate of homemade cookies.

"Please," she says. "Help yourself."

I take a cookie, only to be polite, and thank her. We sit and stir our tea while she asks us about our travels, if we've been to Italy, and tells us all about how she loves their home in Tuscany but prefers the modern conveniences of living in Salem.

A few minutes into our conversation, the tea's grown cool when the door to the study opens and a tall man, older but resembling Mario, enters.

Tosca stands and plucks our cups out of our hands and puts them on the platter sitting on the table. "Now, now, Mr. Master, you didn't think I was so na?ve, did you really?"

She places a hand on his leg, and I want to slap her away. How dare she flirt with my—no. No, he isn't mine. She can fuck him for all I care.

I ignore the way my belly churns with a fiery, volcanic heat.

Cain stands and extends his hand. "Cain Master. This is my associate, Violet."

Romeo Rossi shakes both our hands with a grave nod. "Welcome. Please, have a seat and tell me why you're here, though I'll thank you to keep our conversation brief. You've arrived just before we leave for a trip overseas."

"I apologize, Mr. Rossi," I say, as politely as I can. "Our matter's rather urgent, and thank you in advance for anything you can tell us that would help us."

He sits, crosses one leg over the other, and nods. Though he's attractive—one might even say hot, with his large physique and presence that fills the damn room—he's no Cain. There's a ruthlessness in his eyes I haven't seen in recent years, something that tells me he'd kill me just as soon as look at me. I imagine he inspires fears in his enemies and respect in his friends. I wonder idly if he has a lover. I glance at his hand and see no ring. Married to his work, then. I mentally roll my eyes. Aren't they all?

"Go on."

Cain sits beside me, his back ramrod straight. Tosca sits right beside him, so close her leg touches his. I focus on Romeo.

"My name is Violet Price, though that's a new name. I was born Violet Bates." No recognition in his eyes. "When I was four years old, my parents were murdered. For years, I labored under the assumption that my father was killed because he was an assassin, but recently I found further evidence that it was actually my mother who was."

He nods patiently, not a glimmer of emotion on his stoic features. "You understand my time is valuable, Miss Price. I'm happy to do a favor for a friend, but for you, we'd need more than an act of good will."

"If you give us the answers we need, we'll pay you."

He smiles at Cain. "From what I know about you, Mr. Master, you could well afford my services. But I don't need your money."

Oh, to have the luxury of not needing money. What privilege. I don't even want to think about what he's done to reach that position.

"What can I give you, then?"

He eyes me with a wicked smile I feel down to my toes, a predatory look in his eyes I've seen before.

Seems the Rossi family currency is sex.

Cain's voice is a deadly growl. "Violet herself is off the table."

I stand, prepared to tell him to fuck off. I open my mouth to speak, and I swear I might just offer to bed this man to get what I want and screw with Cain. "That isn't for you to say," I snap.

Cain's on his feet. Romeo draws his gun.

"Does he have you here against your will?" he asks me, gun cocked.

Oh my God.

I look at him in surprise. He thinks Cain has me here against my will? Would he shoot him?

I shake my head. I'm angry at Cain, but not so much that I wouldn't fight for him, even now. We might be over, but we have a history together I won't ever, ever forget.

"No. We're associates and no more," I say, my words laden with ice. "Mr. Master assumes a level of familiarity he no longer can. Now," I say in a pleasant voice. "Let's sit down and stop with the pissing match. Deal?"

I feel my words cut through the tension in the room.

We all sit down. Tosca never even stood. She glances at her nails and picks at an invisible cuticle, like this type of conversation is just par for the course.

"Perhaps we can barter services. Master Enterprises has the most reputable name you'll find in the Northeast."

He nods. "While I'm disappointed I can't have you, Violet, I thank you." He gets to his feet with a bored yawn. "And thank you for your offer to barter. I will tell you only this. Yes, I knew your mother. Her eyes were unforgettable. She worked for us for a time until her demise several decades ago. We suspect we know who was responsible for her death, but unfortunately, I can't give you that name since you're an outsider. I do wish you the best with your endeavors."

"But I—" It isn't enough. We need more.

He inclines his head. The door to the room opens and Skylar, looking a bit disheveled but wearing a shit-eating grin, comes in with Mario. The men nod at each other, and Romeo leaves.

"So sorry you couldn't get what you came for," Tosca says. She places a well-manicured hand on Cain's shoulder. I want to slap her so badly my fingers tingle. How dare she touch him?

Doesn't matter. Doesn't matter!

"Do come again?"

Cain bends and kisses her cheek. "Thank you for your hospitality. And we will."

I clamp my jaw when I realize it's unhinged. I'm staring at him as if he's sprouted a second head. How could he kiss her cheek like that? With me standing right here?

I look to Cain. Is that it, then? We just leave without getting what we came for?

"Thank you," he says, turning his back to me and heading for the door. "Please tell your husband I said hello."

She freezes. "I will, thank you."

We make it to the truck before I lose my shit. "How could you… just… leave ?" I nearly scream at him. "We came here for a reason. And you promised me!"

"Hush, Violet," Cain says in that stern voice I normally heed. "Get in the truck."

"Fucking no, " I hiss. "I need answers. I'm not leaving here until I get them. I didn't come here for a cup of fucking tea and a trip to what feels like a damn escape room or obstacle course. I swear we just left a goddamn insane asylum."

"Get in the truck, Violet, or I will pick you up and strap you in myself," he says through gritted teeth.

"Babe," Skylar says pleadingly, her eyes wide. "Please. Do what he says, okay? Just this one time then you can ignore him for eternity."

It's then that I realize every one of the Rossi guards stands in a semi-circle, their hands on their weapons, waiting for us to go.

I get in the truck and close my eyes. It's all gone to shit. Everything. Everything.