Chapter Twenty

It's been a month since they disappeared, but there have also been no more attacks on my businesses either. The last one had been the night we were supposed to have dinner together. I thought it had been a blessing that she'd fallen asleep because I would have disappointed her by canceling our dinner and rushing out of the house, but hearing her voice crack did something to me. No, I wasn't planning on keeping her forever, but I don't know if I'll ever be able to let her go.

The more I deny my feelings for her, the more I'm faced with the fact that death will be the only way I'll leave her. Still, I haven't forgotten what I overheard between her and Benz. She thought I walked straight into the bathroom, but I waited like a needy damn husband before she went down the stairs. There's a tension between them, and not a sexual one—at least not on her end. She doesn't like him. I should be worried because Stella's been around enough unscrupulous people to trust her gut. Why hasn't she told me about it? Maybe because I haven't given her enough attention or trust. Either way, Benz needs to be looked into.

I'm on the phone to my second, needing to discuss this issue right away. "Gabe, meet me in my office now."

"I'm on my way, Dame," he says. I end the call and turn on the cameras to the library where Stella's currently reading Dracula. I haven't picked up those books in years, but she seems intrigued. After my meeting with him, I'm going to take her out for a nice stroll, maybe even seduce my sexy wife under the full moon tonight. My dick hardens like it always does for her, but it's not the proper time, so I adjust myself and calm down.

"You summoned me?" Gabe asked, stepping inside and closing the door.

"Yes. Who is watching Stella right now?"

"Benz is."

A deep rumble comes from my chest. "That's what I thought. I want you to dig into his background a little more." I should move him, but I know he wouldn't do anything with everyone in the house watching because it would mean a death sentence. He'd have to wait where he could escape.

He twists his lip up. "How did he come recommended to us?"

"He was working for one of the twins and helped at the club until we had that incident with the Irish," I informed Gabe why I felt Benz had earned my respect. His help had protected more than just my club, but he saved Sasha and several of the workers who had nearly been killed.

"Oh, yeah. He killed three of the Irish that day. How was he such a bitch in the basement with Baker?" Truthfully the smell was a bit much to take even for me, but we were used to death so he should have been used to it too.

"I don't know, but I get the feeling Stella doesn't like him."

"Have you asked her?" he questioned, raising his naturally perfectly shaped brows up at me. He's lucky we're fucking close or I'd have to pop him in the mouth.

"No."

"You know, communication works with your wife."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "What would you know about a wife? Are you planning on talking about my sister with me?"

"What?" He pales.

"Don't fucking lie to me, Gabriele. We've been friends way too long for you to bullshit me."

"There's nothing going on between us… yet." He rubs his hands together, cracking his knuckles.

"But…"

"I'm in love with her, and I haven't figured out if you planned on killing me for it." His eyes meet mine, waiting for my blessing or refusal.

"If there was ever a man I'd want to marry my sister, it would be you, but have you considered what my father would say?"

"He's already asked when I'm going to stop letting Gracie walk all over me, and when I'll stand up and ask for your permission. So, as my oldest friend, do I have permission to marry your sister?"

I chuckle at the pussy because my sister's adorable, but if I know anything, she's going to be like my mother and she's going to rule him. "You don't need my permission, but you have my blessing."

He stands and shakes my hand. "Thank you. So what do you want me to do about Benz?"

"I want all of his past. There's something bothering me, and I want it now. I wish I'd dug deeper before."

"He had more than proven himself before. If anything, he so far he's still the man. All we have is Stella's discomfort."

"For me that's good enough," I say.

"Good." He stands and leaves. Now, it's time to make my wife a lot more comfortable. I rake my tongue over my teeth, aching to take a bite out of her tempting pulse.