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MARCO’S GIRL

MINK

Marco’s Girl MINK © 2020 All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the original purchaser of this e-book only. No part of this e-book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without prior written permission from MINK. This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. All MINK’s heroes and heroines are 18+, consenting adults, and a HEA is guaranteed.

Cover Image by Wander Aguiar

CONTENTS

Marco’s Girl Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Epilogue I Epilogue II Also by MINK About the Author

MARCO’S GIRL

MINK

Going to high school as the heir to a mafia family isn’t as easy it seems. The prep school lifestyle leaves me cold, and I don’t want to be a part of the lacrosse crowd or make time with the silly girls who think being with me is taking a walk on the wild side. I’m fine in my bubble until I see the new girl through the window. Shy, smart, and with curves that make my mouth water, Evangeline is an unexpected good girl in my bad boy world. Her innocence should make me back o , but I don’t. After all, I’m a Davinci. When I see something I want, I take it.

A chance at going to college is all I need, and this new prep school is the way to do it. Grams took a maid job at a local estate just so I could attend prestigious Brightwood Prep, and I won’t let her down. I’m focused and determined … until I meet Marco. He’s got bad boy written all over him as he sits at the back of the classroom, his eyes eating me up.

And that’s only the beginning. Marco isn’t just bad, he’s determined to make me his no matter the cost.

1 MARCO

A

kid runs past me as the digital synth bell rings, signaling the start of classes. I sigh as I walk into Brightwood Prep for my senior year. I’m already over these walls and these faces, tired of the same old shit and the wary glances in my direction. Well, maybe I’m not tired of making these spoiled assholes feel uncomfortable. That part makes me smirk.

I keep strolling leisurely past the administration o ce and down the long science hall. The first session is already going, teachers calling roll or giving uplifting chats about how Brightwood has prepared all of us for the Ivy Leagues.

My sister wants me to go to college, but I disagree. If it’s anything like this place, I’ll pass.

Easing into Mrs. Benton’s class, I take a seat in the back row, completing my cliché image as the bad boy. It doesn’t bother me. The way the other students shy away from me?

Fine. The way they whisper about me and my family? Fuck ‘em. I’m perfectly happy blowing this place and never looking back, but I stay. Not for myself, but for my sister. If I gave up on this, it would disappoint her, especially since Sophia never got the chance to go to school when she was my age.

Trent sneers at me, he and his lacrosse buddies sitting in a line like three rowers in a douche canoe. I stare him down, daring him to do something about it. He and a few of his teammates tried to jump me last year. They got a few good licks in before I stopped holding back. After that, Trent’s father--a judge, of course--threatened to have me arrested for assault.

“Nice of you to show up, Mr. Davinci.” Mrs. Benton clicks through her slideshow that’s designed to refresh us on the particulars of cellular division.

“Thanks.” I give her a wave and let my smartass retort linger in the air as the other students click away on their laptops. Their copious notes won’t make them any smarter than they already are, but I suppose if they knew that, they’d be sitting back here with me. I pull out my phone and scroll through my messages. Sophia sent me a happy face and a ‘have a great day at school’ message. She’s such a mom.

I pocket my phone and consider napping, but Mrs. Benton is staring right at me as she lectures on mitochondria, so I turn and look out the window at the quad. It’s grassy and still green after the hot summer, the oaks shading just enough to give it some interest. But that’s not what catches my eye.

A girl, flanked by the headmaster and Dr. Ward, walks with her head down, her arms wrapped around a couple of textbooks as they speak to her. She’s tall and curvy, and her hair is a striking shade of blond. Not bottle blond or a summer gold. It’s nearly white, as if she has some genetic issue to turn it that shade.

I sit up a little straighter to get a better view, but they pass beneath one of the oaks and into the administration area. Is she in trouble? I know all about that. But she certainly didn’t look the type, not when she was clutching

books to her and actually listening to whatever the headmaster was droning on about.

“Mr. Davinci?”

I look up at the glaring Mrs. Benton. “Yep?” “I asked you what absolutely must occur before cell division can be achieved.” Her display is stopped on a page that says ‘Biology is a Slice of Life’ with an array of microscope slides. “But you were too busy daydreaming to-” “DNA replication.” I may not give a shit about school, but that doesn’t mean I’m not good at it.

Her eyes narrow behind her round glasses, but she continues with her lecture.

A few other kids look at me over their shoulders, but my dead-eyed stare right back at them has them turning around in a hurry.

I lean back in my desk and settle in for utter boredom, but then the door opens and the girl from the quad steps timidly inside. Her big blue eyes glance around the room, and Trent holds up a hand and whistles.

“Over here.” He points to a seat beside him and his buddies.

She takes a step toward him, but I reach out and grab her hand. It’s instinctual and overpowering. I let her go and pull my hand back.

She turns those big eyes to me, her impossibly white hair falling past her shoulders and her pink lips parted.

“Sit here.” I point to the desk beside me. Why do I do it? I don’t know. Sadie gives me a particularly venomous look, notable since she hasn’t acknowledged me since the time I shut her down when she tried to tell people we were together.

The new girl nibbles her bottom lip, then places her textbooks on the desk and sits, dropping her backpack next

to her.

Trent slaps his desk like a pissy tween, and Mrs. Benton looks up.

Adjusting her big glasses, she says, “A new student. The one from Sterling Academy across the river, right? You must be Miss Garver.”

“I, um, yes. Evangeline.” She stares down at her textbook, her cheeks coloring as the rest of the class turns to look at her.

“Welcome.” Mrs. Benton flicks her gaze to me. “But take care you don’t get in with a bad crowd.”

“Okay?” She still doesn’t look up, so she has no idea I’m the bad crowd Mrs. Benton is referring to, but she will. And sooner rather than later.

2 EVANGELINE

S

taring at my textbook, I still feel the boy’s touch that lingers on my hand. I peek over at him. Okay, there is no way that he’s a boy. He looks like a grown man sitting in a child's chair. He leans back with ease as though nothing bothers him. Everything about him is dark, from his hair to his eyes. Is he the bad crowd that Mrs. Benton warned me about only moments ago? He sure looks as though he fits the role. She might have been talking about the other boys who even now turn around to look at me. This is why I keep to myself.

I reach into my backpack and pull out my glasses. I quickly slip them onto my face before opening my notebook and grabbing my pencil. I try and write down everything the teacher says. I’m too shy to ask if the laptops I see everyone working on came from the school or I if I need to get one myself. I haven't been given a login or anything yet. I wonder if I can find the slide presentation online. I’ll have to look when I get home. That way I’ll know for sure that I didn’t miss anything.

I try to pay attention as best I can as I busy myself scribbling down everything Mrs. Benton says. I think I’m ahead of the game here based on what she’s currently

teaching. Relief fills me when I realize that I already know most of the things she’s gone over, so I’m not too worried about getting behind.

“Where’s your laptop?” The dark-headed guy’s voice is a low rumble beside me.

I glance at him. The same fingers he’d grabbed tighten around my pencil. The way he reached for me was as if he’d done it a hundred times before. It was natural, and for some reason I didn't jerk my hand away.

This time I get a better look at him, because I don’t have to steal it. He spoke to me, so giving him my attention makes sense. A tiny scar above his lip catches my eye. It’s the only mark on his perfect face. He’s so handsome that I catch myself staring at him longer than I should. He’d asked me a question, and now I probably look like an idiot because I haven’t answered.

“A laptop? They haven’t given me one yet,” I whisper back, not wanting to get in trouble for talking during lecture.

I’m hoping to blend in here. Senior year at a new school can be ruthless. Even though it might suck, I need to suck it up.

Brightwood Prep is the best high school in the state.

I was shocked when I’d gotten the transfer acceptance letter in the mail. Graduating from here will look amazing on my college transcripts, and that’s all that matters. I don’t know if it was my grades from Sterling Academy or the address I put down on my application that got me accepted, but I wasn’t about to pass up this opportunity. No one had to know that I lived over a garage at the Bradford estate with my grandma. She’d gotten a job as the family’s new live-in cook. It came with some perks, including a small apartment on the property.

“A laptop comes with the tuition.” He gives me a tiny smile that has me feeling a certain way that I can’t put into

words. Even though he looks dark and dangerous, when he’d grabbed my hand, it had felt natural. Nice, even.

“I’m here on a scholarship, so maybe I don’t get one?”

I'll take the notes and use the library before and after school if I need to. I’ll make this work. This is my opportunity to excel, and I won’t let it slip away. My grams worked too hard for me to screw up this chance. I’m not about to ask her to buy me a new laptop. She already works hard enough to keep us fed and clothes on our backs. I’ll have to figure out the laptop on my own.

“Is there a problem, Mr. Davinci?” Mrs. Benton stops presenting and looks toward us. I immediately drop my eyes to my notepad.

“No problem,” he replies with an easy smirk.

I wish I had the confidence this guy does. He has a certain air about him. I’m not sure if it’s a good or bad thing yet.

Not wanting to get in trouble again, I continue quietly taking my notes. Even though Mrs. Benton hadn’t said anything directly to me, I don’t want her to think I’m a troublemaker. I’m here to learn and get my diploma. A letter about how great a student I am wouldn't hurt either.

“I’m Marco.” His deep voice breaks me from my thoughts.

I peak over at him but don’t answer. I scribble a little note telling him that it’s nice to meet him and lift it up to show him.

That earns me a chuckle from him that warms my entire body. “Now, if I had your number we could send messages to each other the proper way.”

“Shh.” I shoot a look at Mrs. Benton.

His eyes go wide for a moment in surprise. I jerk my head back to the front of the class because I can’t believe I shushed him. When I steal another glance at him, he’s smiling at me.

I can see him shift out of the corner of my eye. Is he rummaging in my backpack? I refuse to let myself look over at him, mainly because another scolding from Mrs. Benton may break me. I know my cheeks are flushing more pink every time I think about how I’d told him to be quiet. When he grabs my hand again, I think my heart may stop. I freeze, having no idea what the heck he’s doing. He doesn't talk as he puts my thumb on my phone sensor before replacing my pencil in my palm.

Mrs. Benton looks our way before I can try and snatch my phone back from him, so I pretend to take notes. He just went into my things and took what he wanted. Who does that? Okay, the phone was partly sticking out of the side pocket, but still. I peek over at him, watching as he calls his own phone with mine before putting it back where he found it.

I turn to look at him, still shocked that he did that. My lips part to say something but he reaches one finger up, placing it against my mouth in a shushing motion with a cocky smirk on his lips. This time it’s me that lets out a small giggle that garners Mrs. Benton’s attention. I’m in trouble, but it’s not Mrs. Benton I’m worried about.

3 MARCO

C

lasses go by in a blur of boredom and repetition. I don’t see the new girl--Evangeline she said her name was--again until lunch.

I usually go o campus, oftentimes not coming back for afternoon session, but today I watch her. She gets a tray for the hot lunch and gets in line. I should leave her alone. She clearly wants to be a good student. Her note-taking was pretty fucking epic, especially given she was writing it all out with a pencil in a beat-up notebook.

Leaning against the back wall of the cafeteria, I watch her smile at the lunchroom sta and thank them whenever they hand her a food item. I shake my head. Girls like this don’t exist, right? This sort of sexy sweet perfection seems too good to be true, and it’s definitely too good for a guy like me.

All the same, I keep watching her, enjoying the way her curvy hips fill out her skirt. Yeah, I should leave her alone.

She doesn’t need my brand of trouble in her charmed life.

I’m about to walk away when Trent bursts through the double doors, his gang of idiots at his back as they strut through the lunchroom. He doesn’t even pretend to be going anywhere else but toward Evangeline.

Her back is turned, and she leans over to grab a piece of pie from the back of the dessert shelf.

Trent whistles and mimes grabbing her ass while his lacrosse pals laugh. I’m moving before I even give it a thought. When he reaches up and grabs a lock of her hair, I jump the empty lunch table in front of me and push through his throng of assholes.

She turns at the commotion, her babydoll eyes wide.

“What--” “Don’t touch her.” I step up to Trent.

He releases the lock of hair and glares up at me. “You gonna cockblock me in front of everyone?”

Evangeline presses herself against the rail, trying to get as far away from him as possible. I reach out. She takes my hand without hesitation, and I pull her behind me.

“I’ll drop you in front of everyone, too. Keep your fucking hands to yourself.” My hands are already fisted, and I’m itching to do some damage.

“Boys,” a lunch attendant chides. “Take it outside.”

“Shut up.” He points at her. “Go back to work or I’ll have your job.”

“Threatening lunch ladies now?” I smirk. “What are you going to do? Run to Daddy and tell him the lady with the blue hairnet hurt your feefees?”

Some of his crew snickers, but he turns on them, and they go quiet.

Evangeline scoots closer to me, her warmth at my back. “I can just go,” she whispers, but she doesn’t let go of my hand.

“You think I’m scared of you?” Trent doesn’t know when to shut up.

“After I kicked you and your friends’ asses, yeah, I think you are. If you’d like another beatdown, I’m happy to give it to you.”

“Boys.” Dr. Ward enters the lunchroom, his face stern.

“Break it up.”

Trent looks over at him, and if I liked him, I’d explain to never turn your back on your enemy. Because right now?

Right now I could sucker punch him and knock him out cold.

But I don’t say a thing as Dr. Ward stomps up. “Is there a problem?”

“No problem.” Trent shrugs. “This Davinci thug was hassling the new girl, so I thought I should step in.”

I would call him a liar, but Dr. Ward is friends with Trent’s father. There’s no chance he’d believe me.

Dr. Ward turns his sharp eyes on me. “Let her go.”

She squeezes my hand tighter. “I’m okay.” Her voice is so soft that I almost miss it, but she steps from behind me.

“Marco was just helping me get familiar with the lunch options.”

Trent’s gaze trails down her body, and I want to gut punch him, but Dr. Ward is right in front of us. If I got kicked out of school, Sophia would lose her shit.

“Marco Davinci was helping you?” Dr. Ward isn’t convinced.

“Yes.” She blinks, her tone so sincere and her big babydoll eyes perfectly clear. “He’s very helpful.”

“I’m taking her out to lunch.” I look over at her. “If that’s okay with you.”

“Sure. There’s not a problem, Dr. Ward. No one was bothering me.”

Dr. Ward sighs, and I know he isn’t convinced, but he gestures toward the doors. “By all means.”

“Thank you,” she says and allows me to lead her away from Trent and his pack of hyenas.

Once we’re in the hall, she pulls her hand from mine.

“You, um, don’t have to take me to lunch. It’s okay.”

I flex my fingers, wanting her palm back in mine. “Aren’t you hungry?” I move toward her.

She doesn’t back away, but leans back a little to hold my gaze. “I am, but I …” Twisting her fingers together, she looks down.

“What’s wrong?” I tilt her chin up, her skin soft beneath my fingertips. Touching her like this is so personal, too familiar for someone I just met—but it feels right, all the same.

“I only have enough for the school lunch.” Her cheeks flush a pretty pink. “So I can’t just …” She shrugs. “Sorry.”

“That’s what’s wrong?” I take her hand again. “Don’t worry. Come on, babydoll, I got you.”

Damn, this girl drips with innocence. Why do I want to taste it so badly? Her pink lips are right there for the taking.

But rushing this would end it before it started. And the more I look at her, the more I want to know her, to get her story.

So, instead of caging her against the lockers and seeing if she tastes as sweet as she looks, I pull her gently down the hall and out into the sunny day.

She keeps her hand in mine, and when I look at her again, a bright smile graces her lips and makes something inside my chest go tight and warm.

That’s when I know I’ve fucked up. Because this feeling?

It’s too good to last.

4 EVANGELINE

M

y stomach growls as the smell of greasy cheeseburgers and fries fills my nose.

Marco shrugs. “Place looks like shit but it’s got the best pie around.”

“I was sure you were going to say cheeseburgers.” I tuck a piece of hair behind my ear as I look around the rustic building that’s seen better days. The place is slammed, so it must be good.

“They aren’t bad either, but I was sure you wanted some pie after you were rudely interrupted in the caf.” He looks down at me with a cute smile. I don’t know how he manages to always look both scary and comforting at the same time. I don’t have a ton of people in my life besides my grandma, so when Marco stood up for me in the cafeteria, my heart did a little flutter.

“I could definitely go for pie.” I lick my lips just thinking about it. I was surprised when I saw that the cafeteria at school o ered it. I was used to either cookies being there or maybe a rice crispy treat. Those would be easy for me to pass up, but there was no way I could resist the pie.

“Marco,” someone calls out, making both of us turn to look. An older man stands behind the counter with a white

apron on. “Got a booth free over there.” He points to the back corner of the place.

“Thanks, Henry.” Marco takes my hand and leads me through the small restaurant. People move out of his way as he goes, making room for us to walk. I slide behind him and use his body as a shield for the second time today. My free hand grabs the back of his shirt as he guides me to our table.

Stopping at the booth, he motions for me to get in.

I slide in and then watch him get into the other side. The bench gives a little groan as he rests his weight on it. If someone asked me to describe him, I’d say he looks like a football player from his size, but nothing else about him screams jock. He screams something else altogether. More along the lines of Look at me funny, and I’ll break your jaw.

“You’re big.” The words slip out of my mouth before I can stop them.

I throw my hand over my mouth. Oh my God, I actually said that out loud.

He lets out a deep, rich laugh that has me smiling behind my hand. I slowly lower it. He’s too handsome for his own good with his messy hair and charming smile.

“I better be for as much as I work out.”

“I don’t work out. I haven’t since freshman gym, and I almost failed that. The only reason I passed at all is because they automatically give you a C just for dressing out. I was able to get an A because Ms. Hellmen would let me stay after school. I basically did her job of entering grades and filling in whatever notes she’d scribbled down about students into the school’s system so she didn't have to do it. I think it was a fair trade-o . She wasn’t great on the computer, and I wasn’t great at physical activity.”

“You don’t need to be.” His eyes stay locked with mine.

I bite my bottom lip, not sure how to respond to that.

Thankfully, we’re interrupted by Henry, who places two

glasses of water on the table.

“Your normal?” he asks Marco, who nods. “You going to tell me who this beautiful girl is?” Henry smiles down at me.

“Or are you trying to keep her all to yourself?”

“She’ll have the same, but make her shake strawberry.” I look back at Marco who is apparently ordering for me. I don’t even see menus anywhere.

“Did I get your shake right, babydoll?” he asks.

“Yes.” I stop biting on my lip to answer him. It’s a nervous habit I’ve formed when I don’t know what to say or if I’m trying not to say anything at all. The fact of the matter is that strawberry shakes are my favorite. I’m not sure how in the hell he knows this, and it makes me nervous wondering what else he knows.

“Now, the pie might be a little more challenging. We could always get a slice of apple, cherry, and pecan. Does that work for you?”

I nod my head, unable to control my need for all the pies.

Pecan is my favorite, but I was going for the apple in the cafeteria. It was the only option they had, and I wasn't complaining. Any pie is better than no pie at all.

“So you’re not going to tell me who the girl is?” Henry tries again. His smile is kind, and I feel at ease around him.

“Nope,” Marco answers. He doesn't sound mad, but he also doesn't sound like he’s going to give.

“I’m Evangeline.” I start to lift my hand but Marco grabs it, kissing my palm. For a moment, I’m caught in a trance as his lips softly touch my skin. His fingers are rough as he holds me tight. Henry coughs, reminding me we’re in a restaurant.

“I’ll get it out quick. I’m guessing Evangeline here will want to be back to school on time.” He doesn't wait for a response as he heads back around the counter.

“We’ll be late?” I start to panic. I left my bag in the car with my phone. I don’t know what time it is, but the thought of being late sends me into a little bit of a panic.

“I’ll get you back on time. Promise, babydoll.”

My shoulders drop in relief.

Marco keeps my hand in his. “I’m going to say something and I don’t want to make you mad.”

“Don’t say it, then,” Henry says, setting my strawberry shake down in front of me and a chocolate one in front of Marco. “She’s out of your league. Why make her mad and send her running already?”

“Henry.” Marco gives him a hard look. Henry’s unfazed because he smirks before he strolls o again.

“I’m not out of your league,” I rebu . That was mean of Henry to say.

“Yeah you are.” He reaches across the table and two of his fingers grip one of my long blond locks. “You’re in a league of your own, babydoll.” He wraps my hair around his fingers before letting it go.

“Then don’t say something that’s going to make me mad.” I have no clue how he could say anything to upset me at the moment. He’s saved me twice today, and now he’s buying me lunch. I pull my shake toward me and take a sip. I let out a small moan at how wonderful it is. Marco closes his eyes.

“Is it that bad? Whatever it is you need to say?” The look he has on his face is starting to get me worried. He looks pained. He runs his hand down his face before taking a drink of his shake and muttering that he needs something stronger.

“I don’t want you getting mad is all.”

“Say it.” I wiggle in my seat as I start to feel anxious.

“I don’t use my laptop. The tablet shit the school gives us.

You can have mine for the year.” He says it gently, as if it’s a

bomb about to explode.

“That’s really sweet of you.” I stare at him waiting for the rest of whatever it is he has to say that’s going to make me mad.

“So you aren’t mad?”

“Why would I be mad?” I’m grateful, not angry. Did he think I was going to rebu his o er? Why would I turn it down? He shakes his head while another smile forms on his lips.

“Full of surprises, babydoll.” A woman stops by our table and drops o our food--two giant cheeseburgers with fries and all three slices of pie. I don’t know how she carried it all, but she made it look easy.

“Thanks.” I give her a smile. Her eyes bounce between the two of us.

“Where is Sophia?” she asks Marco.

“Home?” he answers.

Who the heck is Sophia? My mood immediately changes with her question.

“She know about this?” The woman’s eyes swing back to me. She looks a little younger than Henry. I wonder if they’re married. Wait. I still need to find out who this Sophia is.

“No. Let's keep it that way. I don’t need my phone blowing up.”

The woman laughs as she walks o to tend to her other tables.

I stare down at my food, suddenly not feeling as hungry.

Why do I care about this Sophia? This isn't a date. I don’t know why that thought even enters my mind. Is this a date?

No, it’s only two classmates hanging out. But he did kiss my hand, so maybe it is sort of a date. I bite my lip again so I don’t blurt out anything about this Sophia or about my confusion over whether this is a date or not.

“So you’re new. Why’d you move here?”

“My grandma and I moved around a few times since my mom left.” I press my lips together. I generally don’t like talking about that, but I’m opening up to Marco for some reason.

“Where do you live?” he asks as he picks up his burger.

“The Bradford manor.” It slips from my mouth because I’m still thinking about Sophia. His hand freezes midway to his mouth. He holds the burger there.

“You live with Trent?”

“No. I live with my grandma.”

“You said the Bradford Manor.”

“Yeah.” I don’t add in the tiny apartment over the garage.

He puts his burger down as his phone starts to ring. He pulls it out of his pocket and clears the call before dropping the phone onto the table. It starts to ring again. The screen reads Sophia. Again, he clears the call.

“Bradford as in Trent Bradford.” I haven't met any of the Bradfords. I think I may have seen Mrs. Bradford a few times in passing. The place is giant and I stay out of the way except for when Grams lets me help her with something.

Marco’s phone buzzes again. He mutters a curse. “I’ve got to take this. Eat. I don’t want you to be late back to class.” He stands from the booth and takes his call outside. I stare at my food, my appetite completely gone now. I eat anyway, because it’s pie and also because I don’t want to be rude.

I don’t know which sucks more. The Trent situation or the Sophia one.

5 MARCO

E

vangeline sits sti y in the passenger seat as I speed back to school. My ear is still humming from Sophia’s over-excitement about me taking a girl to the diner. Damn Josephine went and texted her as soon as she’d walked away from our table. That’s the last time I give her a big tip.

“You okay?” Evangeline asks.

“Fine.” I try to loosen the tension in my shoulders.

“You?” “I’m good.”

“You sure?” I look at her out of the corner of my eye as I roll into the student parking lot.

“Just ready for more school.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say something like that.” Is this girl for real? I park and jump out, running around to her side and pulling the door open. The lot is quiet, the bell on the verge of ringing.

She steps out and grabs her backpack. “Are we late?” She looks around.

“Nope.” I scoop her into my arms.

She lets out a cute little yelp as I hustle across the grassy lawn and onto the sidewalk. Taking the steps two at a time, I

push through the front doors, angling her sideways so as not to hurt her.

“What’s your class?”

“Um, literature, I think.” Her eyes are wide as she stares up at me, and I have the strong urge to kiss her. I fight it, because she needs me to be responsible right now.

“Mrs. Gray or Dr. Paul?” I ask.

“Paul,” she says and wraps her arms around my neck as I break into a jog. She’s so soft against me, her breasts pressing against my chest and sending a streak of heat southward. Her scent is something just as sweet as her, a hint of vanilla and a burst of strawberry shampoo. I bet she tastes like a dessert, and I bet she’s never been tasted by anyone before. Focus, Marco.

I hurry down the arts hall and stop at the end. Putting her on her feet, I lean down, drop a kiss on her cheek, and push her through the door right as the bell rings.

I peek through the small rectangular window as she finds a seat near the window and pulls out her notebook. I’ll be sure to grab my laptop from home and bring it for her tomorrow. It’s still in the box, but as I think about it, she probably needs something newer. I mean, the school laptops are fine, but she’s a serious student.

Leaving her isn’t easy, but I should probably get to my anatomy class. I stroll away and pull out my phone. With a few easy clicks, I have a new laptop on the way for her. My last name comes with a lot of drawbacks, but access to money isn’t one of them. Stowing my phone, I turn onto the science hall.

The first hit is a sucker punch. I don’t see it coming, because Trent was waiting for me right around the corner. It stuns me for only a second, and then I’m rushing him and tackling him to the floor. His bros are all over me, trying to

pull me o as I pound the son of a bitch with blind, raging fury.

“A sucker punch?” I land a hard blow to his jaw. “This is the pussy shit you’re going to pull on me?”

One of his lacrosse buddies manages to wrap his forearm around my neck and yank me back. A hard elbow to his ribs breaks his hold, and I whirl, sending my aching fist right into his cheek.

His strangled scream is just what I’d expect from him as he falls and three others rush to subdue me.

“Hold him!” Trent struggles up from the floor, his face already swelling from the blows I rained down on him.

A teacher pops his head out of a classroom, then ducks back inside, likely to call the headmaster. Great.

Trent’s pals have me locked up, one on each arm and another with his arm around my neck. They didn’t underestimate me this time, maybe because last time it didn’t work out so well.

“The new girl is mine,” Trent snarls. “Don’t talk to her again.”

“Jealous?”

“No.” He glares. “But I know my property when I see it.

That pussy belongs to me, and I’m going to wreck it whenever I fucking feel like it. I don’t need trash like you dirtying it up before I get a piece.”

I fist my hands, needing to do some damage. No one talks about Evangeline like that. She’s too good for it. Lunging forward, I headbutt him. He falls back, a cry of pain on his lips.

“I said hold him!” He rears back and hits me hard in the temple.

My vision blacks out for a second, then comes back. I laugh. “You hit like cunt, you know that?”

He rears back again, his fist finally landing a decent blow on my nose. A burst of pain shoots through me, but I don’t hear a crack.

I grin, well aware a trail of blood is oozing from my busted lip. “That all you got, pretty boy? Your mom hit harder last night, and that was just foreplay.”

His eyes widen and he rears back again.

“Bradford! Davinci!” Headmaster McCollum’s stern voice stops Trent’s fist, but he points a finger in my face. “This isn’t over.”

I nod. “I know. Your mom wants sloppy seconds. I’ll be by tonight.”

He gut punches me as his teammates release me.

I double over and try to catch my breath.

“Bradford, my o ce, now. Davinci, get to the nurse.” The headmaster’s face is a brewing ice storm.

“I’m fine.” I straighten and wipe the blood from my nose with the back of my arm.

“Nurse. Now,” she snaps. “And you boys, get to class. I’ll be calling all of your parents, as well as Coach Smith.”

Trent’s minions groan.

“Double time!” The headmaster claps her hands.

They take o . I turn toward the infirmary.

“I’ll be calling your sister as well, Mr. Davinci.”

“Great.” I wave without looking back.

“Trent, you know better than this. Your father asked me to look after you, and I can’t do that when you keep . . .” Her voice trails o as she walks with Trent. She and Trent’s father are old friends--and some say current fuck buddies.

He’ll get o easy while I’ll have to duck Sophia’s lecture until she finally nails me to the wall.

I turn down the nurse’s hall, then push through a side door out into the daylight. My time as a Davinci has taught me a few things about how to patch myself up. After all, my

brother-in-law is the most powerful mafia boss in the city, maybe even the state by now. Trouble is a given.

But right now, trouble is a blonde with thick thighs, a clever mind, and a mouth I can’t stop thinking about.

She walks out of school with her head down and a couple of books in her arms. The bell rang a while ago, and I was about to go in and look for her, but she’s here now. I relax just seeing her.

Glancing at the now-cloudy sky, she turns right and keeps to the sidewalk. I assume she’s going to walk to her car in the mostly-empty lot, but she doesn’t. She keeps going out onto the main highway that runs past the school.

There’s no way she intends to walk all the way to Trent’s place. That has to be five miles, at least. But she doesn’t stop, head down, steps quick, keeps going even when thunder rumbles through the air.

I pull up beside her, and she casts a wary glance in my direction. When she sees it’s me, she smiles and turns all the way toward me.

“Get in, babydoll.”

She doesn’t hesitate as I reach over and push the door open for her. Sliding in, she drops her books and backpack in the floorboard and puts on her seatbelt. “Thank you. Hey, what happened to your face?”

“Fell into a doorknob.” I smile.

She raises her brows. “Wow. Try to be more careful.”

Why do I find her naïveté to be so goddamn sexy? I can’t help it. Something about her calls to me in a way that no other has before.

There have been plenty of girls at school that wanted my attention. I tired quickly of their vapid bullshit and constant

need for popularity. I’m playing the long game. High school drama is the least of my concerns.

“Here I was thinking the black eye gave me a ‘rebel without a cause’ sort of vibe.”

“You’re still very handsome.” Her cheeks color and she clears her throat.

“Yeah?” I reach for her hand and lace our fingers together.

“Bad weather.” She nibbles her lip, then points at the windshield where tiny drops of rain are starting to create a fuzzy layer. “Yep, weather.”

I make her nervous, but I’m hoping it’s a good kind of nervous, because she makes me nervous too. I want to kiss her, to taste her breath and sample her lips, doing the nibbling myself. But I know that rushing this isn’t an option.

So I change the subject. “Were you going to walk all the way back to the Bradford place?”

She shrugs. “I don’t have a car, and there’s no bus service around here.”

“Your grandma’s a Bradford but she won’t spring for you to have a car?” I cruise through the woods around campus, a few houses dotting the rolling hills in the distance.

“It’s already coming down hard.” She doesn’t meet my gaze. “Thanks for giving me a ride. I would’ve been soaked.”

“Since you don’t have a car, I’ll pick you up in the morning and bring you home after school.”

Her fingers tighten on mine. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I know, but I want to.” The idea of her walking along this country road all alone sends a fucking chill up my spine.

No way.

“Are you sure? I mean, I get the feeling you might not go to school every day, and I don’t want to bother you when you have other things to--”

“You will be on time every day, babydoll. I promise. I won’t forget.”

Her smile returns, and that need to kiss her surges through me again.

“Oh.” I let go of her hand and reach into the back seat.

“Here. It’s the school laptop. I’ve got a better one coming for you, but this should tide you over until it gets here.”

She takes the box. “This is so nice.” Running her hand over the box, she stares at the laptop image, then turns to me. “Wait, did you say you ordered me another one?”

“Yeah.” I shrug and turn into the Bradford property. “It’ll be better for you. It has a tablet you can attach to it for drawing--that’ll help you in science classes, and I got the really nice headphones, the over the ear kind that save your hearing better than earbuds.”

Her mouth is open as she looks at me. “I don’t … I can’t …

You …”

“It’s cool.” I take her hand again and drive slowly down the winding lane so I can spend as much time with her as possible. The storm rages around us, thunder rumbling and flashes of lightning sparking through the gray clouds.

“No, it’s too much. I can never repay you for--” “You don’t have to. Don’t worry about it. This is free. I promise. I expect nothing in return.” I glance at her. “I’m serious. If you never want to speak to me again after today, that would be”–fucking unbearable, and I would make you change your mind—“okay, and I wouldn’t ask for any of it back, all right? This stu is yours. You need it. Maybe it’ll inspire your grandma to come up with some of her Bradford cash to outfit you better.”

“Thank you.” Her big blue eyes brim with tears. “That’s so kind.”

“Very welcome.” I kiss the back of her hand again as we cruise up to the French-styled estate, the walls a pale stone

and a giant fountain out front with a Poseidon statue in the center. Gaudy and overdone--perfect for Trent’s family. Two Range Rovers and a Maserati are parked alongside the house.

“By the way, how have you managed to avoid Trent this whole time? Is he like a distant cousin or something? He doesn’t seem to know you, either.” I pull up as close to the front doors as possible so she can avoid the rain.

She turns and looks at the house. “Oh.” “Something wrong?”

“No.” She points to the right. “There’s a garage back there. It’ll be dry.”

“Okay.” I put the car back in drive as the front door opens.

Thunder rolls as Trent walks out, initially oblivious to the storm and my car. But then he stops when he sees Evangeline with me, and that’s when the shouting starts.

6 EVANGELINE

“W

hat the fuck?” Trent bellows, making my stomach drop. I knew it was only a matter of time until he put it together that I live on his family's estate.

But to be honest, I hadn’t even realized it. I only found out he existed today. We’d somehow managed to not cross paths over the past few months, but I think that he’s been away most of the summer.

“Please don’t make a scene,” I say, half panicked, to Marco. He could get my grandma fired or possibly get me kicked out of school. This isn’t only my grandma’s job but where we live. My eyes flick to Trent, who’s now making his way toward the car. The rain pours, but through it I can see his face. It looks like he might have had a run-in with a doorknob, too. I look back at Marco, who’s already getting out of the car.

I grab his arm. “There wasn’t a doorknob. It was Trent.

You lied to me?” It comes out as more of a question, because I don’t want to believe it. Why would he lie to me about something so insignificant?

“You dropping her o for me? Didn’t I tell you that I don’t want your sloppy seconds?” Trent’s face is a mask of

rage and disgust at the same time. I have no idea what he’s talking about, but it seems to be about me.

I replay his words in my mind, and then it finally clicks. I grow embarrassed as I sit there, my face filling with heat. I can’t say anything back to defend myself, because I know Trent could make my life a living hell here. I may not have run into him before today, but he looks like he’s the type that would try to get Grams fired. Marco looks back at me. I simply shake my head at him as my eyes plead with him to let it go.

“You should go,” I tell Marco and release his arm. He lied to me, so I’m pissed at him, but I also don’t want more trouble with Trent. Especially when it could hurt my grandma.

“I’m not leaving you with this shitwad.” Marco gets out of the car. I hop out too, hoping that I can be a bu er between them.

“You know what?” Trent stops a few feet away. “I don’t even care if it’s sloppy seconds. I’ll still take my turn.” His eyes roam over me, sending a chill through my body.

I sti en at his visual assault. It makes me feel dirty even as the rain pours over me.

“You motherfucker.” Marco goes for him and gets a grip on his throat before Trent can defend himself. “You got something else you want to say? None of your friends are around to help you now.”

I dart to Marco. “Don’t!”

Trent’s face starts to turn red as he swings and tries to loosen Marco’s grip. I grab Marco’s arm, trying to pull him away, but he doesn’t budge.

“Get in the car, babydoll,” he orders.

I start to let go of his arm and do as he tells me, but then I remember that he’s a liar.

Trent’s face starts to turn purple as his e orts weaken.

“Let. Him. Go.” The strength in my own words surprises me, but Marco does it and throws Trent to the ground. He hits the stone driveway hard. I cringe and wonder if he broke something. He rolls over, coughing and gasping for air.

“So the laptop wasn’t to get in my pants? To make sure you didn't get sloppy seconds?” My eyes begin to burn as I go back to the car and grab my bag. I leave the laptop behind because I don’t want or need anything from any of these fools.

“Babydoll.” Marco calls after me, his voice half-obscured by thunder.

“I’m calling the cops.” Trent tries to shout but it comes out strangled.

Marco puts a hand on my elbow.

“Go before you get my grandma fired.” I turn and almost run right into him. He catches me by my shoulders before I can fall against his car.

“Your grandmother works here?”

“Yes, now please let me go.” I stare at my feet, water running into my eyes. He drops his hands immediately.

“You live here?” His words are coated with utter confusion.

I’m not sure if that’s a question or not. I already told him where I live, but I answer him anyway.

“Yes.” I try and move past him but he moves with me, blocking me in. “You should leave before you get in trouble.”

He shrugs like he doesn't care. I can still hear Trent gasping for air and cursing as he tries to get to his feet.

“I can’t leave you with him.” His eyes meet mine.

I can see the worry in them, but I have to think about myself this time. It doesn’t matter that I want to run into Marco’s arms and let him protect me. What matters is that my grandma doesn’t lose her job, we don’t lose the place we live in, and I don’t have to leave school. If things were

di erent, I would love to explore this thing with Marco, but that’s not the reality of it. Besides, can I even trust him?

“You don’t really have a say in the matter.” I lift my chin and meet his eyes. Some of my resolve melts away. He’s too handsome. The rain starts to come down harder.

“Trent?” Both of us turn at the sound of a woman’s voice.

Mrs. Bradford rushes out the front door to her son. “Are you okay?” She drops to the ground beside him. “What happened?”

“Call the cops!” Trent barks at his own mom.

She jumps back at the anger he throws in her face.

“I would like you to leave, Marco.” A man’s voice.

Marco turns to look at Mr. Bradford, who’s now standing in the doorway.

“Who the fuck are you?” Marco throws back.

“Trent’s father,” he answers. He doesn't seem mad. He doesn't seem anything, actually.

“How do you know who I am?” Marco bristles.

My eyes dart between the two of them. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch as Mrs. Bradford gets Trent to his feet.

“Call the cops, Dad.” Trent’s voice is still strangled, and I wonder if something is wrong with his windpipe.

“I know a Davinci when I see one,” Mr. Bradford answers.

“Good, then know the girl falls under our protection.”

I look back at Marco and wonder what the hell falls under our protection means. “Go inside, babydoll. Get out of your wet clothes.” Marco steps out of my way now.

I have no idea what they’re talking about, but I take o toward the garage. I take the side stairs up to the apartment.

The smell of food hits my nose as soon as I open the door.

I hurry in and take o my wet shoes, leaving them on the mat. I go in search of my grandma, knowing that I’ll find her sitting on the sofa watching her favorite tv shows. She’s o for the rest of the day unless the big house calls for her. I’m

pretty shaken up about what happened outside and worried about what the fallout will be for us.

“Hey, sweetie.” My grandma's voice breaks me out of my thoughts. I find her exactly where I knew she would be.

“Hi, Grams.” I walk over to her and lean down to give her a quick kiss.

“You’re soaking wet! Did you have to walk home in the rain?”

I hesitate for a second, because I don’t want to lie, but I also can’t tell her the truth about what happened.

“I got a ride, but as I was getting out there was a downpour.” I don’t exactly lie so that makes me feel a little better.

“Go and get out of those wet clothes, and then we can have some dinner. I made your favorite, meatloaf and mashed potatoes.”

I give her another kiss before heading to my room. I stop when I see a shadow standing outside our door. I peek out to see Marco about to raise his hand and knock. I swing it open before he can finish the motion.

“Take it.” He hands me the box with the laptop in it.

“No.” I push it back.

“We can stand here and fight about it until your grandma hears us and decides to invite me in to eat whatever that wonderful smell is or you can take the laptop.”

I pin my bottom lip between my teeth as I think. Grams would definitely invite him in.

I pull the box from his hold. “Fine.” I hu . “Thank you.”

“Just can’t help being sweet, can you?” He smiles, the dangerous look of him turning my insides to goo..

“Try not to fall into any more doorknobs.” I smirk. Take that for being sweet. Wait, maybe that is being nice. I told him not to get hurt.

“I’ll be here in the morning.”

“No--” “I’ll be here in the morning,” he cuts me o . “You have my number. I used your phone to call mine. Any problems you call me.”

I’d forgotten about that.

“See you tomorrow, babydoll.” He turns and leaves before I can protest. I shut the door and lock it.

When I turn, I see Grams peeking around the corner.

“He’s handsome.” She smiles. “In a devil-may-care sort of way. I like it.”

I want to tell her that he lied to me, but she’s smiling. I don’t want her thinking bad about him for some reason, so I keep my mouth shut. And, if I’m being honest, I wasn’t exactly forthcoming with him about why I’m living on the Bradford estate. I didn’t lie, but I didn’t explain, either.

Maybe I should go easier on him.

“Get dry, and then we can have girl talk about that boy,” Grams calls from the kitchen.

I go to my room and change, but I pause for a moment and close my eyes, thinking about Marco. Imagining what it would feel like to kiss him, for him to touch me, for him to . . .

“Evangeline?” Grams interrupts my inappropriate thoughts, and I head to the kitchen for my meatloaf with a side of third-degree interrogation, Grams-style.

7 MARCO

“W

ho’s the girl?” Sophia is on me before I can reach the stairs to my bedroom.

“Seriously?” I groan.

She smiles big. “What’s her name? Where’s she from? I heard she was new. Is she new? Tell me all the details!”

“You are too much.” I climb two stairs then turn. “Her name is Evangeline. She’s moved around a lot, and yes, she’s new. She lives with her grandmother, who works for the Bradford assholes.”

“Nice face.” She frowns.

“Those lacrosse pricks again. Don’t worry.”

“Of course I worry. Should I call the headmaster? I will march down there and--” “I’m fine, sis. I have to fight my own battles, and the next time they come at me, you may have to bail me out of jail.”

“Fair enough.” She nods. Sophia’s taken to the mafia life with ease, and I have to say I’m proud of her. No longer content to live in our family’s old shadow, she’s bloomed as the queen of the Davinci dynasty.

“Okay, bye.” I move to turn away.

“So, is she pretty?” Sophia is relentless, a trait she’s taken from her husband.

How do I answer that? Evangeline’s gorgeous. A fucking knockout. Thick legs, round ass, great rack, and a face that I know is going to haunt my dreams. But I don’t need Sophia making googoo eyes at me anymore, so I say, “She’s pretty, yeah.”

“I knew it!” She jumps up and down.

“Don’t you have some blogging to do?” I take two more steps.

“Yes.” She sighs. “Fashion trends for winter.”

“Great. You run along and do that. I’ve got … homework to do.”

She laughs. “Homework? Sure. Work on your lying,” she calls as I make my escape. “Davincis need a strong poker face.”

“She’s right.” Nick greets me at the top of the stairs.

“You don’t show your enemy the knife until it’s already coated with his blood.” My brother-in-law can be a bit … caustic. But he claps me on the back. “This girl sounds nice.”

“Great, everyone knows.” I stride down the hall to my room.

Nick walks behind me. “Got a call from Richard Bradford.

He apologized for any o ense his son may have caused. Do I need to make a visit to the Bradford estate?”

“Did you hear the part about me fighting my own battles?”

“Yes, I did, and I’m proud of you.” He puts a thick hand on my shoulder. “But I’m here if you need me. Family is forever, Marco.”

I turn and meet his dark eyes. Nick is a dangerous, cruel man, but he loves my sister more than seems possible, and a good portion of that love has transferred to me. He’s overprotective, but I can’t fault him for it, not when my own father would have sold me out in a heartbeat the same way he did to Sophia.

“Trent is an asshole, but he’s one I can handle. I only got this”—I gesture to my face—“Because he sucker punched me and had his boys waiting for me.”

“Ah.” He squeezes my shoulder and drops his hand, a wicked glint in his vicious eyes. “But now you’ve learned.

Don’t let anyone get the drop on you. You put them in the ground before they even know they’re dead. It’s the only way to live.”

“Noted.”

“C’mere.” He pulls me into a rough male hug, then claps my back and sends me into my room. “Bring the girl for dinner. It would make Sophia happy.” He closes the door before I can protest.

I flop onto my bed and stare at the beams in the ceiling, but I don’t see them. Not really. All I see are two big blue eyes, a shy smile, and a beautiful girl who’s turned out to be the biggest surprise of my life.

She’s standing at the Bradford gate when I drive up. I lean over and push her door open, and she slides in, the hem of her blue and green tartan skirt riding up and revealing more of her thigh. I have the insane urge to bite her there, to leave my mark.

“You didn’t have to pick me up.” She stows her backpack in the floorboard and fastens her seatbelt.

“It’s freezing outside, and I already told you I’ll pick you up and take you home every day.” I pull onto the highway.

“I know.” She tangles her fingers together. “I just don’t want any trouble. Grams needs this job, and I need this school if I’m going to have any chance at getting into a good college.”

“There shouldn’t be any more trouble, okay? Trent understands you’re o limits.”

“And what was all that? The Davinci thing and me being under your protection?”

I shrug. “Doesn’t matter.”

“It does to me.” She takes a deep breath. “I need you to be honest with me. I’m not very trusting, but for some reason I really want to trust you, but I can’t do that if I think you’re hiding things from me. But I know we just met, and I’m not trying to steamroll into your business, but I—“ I take her hand, pulling it free and kissing the back of it.

“Everything’s cool, babydoll.” I don’t want to scare her o , but she’s laid down her terms. Honesty. “My family is well known around here. My brother-in-law is …” How do I say this without sounding scary? “He’s into some things that most people would find to be illegal.”

She raises a brow. “By ‘most people’ do you mean ‘all law enforcement’?”

Damn, she’s too clever for her own good. “Something like that, yeah. But he’s so good to my sister, and he’s taken me under his wing when he didn’t have to. He’s kind to the ones he loves.”

“What about the ones he doesn’t?”

I squeeze her fingers. “We don’t have to worry about that.”

“So Trent’s dad is scared of your brother-in-law because he’s what? A mobster?”

I laugh and turn into the school parking lot. “Mobster?”

“Yeah, like in those movies. He gets orders from the head of the family and goes and does bad things.”

“No. Nick doesn’t take orders. He gives them.” I park with plenty of time left for her to get to class. “Speaking of that, do you have plans tonight?”

“No?” She sounds more than a little apprehensive.

“Great. How about you come over and meet Sophia and Nick?”

She sti ens and pulls her hand away, then grabs her backpack. “Who’s Sophia?”

Her voice is kind of high when she asks it, and it hits me.

She’s jealous and hasn’t connected who Sophia is.

“Hey.” I lean over and cup her cheeks.

She blinks, her lips parting as I move even closer. “Yyes?”

I glance at her mouth, needing to know what she tastes like. I shouldn’t, but when her lashes flutter and she lets out a sweet breath, I press my lips to hers. Gently at first, no tongue, just warmth. But I can’t leave it at that, not when she grips the lapels of my jacket.

I lick her lips, and she opens for me. I delve inside, finding her tongue that tastes a little minty from her toothpaste. Sliding one hand to her hair, I squeeze the white strands and angle my mouth over hers. When she lets out a little moan, my cock wages a war with my zipper, and I have to back o before things go too far.

Her eyes flutter open, her cheeks pink, and I open my door and jump out. She’s already standing when I get around to her. “That was … I, um.” Flustered, she shakes her head.

I move closer and drop one more kiss on her irresistible lips. “Me too.”

She’s stunned and hot as fuck, but she needs to get to class.

“Come on, babydoll. Let’s learn about cells for a while.” I take her hand and head toward the front doors, but I nuzzle into her hair and whisper, “By the way, beautiful, Sophia is my sister.”

8 EVANGELINE

A

ll day my mind stays on Marco. The kiss that we’d shared in the car lingers on my lips. It’s hard to focus on anything when my thoughts keep straying back to him.

How can they not? Whenever it’s time to leave one class to go to the next, he’s standing outside the door waiting to walk me. I’ve also noticed that there hasn't been a sign of Trent anywhere today.

I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing. “Did you tell your grams that you’re coming to my place for dinner?”

Marco asks, taking my backpack from me as we head out of school toward his car.

“I’ll tell her when I get home after school.” I tuck a piece of my hair behind my ear. “Should I bring something? I’ve never done this dinner thing.”

“You’ve never had dinner?” he teases.

I half roll my eyes at him as I smile. He never takes himself too seriously. It’s one of the things that makes me feel so comfortable around him.

“Of course I eat dinner.” I motion toward my body. I’m a little on the fuller side. Who can blame me when my grandma is pretty much a five-star chef? It’s impossible not to eat all the home-cooked meals she makes me.

“Then I’m going to make sure you keep on getting those dinners.” His eyes roam over me, stopping on the flare of my hips for a moment. My face heats at his open appraisal.

When Trent looked at me, it felt dirty, but Marco’s gaze makes me feel anything but that. I feel sexy and wanted.

“Get in the car before we start making out with you pressed up against it.” He opens the door, and I scurry in. I don’t need the school talking about Marco and me. I’m already hearing rumors about him. I couldn't help that my ears perked up a little when some of the girls in my class would talk about him, saying that he never gave anyone the time of day. From what I’ve heard, he also never lets anyone into his car. His car is nice. It looks extra fancy and like something I may never be able to a ord. Some girls are impressed with fancy cars, but that’s not my style.

“What kind of car is this?” I ask out of curiosity as Marco jumps into the driver's seat.

“G-Class. Most call it a G-Wagon. It was a gift.” He starts it up and the whole car makes a rumbling sound. It seems more like a sports car than an SUV. “Will you come back and pick me up later for dinner?” I pull at the bottom of my dress. It rode up my leg a bit when I climbed into the car.

“I’m taking you to my place now. It’s why I was asking if you’d told your grams yet.”

“Right now?” I look down at my outfit. “I’m not dressed for dinner.”

Actually, I’m not even sure what you wear to a dinner like this, but I’m guessing it’s going to be in some formal dining room with three forks and two spoons, and I’ll have no idea how to use any of them. I should Google this. My stomach fills with worry as I remember what Marco said about his brother-in-law’s profession. I don’t think Marco would let anything happen to me based on how protective he’s been so

far, but the worry alone only adds to the nervousness I’m feeling.

“There’s nothing wrong with what you have on. We’re only going to my house to eat dinner with my sister and brother-in-law.” He grabs my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine. “It’s nothing fancy, I promise.” I look up to see he has that easy smile on his face again.

“You’re amused?”

That makes his smile wider.

“You’re adorable. If I weren’t driving, I’d lean over and kiss you.”

My cheeks pink at his comment. It’s not because I’m embarrassed, but because I wish he could do exactly that.

“You’re so sure of yourself over there.” I poke him back.

I noticed today when he was walking around school his face was always stoic, but whenever his eyes met mine he always smiled. I can't help myself from leaning over and kissing the side of his nose that still shows evidence of his fight with Trent. “Still hurt?”

“Nope.”

I drop back into my seat and pull out my phone to text Grams. She’s cool with me eating at a friend’s house, but, oh, no. “She said I’m supposed to bring a dish!”

“Babydoll, I promise all my sister wants you to bring is yourself.”

We pull up to a giant guard stand. They give Marco a nod to roll down his window.

“Guest? We need ID,” the man who’s dressed like a swat o cer says while holding a clipboard. He looks to be a good ten years older than Marco. I go for my backpack and wonder if my school ID will work. I don’t have a driver's license. It’s something I should probably get but I don’t have a car. I don’t see myself being able to a ord a car anytime soon so a license can wait.

“I’m her ID. Open the doors.”

“Sir.” The guard tries to be stern.

“You want me to call Sophia?”

The man steps back and hits a button. The gate swings open.

“Should I be scared of Sophia?” I ask. The guard sure seems to be.

“She’s the queen of the castle.” Marco laughs. “Her husband doesn't care for anyone upsetting her. She might be the queen, but she’s a sweetheart.” He glances to me as the car rolls to a stop. “I’m really sorry about this, too, but it’s better to get this over with.”

“Get what over with?” I barely get the question out before my door is flinging open. I don’t have to ask to know this is Sophia standing beside the car. I can see her resemblance to Marco. “Come!” She grabs my hand and pulls me from the car. “She’s here, Nick,” she calls excitedly and leads me to the doors of the massive home. It looks like a castle.

“Wow.” I gaze up, trying to take it all in.

The Bradford manor is stu y, and you feel as though you can’t touch anything there, but this place has a di erent vibe. Warmer. As Sophia leads me into their home, it actually feels like a home even if it does look like a castle.

“I’ve set you up a tray in the kitchen. You can have snacks while you study.” She doesn't let my hand go as she continues talking a mile a minute. “Or we can say fuck it and go swimming.” I look over my shoulder at Marco, who’s following close behind us. He gives me an I’m sorry shrug, his lips in a half smile. I don’t know why he’d be sorry. I’ve known Sophia for two minutes, and I think I already like her.

She’s outspoken, which works well to o set me. I often need that in my life, because I tend to be shy.

“You have a pool?” I ask. I worry my lip between my teeth. I love to swim, but we aren't allowed to use the

Bradford pool. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to take a little swim.

I’m ahead on almost everything at school. I’ve been flying through my homework and getting everything done. The coursework is posted online, so that allows me to get ahead.

“A pool, yep.” Sophia grabs a lemonade, handing it to me with a small sandwich. “Come to my room. I’ll get us something to wear. You’re going to need extra sunscreen.

You look like the beautiful girl from Game of something-orother that Marco and Nick always used to watch.” She looks to Marco for the answer.

“Game of Thrones.”

“Right! Daenerys Targaryen.”

“You remember her name but not the name of the show?”

“You always remember the ones that matter.” She winks at me. “Plus, she had dragons. That shit was cool.”

I laugh even though I’ve never seen the show but kind of know what she’s talking about. “It’s the hair and skin tone,” I admit. It always grabs people's attention. My bright blue eyes make them stand out even more.

“It is, but that’s not the only reason I thought of Daenerys Targaryen when I saw you.” She smirks. “So soft and sweet.” She leans in close. “But would walk through fire for the ones you love.”

I swallow, but I know she’s right. I’d do anything for someone I love. “People mistake gentle kindness for weakness. They soon learn the sweet ones can be the most worthy adversary or opponent when crossed.”

I stare at her, her words resonating inside me.

“Come. We’ll be best friends, and drive my brother crazy.” She pulls me from the kitchen, the snack tray forgotten. “He deserves it for all the heartaches he’s tried to give me over the years. You see that scar on his lip? Let me tell you about that!” She carries on, and I think she’s right.

We might be best friends.

9 MARCO

S

team rises into the chilly air, the pool nice and heated as Sophia hurries around and arranges drinks and snacks at the little swim-up bar.

“Warm enough?” I watch Evangeline as she floats around, her happy smile warming my heart.

“Perfect.” She kicks and disappears beneath the water, her ass making an appearance, the light blue bathing suit barely covering all of it.

I lick my lips.

“Stop ogling.” Sophia tosses her jacket on a chair and jumps in at the deep end.

She and Evangeline meet underwater, then rise to the surface.

“Marco never swims with me anymore.” Sophia shoots me a cross look. “But now I’ve got you, so I don’t need him.”

“Thanks for letting me borrow a swimsuit.” Evangeline grips the side. “I hope I don’t stretch it.”

“Take it with you. I have a ton of them. And if I swim with Nick, none of them last long.”

“Oh.” Evangeline’s eyes open a little wider.

“You’re scaring her.” I launch from the wall and dive beneath the surface, pushing to the top when I get close to

them. Once I breach, I shake my hair, sending warm droplets all over them.

“Marco!” Sophia splashes me as Evangeline laughs.

“What?” I float closer and blink the water from my eyes.

“I’m just trying to get in on the girl talk.”

“Since when are you interested in girl talk?” Sophia rolls her eyes.

I give Evangeline a long look. “Since now.”

“Creeper.” Sophia pulls Evangeline with her to the center of the pool, their whispers full of giggles.

Turning, I spread my arms along the side of the pool.

When I hear Evangeline’s sharp intake of breath, I know she’s noticed the muscles I’ve worked hard for every morning in our home gym.

“Showo ,” Sophia grumbles.

“Leave them be, cara mia.” Nick strides from the house, his coat o and his dress shirt sleeves rolled up. Fredo, the family cat, trots beside him and gives us a disapproving feline stare. He’s never liked the pool. Something about being near water upsets him.

“I was just chatting with Marco’s new friend.”

He smirks. “I have better things for you to do with your mouth, my queen.”

I groan, Evangeline turns a delicate shade of red, and Sophia grins.

“I guess I could come inside and check on dinner.” She paddles to the stairs, Nick watching her every move.

The moment she’s out of the pool, he throws her over his shoulder.

“You’re getting all wet!” She beats on his back as he hauls her into the house.

“I won’t be the only one,” he says as the door slams.

I cut through the water and circle Evangeline.

“They’re, um, they’re kind of hot.” She shrugs. “He’s terrifying, but she’s so sweet, and together they’re a perfect match somehow.”

“Don’t let her sweet talk fool you. Sophia has claws.”

“I know.” She spins, following my movements. “She thinks I have some, too.”

“Do you?” I move closer, the string tied at her neck a tantalizing lure. I could pull the knot loose, then push the top down. I’ve already contemplated how easy it would be to slide her bottoms o .

“I might.” She pulls her hands from the water and looks at them. “Maybe they’re hidden, but they’re ready to come out.”

“I think they are.” I stop circling and close on my prey.

Pushing through the water, I take her in my arms and ease her to the side of the pool where I can touch the bottom, but she can’t.

“What are you doing?” Her voice is high, breathy.

“What I’ve been wanting to do all day.” I claim her mouth, kissing her deeply, my tongue sliding against hers as I press my thigh between her legs. Even in the warm water, her pussy is hot against me.

She grips my shoulders, her fingers digging in as I master her mouth. She’s a hesitant kisser at first, not sure what to do, how to turn her head. But once I run my fingers through her wet hair and squeeze, she lets out a little moan and relaxes in my arms. Tilting her head, I take all of her, tonguing her until my cock throbs and she’s panting.

I release her hair and skate my fingers along her shoulder to the tie behind her neck.

She reaches up and grabs my hand, her blue eyes popping open.

“Too fast?” My heart sinks a little, but I will wait for her as long as she needs.

One side of her lips quirks up in a smile so devious that my cock threatens to burst through my swim trunks.

Grabbing the string, she pulls, and the top of her swimsuit floats away from her tits. Holy shit, this girl.

I grab her ass and lift her, water sluicing between her round tits, the nipples a light pink, the tips hard and ready for my mouth. Sucking the right one into my mouth, I groan as I suck her. She digs her fingers into my hair, her sweet mewling sounds sending waves of heat through me.

Switching to the other breast, I suck and lick her, then slide my hands inside her bottoms, feeling her round ass and squeezing.

“Marco,” she breathes.

“Your tits.” I lean down and bite one, leaving a red half circle. “Are a fucking revelation.” I flick my tongue along the other one. “These pink nipples? I could suck them all goddamn day.”

Returning to her mouth, I cup one of her luscious tits while keeping my other hand on her round ass. She’s perfection. Every bit of her, and I’m desperate to see the rest of her, to taste between her thighs and make her come all over my face.

I can’t wait for it. Not when she’s right here, her moans rocketing through me, setting my veins on fire.

With ease, I lift her to the edge of the pool.

She gasps and turns to look at the house.

“Eyes on me, babydoll. No one can see you. Only me.”

“I don’t know--” I hook my fingers in her bottoms and pull them o , then spread her legs wide and get a good look at her sweet, pink pussy. “I do.” Leaning forward, I give her one long lick.

She shudders and spreads wider. “This is so bad.” She glances at the house again.

“Look at me,” I order. “I want you to watch me make you come.”

“I don’t know if--” She gasps again when I press my hot tongue to her perfect cunt, then lick long and hard up her slit. Her tits jut toward me, the tips hard and desperate for attention, but I’m too busy licking her cunt, tasting all of her.

“Touch your tits.” I lightly bite her mound. “I want to see you.”

With a shy touch, she grazes her nipples.

“More,” I growl against her, then plunge my tongue inside her tight entrance.

She twists her nipples, and I think I might come just from the sight of it, but I have to focus. So I do. I lick and devour her, her pink flesh a feast for me and only me. When I focus on her clit, she cups her tits, presenting them to me. I splay her as wide as I can, opening her up and fastening my lips to her clit. Whipping my tongue back and forth, I watch as she jolts to my rhythm, her body tightening, her breathing unsteady.

Sliding a finger inside her, I groan. “This tight cunt needs me, babydoll.” I surge in and out of her, my tongue teasing along her wet skin. “It needs my fingers, my tongue, and most of all, my cock.” She moans as I push another finger inside, her wetness coating me as I return to her clit, licking in steadily faster strokes.

Her hips rock, her breath stills, and she comes on a low moan, her pussy clamping down on my fingers as I keep giving her my tongue, keep pushing for more and more pleasure from her.

“Marco.” Head thrown back, she gasps my name, the sound of it sexier than anything I’ve ever heard.

When she comes back down, her body going soft and relaxed again, I lick her one more time, then slide her into

the water with me.

“That was--” She takes in a gulp of air as I spread her legs and push my hard length against her.

Her eyes roll, and she clutches my shoulders.

“When you’re ready, babydoll.” I thrust my hips. “When you’re ready, I’ll give you every inch of this. Over and over again until you beg me to stop making you come.” I nip her ear. “But I won’t stop. Not until I’ve taken every bit of pleasure you have and swallowed it down.”

Her hips rock with me, her eyes locked with mine. “I think I’m rea--” One of the back doors opens, and Sophia calls, “Dinner!”

10

EVANGELINE

“C

ara mia, is this an interrogation?” Nick chuckles at Sophia as we all eat dinner together. She’s been peppering me with questions since I sat down. I don’t mind.

There’s not a lot to tell about myself. I go to school, and my grandma is all I have.

“I know nothing of my parents, not anymore. Mom left several years ago, but I don’t dwell on that, and I never knew my dad. I’m not so sure either were living a life that was on the up and up.”

“I’m sorry.” Sophia’s eyes soften. “But your grandma takes care of you?”

“Yeah. She’s great.” I nod and take a bite of salad. Grams gets uneasy when I ask about my parents, so I stopped bringing them up a few years ago. It doesn’t matter anyway, because she fills the role of both of them. Sometimes I miss my mom. She was never around a lot, always out doing her own thing. When she did stop by for a while, she would always tell me she loved me and how proud she was of me.

But she never stayed long. She had a lot of demons. I can see that now that I’m older.

“So no brothers or sis--” “Cara mia.” He takes her hand. “Let the poor girl eat.”

Sophia raises a brow. “I remember the first meal we shared together. I believe you ruined my salad. Now you question my dinner etiquette?”

Marco bursts into laughter.

“There was blood everywhere,” she hu s even as Nick kisses her fingers.

Marco keeps on laughing. I don’t know if she’s serious, or if there is some joke that I’m missing. Blood everywhere? I’m also not sure if I should laugh or worry. Nick and Sophia are nothing like I’d pictured. I think after the way Marco talked about Nick, I was expecting some rude gangster criminal.

He’s nothing like that. I glance between Nick and Sophia, wondering where this is going.

“I was not sharing the meal with you. You were sharing it with another man.” He gives Sophia a look that would probably make anyone else pee themselves.

“I was hungry! You could have waited,” she snips back, fighting a smile.

“I’m not prone to waiting.” He smirks at her. That deadly look disappears from his face. It clearly has no e ect on his wife, because she only rolls her eyes at him. Their smiles are contagious, and I find myself smiling too.

“It’s fine. I don’t mind talking about things,” I tell them, not asking about the blood, not wanting to know any details.

I guess everyone has a di erent idea of what a fairytale should be. Who am I to judge theirs? I take a bite of my steak.

It’s tender and melts in my mouth. All thoughts of blood and salads leave my mind as I continue to enjoy my food.

“I promise there will be no blood at our wedding.” Marco winks at me.

Sophia snorts and I feel my cheeks pink with the thought of Marco and me getting married. We just met, and his family is . . . di erent, and I’m not sure what’s going on, but I have to admit I rather like all of them.

“Good luck with that,” Sophia snorts before taking a bite of her steak. This is how most of the dinner goes. I enjoy everyone’s banter, and they make me feel at home and welcome. Nick feels less scary by the second. Any woman would kill to have a man look at her the way he looks at Sophia. It reminds me of the way Marco looks at me sometimes. I shake that thought from my head, because we’ve only known each other for a short period of time, so how could he possibly look at me the same way? Yet it feels as though he does. I realize his marriage comment was a joke, but I lock away the thrilling feeling it gives me, keeping it hidden until I can take it out later and enjoy it.

“It’s going to be so nice having another girl around here,” Sophia says with a mouthful of bread pudding.

I take a bite. It, too, melts in my mouth.

“With food like this, I will be over daily.” Whoever is cooking here could give my grandma a run for her money.

Not that I would ever tell her that. I hate that she still has to work so much. One day I’ll get a job that will support us both. That’s the goal at least. That’s why school is so important to me, and I have to do everything I can to succeed. Even if it means biting my tongue and being nice to that jerk, Trent. So far, I haven't had another run-in with him. I know it’s inevitable with him living on the same property. It’s only a matter of time.

“You’re welcome to come over whenever you like. Even if Marco isn’t home.” Sophia smiles over at me. She’s been so warm and welcoming and honestly, it’s nice to have a girlfriend. I know I’m sort of doing stu with her brother, but there are some things that I have questions about and she seems like she’d be open to answering them.

“Thanks. I’ve had a really good time tonight. It's usually only my grandma and me for dinner, so the company has been nice.”

“I have a great idea!” Sophia nearly leaps out of her seat.

Nick is next to her in the blink of an eye. I’m guessing she startled him. She smiles over at him and gives him a sweet kiss. “Nothing’s wrong. I just got excited. You’re so ridiculously overprotective.” She says it as though she thinks it’s absurd but her eyes tell a di erent story. “Anyway.

Evangeline, you should bring your grandma for dinner.”

I pause for a moment, not sure how Grams would take that. “I can ask. She’s kind of a homebody. After work, she likes to relax.” She’s not as energetic as she once was. I think she’s been working too hard but won’t tell me. She never lets me venture over to the main house, so I’m not sure how much she has to do every day over there. I know she’ll put up with anything if it means keeping me in school at Brightwood. Guilt gnaws at me thinking about it.

“Babe,” Marco says softly next to my ear before kissing me below it. “You okay?”

I look up to see everyone is looking at me. “Sorry,” I whisper, having gotten lost in my thoughts for a moment.

“What did you say your last name was again?” Nick asks.

Sophia smacks his arm.

“Knock it o .” Marco shoots a hard look at Nick.

“It’s Garver,” I answer, not understanding the big deal about knowing my last name. It’s not as though it would be a hard thing for someone to find out.

“You don’t have to invite your grandma over. It was just an idea,” Sophia hurries to say.

Marco pushes back from his chair. “We’re heading out.”

“Look what you did,” Sophia hisses at Nick. Again, I’m missing something.

Marco takes my elbow with one hand and uses the other to pull my chair out for me.

“Thank you for dinner.” I smile at them both. I don’t know what just happened between all three of them, but now

they seem mad at each other. “It was wonderful, and I’ll ask my grandma if she’d like to come over for dinner one night.”

“We’d love that.” Sophia beams at me as she comes over to give me a hug. Marco doesn't let my elbow go as I hug her back. “My husband is protective is all. He just wanted to make sure you weren’t from a family that we have … business with. In our world, there can be problems. Last names are like a brand, sort of. And some brands just don’t go together. Anyway, ignore his rudeness,” she whispers in my ear.

“My apologies,” Nick says as Sophia steps back from the hug. “Not only to you, Evangeline, but to Marco. I know he’d never bring someone here that would be a threat.”

“A threat?” I croak out in surprise.

“You hesitated when my wife asked you to invite your grandmother over.”

“We’re di erent.” I let out a small shrug, but I’m humbled that Nick would so quickly o er up an apology. It says a lot about him. They might not play by the letter of the law, but they have morals. Most men in power that I’ve met won’t give an apology unless it’s pulled from them. Even if they know they’re wrong.

“Everyone is di erent.” Nick pulls his wife to his side.

“It’s about finding the di erent that fits together.”

“Such a sap.” Sophia smiles up at him, clearly forgiving him.

“I’ll be back.” Marco nods to Nick before leading me out of the house.

“You okay?” I ask as he opens the door to his car to let me in.

“You got uncomfortable. It put me on edge. Not used to this shit.” He shakes his head. “Not shit. Fuck. I’m messing this up.”

I let out a laugh. “Feelings. You’re not used to these feelings.” I understand. I’m having them, too. Marco has me all over the place. “I’m fine. I enjoyed dinner.” I lean up on my tip toes. “Enjoyed our time in the pool more.”

He drops his head so that our mouths can meet as he kisses me. I sigh into his mouth. I don’t know what to do with all of these feelings either. My brain tells me that I should run. The Davincis are a family that you don’t cross.

Even though I don’t have any intention of crossing them, there’s a lot of danger lurking in their dark corners. Still, I deepen the kiss, because my heart is telling me that, no matter the risk, I’m not going anywhere.

11

MARCO

I

turn o the highway and head down the Bradfords’ driveway. I don’t get far when I roll to a stop.

Trent’s white Range Rover is parked sideways across the drive. I could go around and fuck up their lawn, but I’m kind of curious about what shit Trent intends to pull on this fine, cold morning.

I kill my engine and open my door, stepping out and peering at him through the window. He steps out, too, his face still bruised from my fist. Good.

“Did you at least bring me a co ee?” I stu my hands into my leather jacket as I stride up. “It’s early.”

“I’m taking her to school this morning, so you can turn around and go.” He puts his hands in his pockets, too, but I suspect there’s more in his North Face jacket than just dryer lint. He’s got a knife, maybe even a gun. Can’t be sure just yet. But I know for certain he has a death wish.

“Sorry, champ.” I shake my head. “Evangeline is coming with me.”

“This is my property. You’re trespassing.” He steps toward me. Not close enough for me to drop his ass, but he’s getting there.

“I’m a guest.” I shrug.

“No. You need to leave.”

“Did you run this past your daddy?” I move closer, my breath coming out in a white pu . “Because I’m pretty sure he’d say I’m welcome here anytime I please.”

“I’m not scared of you. Your last name doesn’t mean shit to me.”

“My last name isn’t what’s going to pound you into the fucking ground if you don’t move your car. That would be me.”

His eyes widen a little, but he doesn’t back down.

“Trent.” I look around. “Your boys aren’t here to hold me down. I’d suggest you get in your car and leave.”

“Evangeline’s grandma works for my family. Not yours. If she loses her job, they’d have to move away. They couldn’t a ord to send her to Brightwood.”

“Are you making a threat?”

“Just stating a fact.” The sniveling asshat smiles. “But look, I want them to stay right here. Just fifty yards away from me, safe and sound in that apartment over the garage. I especially like the fact that Evangeline’s bedroom window faces the house. Makes for some interesting viewing after she showers.”

And that’s when I snap. Pulling my hands from my pockets, I advance on him. But he pulls a gun from his fleece, the barrel pointed at my face.

I stop. “What the fuck, Trent?”

“I’ve heard about you Davincis. Dad told me. The only language you understand is this--” He shakes the gun. “So here it is. Evangeline is mine. You are no longer welcome here. Leave. I already called the cops. They’ll be here soon.

And if you aren’t gone by then, they’ll arrest you for criminal trespassing.”

“Are you sure this is how you want to play it?” I meet his gaze.

“Why are you even asking? I’m the one with the gun, idiot. Get the fuck out of here, and don’t come back.”

“Can’t do that, Trent.” I ease toward him.

“I’ll shoot, asshole. Back the fuck up.” His voice shakes just enough for me to know he’s bullshitting. He doesn’t want to pull that trigger, not really. But if I spook him, he may do it anyway.

“Put the gun down.”

“Fuck you.” He backs up a step.

There’s no way I’m leaving Evangeline here. Not while Trent is cosplaying an Old West sheri with too few brain cells and too many bullets.

“Leave!” he yells.

I spring forward, grab the gun, and whip it to the side. He pulls the trigger, the gun firing into the woods beside the driveway. Locking my hand around the gun’s action, I keep him from firing again and yank it away. Flipping it in my hand, I bring the butt down on his head, pistol-whipping the dumbass until he drops to his knees. Maybe I should be worried about how easy this is for me, how Trent might’ve had a point when he said Davincis only understand violence.

But I’m not. Ice water runs in my veins as I kick him onto his side and stand over him.

“If you pull the trigger, you better make sure you don’t fucking miss.” I land a kick to his ribs, not as hard as I can, but enough to keep him down for a good, long while.

He grunts and curls into a ball as I head back to my car.

Getting in, I stow the gun in my glove box, start the engine, and steer around Trent and his Range Rover, then get back on the driveway and cruise to Evangeline’s apartment.

She steps out in a thick coat and gloves and hurries to my car. “Hi,” she says brightly.

Stowing her backpack, she settles in and fastens her seatbelt. I lean over and kiss her. Lightly at first, then more,

needing her lips. Trent’s threat didn’t heat my blood even one degree. But her kiss? I’m on fire in a matter of seconds. I cup her cheek and angle her head to get more of her, needing the warmth she shares so easily. She whimpers and clutches my jacket. I tongue her, my hands roving beneath her coat and cupping her tits. She’s irresistible. Does she know that?

I squeeze the soft mounds and run my thumb over her hard nipples. Her little moan has my cock aching, and I have to pull back before shit gets real. After all, she’s serious about school. And even though I’m not, what’s important to her is important to me.

Pulling away, I let out a deep breath and run my thumb along her bottom lip. “You are too much, babydoll.”

“Me?” She laughs breathily. “You are.”

I smile and tuck her hair behind her ear. “And you need a hat.”

“I’m fine.”

I lean back and feel around in the backseat. Grabbing one of my knit caps, I slide it onto her white-blond hair until it’s snug.

“Perfect.” I kiss the tip of her nose.

“Thanks.” Her pink cheeks are fucking cherubic, and I have to force myself to focus on getting her to school. Then she cocks her head to the side a little, “Hey, did you hear something a few minutes ago?”

I put the car in drive and head back down the lane. “Yeah.

I had a little trouble with Trent.”

Her eyes widen. “Was that a … a gunshot?”

I take her hand. Lying to her isn’t an option. “Yes, but no one got hurt.”

“Oh my God! What happened?”

“He jumped me, and like a coward, brought a gun to a fist fight. I took it away. We’re all good.”

“That’s not all good!” She shakes her head.

“Calm down, babydoll. No one got hurt. Well, not too bad, anyway.” I smirk. “Trent’s learned that it’s not cool to play with guns.”

“He tried to shoot you.” She rubs a hand down her face.

“Oh my God.” “It’s not the first time.”

She gasps. “Not the first time he tried to shoot you?”

“No. Not the first time I’ve been shot at.” I don’t see the point in hiding the truth from her. “My family is involved in some shit. Sometimes, I have to help out and protect what’s ours. But I don’t--Fuck.”

“What?” She looks out the windshield and sees the red and blue lights when I do. “Oh, no.”

Trent stands next to a deputy sheri and points at me while running his mouth. I don’t recognize the cop. He must be new, because his hand creeps to his sidearm as Trent continues to talk.

Turning to Evangeline, I lean over and kiss her. “Take my car. Go to school.”

“What?”

“You can drive it. Just be careful.”

“I don’t have a license.” Panic makes her voice rise an octave.

“That’s okay. The sheri is going to be busy with me. You go on.”

I open my door and jump out, then go around to hers and escort her to the driver’s seat. “Go.” I kiss her one more time and wait for her to drive around Trent’s and the sheri ’s cars. She does, slowly, and then I walk toward the deputy.

“Hands up!”

I comply. “Whatever Trent’s told you is bullshit.”

“Get on the ground!”

I sigh. “Is that nece--” He pulls his piece. “On the fucking ground!”

Trent smirks and crosses his arms, pleased with himself.

“Fine.” I lower myself to my knees, then hit the deck with a sigh. “But I just want you to know, when the sheri gets wind of this, you’re going to be wearing Depends after he rams his boot up your ass.”

12

EVANGELINE

M

y hands clench the steering wheel tight as I make the drive to school. My heart pounds, not only because of the worry I have for Marco, but the thought of the mess I’ve made. The consequences of being associated with me have gotten Marco into trouble. I saw him get on his knees as I looked in the rear view mirror. My hands begin to shake, so I pull over to the side of the road. I need to try and get myself together. It doesn’t help that I don’t have a license and only know the basics about driving a car.

“I shouldn't have left.” I drop my hands, not sure what else to do. He told me to go, but it feels so wrong leaving him. Trent tried to shoot him! Now, Marco’s the one being arrested. I pull the knitted hat from o the top of my head, bringing it to my nose. It smells like him. I suck in a calming breath. I’ll drive back by. That’s what I’ll do.

I put the hat on as I turn the car around and head back toward the Bradfords’ home, but when I get there everyone is gone. I sit at the bottom of the driveway, not sure what my next step should be. I fish my phone out of my bag and text Marco, which I know is useless if he’s on his way to the police station. I still give it a try.

Me: Are you okay? What should I do?

Taking a deep breath, I realize he already told me what he wants me to do. I pull the car out and start back toward school. That’s when I realize his phone is on the front seat, so there’s no way that he’ll be answering the message I sent.

I should go to his house! I can tell Sophia what happened, and I’m sure she and Nick will know how to handle this mess. Then of course, my mind blanks when I try and remember how to get back to his house. I wasn’t paying close enough attention when we were driving there yesterday, because most of the time I was focused on Marco.

I fiddle with the buttons on the screen of the dash, having no idea what I'm doing. This car is too damn fancy. Especially for someone that doesn’t operate a car on a daily basis. I hit the button that has a phone shape on it, praying that it works.

Calling Home, an automated voice says over the speakers.

It rings twice before Sophia’s voice fills the car.

“Did you know some cats are actually allergic to humans?

I read that this morning.” She clucks her tongue like she's really thinking this over.

“No?” I respond. I actually didn't know that but it makes sense.

“Evangeline?” Her voice perks up.

“Yes, it’s me. There’s a problem.” I worry my bottom lip between my teeth. I don’t want them to be mad at me. This wouldn't have happened if Marco wasn’t picking me up. I don’t know what Trent’s deal is, but it’s obvious he’ll stop at nothing. I think it’s all ego or something. I don’t understand it. He doesn’t even know me. Because my grandma works for him, it doesn’t mean that he owns us.

“There always is.” She lets out a long sigh. I can hear her moving around. “Tell me what happened.” I do. I tell her everything but the kissing part. She doesn’t need to know those tiny details.

“Well, then you go to school.” Her voice is calm. She doesn't sound worried at all. Which makes me think that this might be a common occurrence in the Davinci home.

“Just go to school?” I repeat.

“It’s very important that when a Davinci tells you to do something when trouble is on the rise, you do it, Evangeline.

This way they need not worry you’re safe. They can tend to what they need to. You’ll learn this in time.” Her words strike me as odd, but so much is going on that I don’t dwell on them.

“Okay.” I guess that does make sense. It’s not as though I can do anything.

“Go to school, Evangeline. Everything will be taken care of,” she reassures me. “Don’t forget to ask your grandma about dinner,” she adds happily before hanging up. She doesn’t seem the least bit worried that Marco might be in a jail cell right now.

It puts me at ease as I make the rest of the drive to school.

I try and pay attention to what’s going on in class as best I can, but I keep looking up for Marco. I even find myself looking for Trent at every turn, now that I know what he’s actually capable of. I continue to obsessively check my phone, worrying that I might have missed a call from Marco.

The day passes brutally slowly. I notice at lunch everyone is giving me a wide berth or barely looking my way. The couple of girls that do look my way give me death glares.

I’m thankful when we are finally released and I head back toward Marco’s car. Now what do I do? He hasn't called me yet. I check my phone again, and now it’s dead from me fidgeting with it all day. Then again, how the heck would he call me when I have his phone? I guess I can head home and charge it and wait. He has to come get his car at some point.

I debate calling Sophia again on Marco’s phone, but I don’t want to bother her. What if they’re in the middle of handling

it or getting Marco out of jail, and I interrupt something? It’s better to stay out of the way for now.

I drive slowly back home, doing my best to obey all tra c laws despite some horns honking behind me. When I pull into the driveway, I park o to the side. I grab my bag, thankful that I don’t see Trent’s Land Rover anywhere. I hope he’s the one that actually got thrown in jail. He’s the one that had a freaking gun. Let’s not forget Marco downplayed that whole situation. He’d made it seem like it was nothing. As though it was a common occurrence for him.

I’m not even sure it’s something I can be okay with. I reach up, touching my lips. The way he kisses me makes me forget about everything else in the world but him. Although the Davincis are nice, I need to remember what sort of lifestyle they lead.

I gasp when someone grabs my arm, causing me to drop my backpack onto the hard ground. I can hear my new laptop crack. I jerk my arm, looking up to see it’s Mrs. Bradford.

“What are you doing?” I ask. Maybe she doesn't recognize me with the hat on. She shoves me hard. My back hits the side of the garage and my head follows suit. My glasses, which I’d forgotten I was still wearing, fall from my face.

“Shit.” Her voice is shrill.

I close my eyes. The pain in my head begins to throb.

“You're fine,” she says.

I slowly open my eyes.

“You’re. Fine,” she grits out and smooths down her tennis skirt.

I nod, knowing from her tone that she’s waiting for me to agree, and she’ll take nothing less. “What, do you weigh five pounds? I barely pushed you.” I stand there not sure what to do or say. Tears threaten to leak from my eyes, but I hold them back.

“You stay away from that Davinci boy, or I’m going to make life very hard on your grandma,” she finally says. “I might not fire her. After all, she cooks decently. But I can make her fucking miserable. I’ll work her to death.”

“Please,” I whisper. Grams is already working too much. I have a feeling the real reason she can’t fire my grandma is because that would go against her husband, who clearly wants to stay out of the Davinci’s path.

She pats my cheek roughly. “I’m doing you a favor. You’re a pretty thing. Why soil yourself with the likes of a Davinci?”

She turns, stepping on my glasses as she walks away.

“You’re welcome,” she throws over her shoulder as she slips back inside her home. I stand there for a moment before I bend down and pick up my broken glasses, shoving them into my pocket. I fight the sting in my eyes so I don’t cry.

Grandma will know if I’ve been crying. I touch the back of my head and wince, knowing I’m going to have a bump.

Could this day get any worse? It started out with a sweet kiss and now? Now, I really don’t know. I hate to think it but could Mrs. Bradford be right? Could I even handle a Davinci?

13

MARCO

“S

orry about all this, Mr. Davinci.” Sheri Hale shakes Nick’s hand as I push out into the daylight.

“It’s fine.” Despite his words, Nick glowers. “Though I do hope you’ll train your deputies on the proper way to treat a foolish boy who tries to shoot a Davinci, then lies about it.”

“Deputy Mack is on leave.” Sheri Hale nods.

“No need for him to lose his profession.” Nick smiles coldly. “After all, I’m the biggest supporter of law enforcement in the county.”

“The fundraiser you threw for us last year will see us well taken care of, and I’ll remind all of my sta of that fact.”

Sheri Hale turns and holds his hand out to me. “Young man, my apologies. I hope you weren’t hurt.”

I shake it. “I’m all right. Might need a school excuse though.” I smirk.

Sheri Hale throws his head back and laughs. “School excuse.” He turns to Nick. “You’ve got a clever one here.

Keep an eye on him.”

Nick shoots me an amused glance, then it’s gone and his game face is back on. “Let’s go. Sophia wants to see you.”

“I need to get to school--” He turns to me, his eyebrows slightly raised.

“Okay, Sophia first.”

He smiles. “Always.”

After a thorough once-over and interrogation from Sophia, school is already out for the day.

“Drive me to Evangeline’s?” I ask.

“Sure.” She leans over and pets Fredo, one of his eyes o -kilter as usual. “I need to stop at the pet store anyway.

Fredo’s getting low on his treats.”

“Great.” I shake my head and walk outside with her.

She chooses her Porsche Cayenne, and I hop in the passenger side.

“Evangeline was so worried when she called.” Sophia is a careful driver, so naturally, I’m stomping on an imaginary gas pedal and wanting to go faster.

“Yeah, well she just saw me get busted with cu s and the whole shebang, so I’m not surprised.” I hate that she saw it all.

“She needs to get used to things like that.” She glances at me. “Not the arrest, but the other part.”

“Guns, crazies, violence? Stu like that, you mean?”

She nods. “Right. I didn’t want you in this life, but you’re in it whether I like it or not.” She rubs the bridge of her nose.

“You’ll get wrinkles,” I tease.

“Not with this thousand dollar face cream from France,” she laughs. “My point is, Marco, she’s not used to this. So you’re going to have to ease her into it if you want to keep her around. You’re both young, and I don’t want you set your heart on her, then realize she can’t handle the life we live.”

“She’s tougher than she seems.”

“I know.” She nods. “I can tell. But that doesn’t mean she wants to be a Davinci, all right?”

I know she’s just trying to caution me, to tell me not to go giving my heart away to a girl I barely know. But I’m not sure I have a choice in the matter. Ever since I first saw her, she’s all I can think about. I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

“She’s a good girl.” Sophia pats my hand. “I like her a lot.

Just keep your smarts about you, okay?” She pulls into the Bradford estate, and I direct her to the garage.

My G-Wagon sits outside, not a mark on it. Not that I’d be mad. After all, she doesn’t drive much, so accidents can happen.

“Thanks.” I open the door.

“Tomorrow night,” she calls. “Invite her and her grandma for dinner, okay?”

“I will.”

She leans over. “Marco.”

“Yeah?” I turn back to her.

“I like her, okay? I want you to be happy. I just think maybe she needs to know more about us before she can make any decisions.”

“I get it, sis.” I sigh and give her a small wave. “Don’t worry.”

She leans back. “I always worry.”

I close the door and turn to head up the stairs as Sophia retreats down the driveway. A curtain twitches in a window along the side of the Bradford house. Trent. Has to be.

I knock on the apartment door, and it only takes a few moments for Evangeline to open it. “Are you okay?” I cup her cheek.

“Me? You’re the one who got arrested.” She takes my hand and pulls me into the apartment, then closes the door behind me. “What happened? Are you okay? Is this going to go on your record? Did you get hurt? I wanted to come and-”

“Shhh.” I smooth my fingers across her worried brow.

“Everything’s okay, babydoll. No record, no problems. Nick took a while to come get me because he was out on business, but the moment Sheri Hale saw him, I sprung out of that place like a rabbit.”

“Thank God.” She leans forward and presses her forehead against my chest. “I was so worried.”

I wrap my arms around her. “Don’t worry about me. That deputy was new. If he’d known who I was, Trent would be the one sitting in a cell right now.”

“He’s home.” She glances toward the house, even though there’s not a window in her small living room. “I saw him park his Range Rover and go inside. He wasn’t at school today, but he’s over there now. And his mom …” She lifts a hand to the back of her head, then drops it.

“What about his mom?” I tilt her chin up.

She avoids my gaze. “Nothing.”

“Evangeline, you can tell me.”

She shakes her head. “Nothing.”

She’s hiding something from me. I could push it, but she seems fragile already. I let it go. For now. I sigh and peer down the short hallway toward the back of the apartment.

“Which room is yours?”

“You want to see my room?” Her eyebrows draw together.

“Yeah.” I brush my lips across her forehead.

“Um, okay.” She leads me down the hall to the first room on the right.

I go to the window and look out. Sure enough, that same window where I saw the curtain move is directly across from her bedroom window. Reaching up, I draw her pink curtains shut.

“Why? I like the sun that comes in.” She joins me.

“Trent has been peeping on you. Best if you keep your curtains drawn from now on.”

She blanches. “Peeping?”

“Don’t worry. He can’t now that you know to keep the curtains closed.” I turn and get a view of her decorating style. She has a twin bed made neatly with a white blanket, pillows with kittens on them, a stack of books beside a small desk, and various reprints of great artworks on her wall.

“Sorry.” She twines her fingers together. “I didn’t know you’d be coming in here, so I didn’t--” She reaches out and swipes a bra that was hanging on the back of her desk chair.

“Didn’t clean.”

“You don’t have to worry, babydoll. This room is great.” I take her hand and pull her to the bed, sitting with her and trying to figure out how to talk to her about my name, my eventual profession, and what it might mean for her. It’s a lot.

“I’m sorry.” Her voice is small.

“What?” I turn to her so fast my neck cracks. “Why are you sorry?”

“I’m the reason you got arrested. Trent has it in for me and my grandma. I don’t know why, but he’s just--” She shrugs. “Fixated on ruining my chance here. And because of that, he came after you.” Her eyes water.

Does she even know what a goddamn perfect angel she is?

That she could ever think this was her fault is beyond me.

She’s done nothing wrong.

“Listen to me closely.” I cup the back of her neck, her skin warm and soft. “This isn’t your fault. Trent is a bully who thinks having his lacrosse buddies around to do his bidding means he can get away with whatever he wants. He’s too dumb to understand that I’m perfectly capable of burying him where no one will ever find the body.”

She winces.

“But I won’t,” I hurry along. “I have no intention to do any of that. But his father knows the truth. That’s why he

told Trent to lay o you. But Trent, once again, is an idiot.

That little stunt this morning with the gun got him onto Nick’s radar.”

“I don’t want to be on Nick’s radar ever.”

I shake my head and pull her into my lap. “You’re not getting it, babydoll. You’re with me. You may not be Davinci, but you’ve got my protection, and the protection of my entire family.” I can smell her lotion, sweet vanilla. “Anyone hurts you, they answer to me. Anyone bothers you, they answer to me. Nick will protect you with his life, just the same as I will.”

“With your life?” she whispers.

“Yes.” I kiss her cheek. “But lucky for me, you’re not trouble. You do what you’re supposed to do. Go to school, help your grandma, stay away from bad boys like me. You’re a good girl. Aren’t you?” I slide my hand to her waist and beneath her shirt so I can touch her soft skin. “Are you a good girl, Evangeline?”

“Y-yes.” She trembles at my touch, and I nuzzle her neck.

“You are except for me, isn’t that right?” I run my teeth along her throat. “Because you like this bad boy. You want to be my good girl.”

“Yes.” She clutches my arm.

“You’re my girl.” I kiss her gently, then open my mouth and taste her, sucking her tender skin between my teeth.

“Say you’re mine, babydoll.”

She lets out a gasp and squirms in my lap. “I’m yours.”

I cup one of her soft tits, squeezing it through her T-shirt as I kiss up her jaw.

“Mmmm,” she breathes. “That escalated quickly.”

“You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” I take her mouth and lay her down on the bed, my soul hungry for hers, and my body needing to feel her heat.

14

EVANGELINE

I

forget everything as Marco’s mouth moves over mine. His tongue is soft at first, licking the seam of my mouth, asking for permission to enter. I eagerly give it to him. He’s right, I want to be his good girl. Hearing him say those words lit something in the pit of my stomach that I never knew existed. My whole body came alive thinking of belonging to him. The thought of me being something special to him and only him has me wanting this more than ever.

I deepen the kiss, needing him to know how I feel. I want it so badly that my whole body aches for him. I’m not even sure I can really have him fully, but I’ll take him for as long as I can. It might not be forever, but I can have now. This moment is the only one I want to concentrate on. It could very well be my goodbye to him. It could be a moment that I look back on and treasure. I’m not sure what the future holds for us, but I want the memory of my first time to be with Marco. I’m going to push thoughts of my grandma’s job, school, and the Bradfords to the back of my mind and enjoy myself for once.

He pulls his mouth from mine as he trails kisses down my neck. “Yours,” I say again. The word comes from me easily. I

hope if I keep saying it that it might come true forever and not only for tonight.

“You want more, babydoll?” he asks as he slips his hand under my sweater.

“Yes. Don’t stop,” I beg. He feels so right. How can this be wrong? He shifts over me. I have no idea how we’re both fitting onto my bed together. He practically takes the whole thing up as he hovers over me. His fingers tease my nipples into hard points as I writhe beneath him. I lift my hips, trying to get the friction that I need. I can feel him smile against my mouth.

“Tell me what you want, babydoll. I want to hear you say it.”

I hesitate for a second, my cheeks aflame, but I push past my shyness and give him my honest answer.

“You. All of you,” I say, kissing that mouth of his.

Without another word, Marco rids me of my clothes, and before I can ask for anything more, his hot mouth is sucking on my pert nipple. He squeezes one breast as his mouth devours the other. I need more of him. I grasp his shirt, trying to pull it. He lets go of me as he sits up and yanks his shirt over his head, revealing his toned body to me. I pull him back down to me, needing to feel his bare skin on mine.

I need to be as close to him as possible.

“You going to be a good girl, babydoll, and spread those pretty thighs for me.” His fingers trail down my stomach until they get to the small patch of hair between my legs. I wiggle my hips, my clit throbbing for his attention. I want his mouth there again. It had been like nothing I’d ever felt before. Everything I experience with him is like that though, and I know him taking my virginity will be no di erent.

My legs part for him. He gives me a slow, sexy smile as he slips down my body. His broad shoulders spread my legs

more to make room for him. His warm breath tickles against my skin.

“My good girl saved this just for me.” It isn't a question. I lift my hips, willing him to take it because he’s right. I have been saving it for him. No one had ever caught my eye before him. Dating was never on my radar. I did what I was supposed to and nothing more. He is right. I am a good girl.

But I want to be bad for him. I crave it more than anything else. I don’t know what it is about the darkness around him that draws me, but it pulls me in when I know I should be running the other way.

“Marco,” I beg, licking my lips, willing him to do the same.

“You don’t have to beg me, babydoll. I’m more than happy to give my good girl what she wants. Good girls should get rewards.” He dips his face and gives me mine. His tongue circles my clit. My head drops back down onto the bed. One of his hands leaves my thigh as he pushes a finger inside of me as he sucks my clit. My back comes o the bed as I cry out his name again. He continues to lick and suck me as if he’s been starved for me.

I’m almost embarrassed about how wet I am, and I’m already close to coming. My core clenches around his finger as he pleasures me. His finger thrusts in and out, then he pushes another one inside of me, hooking it to hit a spot that sends me over the edge.

The orgasm takes me. I barely feel the pinch of pain with all the pleasure still humming through my body. He kisses each of my thighs as my eyes flutter open to look down at him. He rises to his knees between my legs. He picks up my white panties that are lying next to me on the bed. I watch as he wipes the evidence of my virginity from his fingers. That had to have been the small bit of pain I felt. My face warms, and I feel a little shy, but Marco looks starved for me. It’s

almost as if he derived pleasure from seeing the blood on his fingers. Almost primal. I think that’s what these Davinci men are. Men who go after what they want. Nothing stands in their way. If watching Nick with Sophia showed me anything, it’s that Davincis protect and love their women with everything inside of them. The woman’s needs always seem to come first. I’d come first for Marco. He’d protect me with his own life he’d said. How can that really be so bad?

“I want you to feel nothing but pleasure the first time I slide into you.” He pockets the panties in his jeans as he gets up, then pulls them down his legs. He doesn't take his boxer briefs o . My eyes go round at the outline of his cock.

“I’m not sure that’s possible.” I lean up onto my elbows to get a better look at him. He really is gorgeous. His lips still glisten with the remnants of my arousal, which makes him even more sexy to me. “Marco,” I say, breathless.

“Yeah, babydoll?”

“I think it’s time you make this good girl bad.” I barely finish the words before he removes his boxer briefs. His cock springs free, and my mouth waters to taste him but he’s already climbing in between my legs. He kisses his way up to my lips.

“I’ll take you any way you want to be. Good or bad, babydoll. As long as you’re mine.” He kisses my mouth before he lines himself up with my entrance. “I’m going to go as slow as I can until you adjust to me.” He slowly pushes inside. A groan escapes him as I try to get used to him. After a moment, I wiggle a bit, trying to get him to push into me more.

“I need more.” My body is aching to be filled with him.

For him to give it the pleasure it knows he can. Marco’s breathing is heavy, and he looks as though this is taking every bit of willpower he has.

“Please,” I say as I grab his ass, urging him to give me what I want. One of his hands digs into the bedding beside my head. The other goes to the headboard, grabbing hold. I wrap myself around him as he finally starts to thrust in and out of me.

I pull him down, kissing him as another orgasm pushes through me. I nip at his lip. His body jerks over mine.

“Babydoll,” he warns.

“I might like being a little bad.” I dig my fingers into his hair and lift my hips with him, meeting his thrusts.

He locks eyes with me. “I love you every way.”

My breath hitches. Love. It sparks everything inside of me as I come again. I cling to him as he shatters my world with the greatest pleasure I’ve ever felt, his warm release spilling deep inside me. I pray he doesn't shatter my heart too.

Or maybe I just shattered my own.

He cuddles me close, my mind racing with everything that’s happened. “Sorry about …”

“About what?” I crane my neck back to look at him.

“About coming inside you.” He strokes his fingers along my forehead then through my hair.

“It’s okay. I’m on the pill.”

“You are?” He raises his brows.

“Yeah. You think my Grams would take any chances? I mean, she knows I’m a virgin.” I grin, and he kisses me. “I was a virgin,” I say against his lips. “But she wanted to make sure my future was on lock. Part of that was getting me on the pill in case some bad boy turned my head.”

“Is that right?” He rolls over, pinning me beneath him on my tiny bed. “She foresaw your taste in bad boys, eh?”

“Grams is pretty smart.” I sigh as he kisses my throat.

“Besides, she said she never saw a bad boy she didn’t ride.”

He pulls back. “Wow. Your grandma is …”

“I know.” I laugh. “She’s a sweet little cook and housekeeper now, but you should see her tattoos.”

“Darling Grams?” He looks scandalized.

“See? We have skeletons in our closet, too.”

He kisses my lips softly. “Right. Just as dark and scary as the Davincis. I guess we’re even.”

“No way.” I shake my head, but he fists my hair and kisses me in earnest, his tongue delving into my mouth as that sweet heat starts to lick along my inner thighs.

Then I hear a door open.

He freezes.

“Oh my God,” I whisper. “Grams! You have to go!”

“Really?”

“Evangeline, you home?” she calls.

“Yes, Grams. Just doing some homework.”

“I’m homework?” he whispers. “Maybe you should do me some more.”

“No!” I press my finger to his lips as he grins. “Go.” “Okay, I’ll start dinner.”

“Great!” I call with far too much enthusiasm, but she doesn’t seem to notice.

I shove Marco o as he laughs low and sexy. “Go.” “Go where?” He pulls his pants and shirt on.

“The window.” I point.

“Seriously?”

“Seriously!” I pull my shirt back on as he opens the sash.

“But be careful.”

He takes a handful of my shirt and pulls me to him. “I meant what I said.” He kisses me hard. “I love you.” And with that, he climbs out, drops to the bottom garage’s roof, then slides to the ground.

“Can you get that black pan down for me?” Grams calls.

“I can’t reach it without the step ladder.”

I take a deep breath and pull on my pants. “Coming.” I hurry out and reach above the microwave for the pan she wants.

She turns to me, one eyebrow up. “Your shirt’s on backwards.”

“Oh?” I look down. “No it’s not.”

“Gotcha.” She laughs and stirs a pot of pasta. “But be careful with that boy. Don’t let him take your heart along with your cherry.”

“Grams!” I cover my face with my hands, but I’m smiling underneath as she laughs and pulls me into a hug.

15

MARCO

A

light snow falls as I roll down the Bradfords’ driveway. I’m a little early, so I park in front of the garage and check my phone. I texted with Evangeline last night when I got home, then again before bed. Just reading her words makes me smile all over again. She’s clever and, for a good girl, takes a mean nude selfie of her perfect tits. I shoot o another message as I reach over and make sure her seat is nice and warm.

You up?

If she’s not wearing gloves, a hat, a coat, and a scarf when she walks out of that apartment, I’m going to have to skip class to buy her a few of each. Her new laptop is in the backseat, though she’s told me a few times that she’s fine with the school-issued one. Fuck that. She needs the best.

My babydoll has big dreams, and I want to make sure she has what she needs to make them come true.

I look at my phone. She hasn’t responded.

Glancing up at her apartment, I notice that the little flue over the kitchen isn’t smoking like usual. A dark sensation swirls in my stomach.

Opening my door, I walk over to the stairs and bound up to the front door. I knock. And wait. And wait some more.

Nothing moves inside. No one’s home. I can feel it.

Turning, I stomp down the stairs and peer at Trent’s house as the snow intensifies, fatter flakes joining the earlier flurry. I pull out my phone.

Babydoll, where are you?

Trent’s Range Rover is gone, and I can see tracks in the faint snow. He left within the last half hour, maybe even fifteen minutes. I try to find Evangeline’s footprints, but there’s not enough snow to tell if she got into his car. Not that it matters. If she’s not here, she’s on her way to school or maybe already there.

Anger rises inside me like a tide, and I jump into my car and do a messy three-point turn, making sure to roll my tires into the Bradford’s perfect landscaping like a total dick.

But that’s just the start of what I intend to do if Trent has hurt my girl. There’s no way she’d go with him, not unless he threatened her.

Movement from the house’s side door catches my eye.

It’s Mrs. Bradford waving at me.

I back up and roll my window down. “Where is she?”

“Who?” She smiles, and I can tell she’s spent a long time on her makeup and hair. Her low cut top gives a clear view of the assets she used to land a Bradford wedding ring on her finger, but I don’t have any interest in what she has to o er.

“You know who.” I hold her gaze.

“I don’t know why you’re interested in girls your age.

What are you, eighteen?” She licks her too-red lips. “You need a woman who knows her way around a man like you.

Someone with experience.”

“Cut the shit. Where’s Evangeline?”

Her fake smile falters and she blinks against the snow, but she doesn’t give up. “Come inside, and we can talk about it. Just you and me.”

“I don’t know what you think this is.” I keep my temper under wraps as best I can. “But if I have to get out of this car, it won’t be to fuck you. It’ll be to wrap my hands around your throat and squeeze until you tell me where my girl is.”

“Sexy.” She blinks.

“Jesus Christ, where is she?” My roar finally gets through to her, and she takes a step back.

Her lips turn into a sad pout. “She’s at school. Because that’s what she is. Just a little girl who doesn’t know how to please a man like--” I hit the gas, cutting through yet another one of the Bradford flower beds before getting traction on the driveway.

The drive to school is fraught with one thought after another. Did our time together last night scare her? Or worse, did I hurt her? I grip the steering wheel too tight, worry eating away at me as I turn in to the student parking lot. Plenty of kids are still walking into school, but none of them are my Evangeline.

I push through the crowd and into the busy hallway. Girls smile at me as I walk past, but I don’t look their way, not when my heart is pounding and worry trickles down my spine like ice water. If I hurt her, I don’t even fucking know what to do with myself. She is the softest, sweetest thing I’ve ever found, and if I’ve ruined my chance with her--no. I push that thought away and turn down the science hall.

Mrs. Benton’s door is open, so I hurry in, then stop.

“Evangeline?” I find her sitting next to Trent, his lacrosse buddies hemming her in on all sides. My hands fist, and I push through the nearest desks to get to her.

“Stop.” She looks up at me.

I don’t want to, but I obey her command. Hell, if she told me to jump out the fucking window, I’d do it, no questions asked.

“What’s going on? Are you okay? Are you … hurt?”

Trent grins.

“I’m fine.” She shakes her head. “Not hurt at all. I just wanted to ride with Trent to school today.”

My gaze flicks to him, but he only grins wider, the veneers his daddy bought him a little too white.

“Is he threatening you? Something about your grandma or--” “You aren’t getting it.” She crosses her arms over her chest. “I’m done.”

“Done?” I step closer as more students enter, most of them standing back and watching the scene.

“Yes, done.” She rolls her eyes. “I got a taste last night, and now I know it’s all I wanted from you. Okay? Don’t make a big thing out of it.”

Trent’s crew laughs and whistles at her cruel tone.

“Babydoll, what’s he done to get you--” “I’m not a babydoll,” she fires back. “I’m a grown woman, and I told you how it’s going to be. You and I are done. Over. Leave me alone.”

I take another step toward her as my heart flakes and starts to shatter. “You don’t mean that.”

“Can’t take no for an answer, big guy?” Trent stands.

“You going to threaten her with your family name now? Tell her you’ll make her grandma sleep with the fishes unless she takes her panties o and bends over for you?”

“Don’t talk about her like that.” White-hot rage scorches through me, and the only thing stopping me from dropping Trent and pounding his face to pulp is Evangeline. She sits between us, her eyes straight ahead now.

“I said go.” She doesn’t look at me. “I’m done with you.”

Reaching out, she takes Trent’s hand. “I’m with Trent now.”

“You heard her.” Trent runs his fingers through her white-blond hair, sifting the strands the way I did the night before. “Sit your ass down, Davinci.”

“Let’s step outside, Trent. Just you and me. Leave your dogs in here.” I flex my fingers, aching to make contact with his smug face.

“Go!” Evangeline yells and turns to face me, her eyes angry, her mouth grim. “Stop harassing me or I’ll go to the headmaster.”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll protect you.” Trent leans down and kisses her crown.

The fury that wells in me is like a volcano, and I want to rain down fire and destruction all over Trent and his pals.

But the look in her eyes stops me.

“Please leave.” She says it gently this time, then turns away.

Something cracks inside me, pieces of me falling into a pile of jagged edges and pain. With one more look at her, I turn on my heel and push through the door, side-stepping Mrs. Benton as I slam my fist into the nearest locker, mangling it and sending pain roaring through my hand. It’s not enough. Nowhere near enough to overcome the agony inside me. But I know just the man who can help me with that. Nick will have work for me.

This charade is over. I’m done with school. Done with pretending. I turn and head down the hall, my mind placid and my heart cold.

I’m a Davinci.

Blood is my calling, not love.

16

EVANGELINE

T

he minute the bell rings I’m out of my desk and heading to the girls’ bathroom before Trent can touch or talk to me one more time. My stomach churns, vomit threatening. It took everything I had to keep my composure as I lied to Marco about not wanting him anymore. My heart was being ripped out of my chest. Trent has me over a barrel, leaving me without a choice. I felt so helpless this morning. The look on Marco’s face was almost my undoing.

“Evangeline.” Trent’s voice sounds from behind me, but I ignore him. I push through the bathroom door and make my way into a stall. I lean against the door as I finally let my emotions go. I sob as I remember the hurt that took over Marco’s face, the betrayal I saw in his eyes when I told him that I was choosing Trent over him. I’ve never purposely been mean to anyone before in my life. It broke my heart to do it to Marco, but the consequences of not doing it outweighed everything. At least I thought they did. Now I’m questioning everything.

I have to figure out how I’m going to deal with Trent. I knew the second Trent showed me the nude photos that he’d taken through my window that I was screwed. I also knew

that there was no way I could tell Marco. I’m honestly afraid that he might kill Trent if he knew.

I open the stall door and look in the mirror as I try and get myself together. When I exit the bathroom, Trent is still standing there. “I have class.” I walk past him.

He tries to grab my arm, but I side-step him.

“You’re pushing your luck,” he grates at me.

I stop and turn to look at him. He hasn’t moved, but my face must show something because he raises his eyebrows in surprise.

I close the three steps between us. “No, you’re pushing your luck. If Marco knew about those pictures you took of me”—I lean in—“he’d kill you.”

Trent’s eyes go wide for a split second before he hides his fear. I take pleasure in the fact that I’ve frightened him. He deserves it.

“He won’t want you now after how you humiliated him in front of everyone,” Trent says it so smugly. I don’t know if Marco still wants me but if he didn’t, it wouldn’t be because of humiliation.

“Wrong. Marco is a man. Not a spoiled little boy like you.

He doesn’t have an ego he has to stroke. Davincis do anything for the woman they love.” I turn and leave him to head to my next class. My own words settle into me. It hurt to watch Marco walk away even if I’d pushed him to. The only thing that’s giving me some peace of mind is that I know he’ll be back. I have no idea what I’ll do when that time comes. My resolve is only so strong.

I grit my way through the rest of the day. After the last bell, my feet are heavy as I make my way toward Trent’s Land Rover. He’s sitting inside waiting for me. I pull open the door, knowing that I have no other choice but to climb in.

Again, I get glares from other girls. If only they knew what a sleazebag he really is, I guarantee they wouldn’t be jealous.

“Why can’t you date one of them?” I nod to the group of girls giving me the death glares.

“You really don’t know how pretty you are, do you?”

I glance over to him. “They’re pretty, too.”

He actually looks pissed about my comment. “Every girl in this fucking school would suck my dick. Why aren't you one of them?”

I turn my head to look out the window so he can’t see me roll my eyes at him. It’s bad enough I have to be in a car alone with him. In fact, it’s a little terrifying. He’s already pulled a gun on Marco, so I don’t put anything past him.

“My grandma is waiting for me,” I lie. I don’t have to report home at a certain time, but I don’t want Trent thinking he can pull the car over and do God knows what.

Him touching my hair and kissing the top of my head has had me itching to shower.

He pulls on to the highway and turns his music up until it’s almost painful. Maybe he only wants me for looks, because he certainly doesn’t want to have a conversation.

Trent is the worst kind of man. It’s not shocking he thinks every girl in the school wants to suck his cock. I’m sure there is a nice chunk that actually do. He’s popular, rich as hell, and has the pretty boy thing going on that a lot of girls seem to like. With his smile, I’m sure he could pull o the good old boy act if he wanted to. A sheep in wolf’s clothing is what he really is.

He and his friends talk about the Davinci family as if they’re violent criminals. Maybe they do some horrible things for all I know, but they don’t hide who they are. It is laid out on the table. You know what you’re getting. With the Bradfords, you don’t see it coming. I can still feel the knot on my head from where Mrs. Bradford slammed me up against the side of the garage. The Bradfords are your typical

cowards. I think they’re the most dangerous type of people, because you never know how they’ll lash out.

Trent barely gets the car into park in the driveway, and I’m already flying from the passenger side. He calls after me, but I keep on moving.

“I’ve got the pictures, Evangeline,” he yells after me as I run up the stairs. I almost slip but catch myself on the railing. I dig in my bag for my key but the door opens. Grams reaches out and pulls me inside.

“Slow down on the stairs,” she scolds.

“I’m going to salt them. Don’t use them until I do.” I put my bag down by the door. “You’re home early.”

She’s staring at me. “Why’d that Bradford boy bring you home?”

I can tell from the look on her face that there is no way that she’s going to let me skate by with a generic answer. It’s not as though I could ever get anything past her. She knows me better than anyone else.

“I’m guessing you’re not going to believe me if I say it’s because he’s nice?” I wince on the last word.

“Try again.” She points for me to head into the kitchen.

I do as I’m told, taking up residence on the bar stool as she goes about making me a snack. This used to be one of my favorite parts of the day when I got home from school. Now she’s working normally, and I don’t get to see her until later.

I try to think of a way to tell her about Trent without worrying her too much.

“Will you spill it already? The sooner you tell me, the sooner we can figure out how to handle it.” She wipes down the already-clean counter.

I take in a deep breath before I resign myself to telling her the truth. All of it.

“He has pictures of me that he took while I was changing.

He also threatened your job and Mrs. Bradford gave me this

little souvenir.” I point to my head, showing her the knot.

“She wanted to make sure I know what the Bradfords are capable of. I just didn’t want to concern you.” Tears prick my eyes as I think about everything all at once. My poor grams now has to deal with the consequences. Silence fills the room as I stare down at my hands.

Loud laughter bubbles out of Grams. I look up, startled by her odd reaction. I’ve never heard her laugh like this. It’s not a ‘ha ha you’re funny’ sort of laugh but one that says that she’s pissed. It’s almost … sinister.

“Don’t you shed a tear over anything that concerns me. I can handle my own. Trent’s not the only one with pictures.

There’s a lot that goes on in that house, and only a little of it’s on the level, if you take my meaning. It’d be a real shame if that information got out.”

My mouth falls open at the ruthless little old lady who’s standing in front of me. Who kidnapped my sweet, mu n baking grandma and replaced her with this cutthroat woman?

“He has nudes of me.” I don’t know why a sense of shame comes over me. I haven’t done anything wrong. He took those pics without my permission, but that fact doesn’t make me feel any better.

“That boy really does have a death wish doesn't he?”

Grandma shakes her head. “Blackmailing a Davinci woman.”

She lets out another one of those laughs, slapping her hand down onto the counter.

“How do you know about Marco?” I know she knows I was fooling around with someone in my bedroom but how did she know who?

“Everyone knows who the Davincis are.” She shrugs. “I heard about them long before we moved to this apartment.”

“How?”

She sighs long and low and keeps wiping the counter.

“I’m not the same woman I used to be. Before you, before your parents even, I had a di erent life. My maiden name was Tuscani, and my family was a big player back in the day.”

“A big player?”

She stops scrubbing. “I was your typical mafia princess.”

I don’t think my eyes can get any wider than they already are.

“Su ce it to say, some bad things happened, I had to fight for the man I loved, but in the end it didn’t work out.”

Her gaze lowers, but not before I see the sadness in her eyes.

“Grams.” I reach across the counter and take her hand.

“But that was a long time ago. I’m not involved in that life anymore.” She shakes her head. “I’m happy where I am.

Cooking and housekeeping for rich jerks is fine with me, and it keeps us safe and the bills paid. That’s all that matters.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Tell you what? That your old grams knows her way around a gun and can say every Italian cuss word with real verve?” She laughs. “No. I like it better just the way it is. I’m your grams and I love you, and that’s all there is to know.”

She squeezes my fingers. “But I can tell you for certain that if a Davinci’s staked his claim on you, you’ve nothing to worry about from that spoiled Bradford brat.”

I didn't know about them before I met Marco, but Grams really has been around, I suppose. A mafia princess?

She tosses her dish towel into our small sink. “I saw that Davinci pick you up and drop you o . I would’ve thought Trent got the message. He’s more hard headed than I thought. Damn fool.”

A knock sounds at the door. We both turn to look. I swallow, worried it’s Trent.

“I think that’s for you.” Grandma nods towards the door.

“Davinci men aren't good at waiting. If I was you, I’d answer it.” She settles on the stool next to mine. “Or we’ll have to get a new door.”

17

MARCO

S

he opens the door, and I don’t give her a second to say a word. I push inside, then march her down the hall and into her room, giving the door a good slam once she’s inside.

“Marco.” Her eyes wide, she backs up until her knees hit the bed, and she sits.

I lean down and brace my hands beside her on the mattress. “What is going on, babydoll? And don’t give me any of that crap you tried to sell me this morning. What’s he done to you?”

Her breath hitches, and she swallows hard.

I clench my eyes shut and take a breath. “I’m not trying to scare you. I’m trying to protect you.”

“You shouldn’t be here.” She glances to the window where the curtains are still drawn tight.

“I’m not afraid of him. You shouldn’t be either.” I grip the bed, my fists clenching. “Has he hurt you?” If she says yes, I don’t think I can stop myself. I won’t be able to avoid bloodshed. Not that I’d try. I’ve already cleared it with Nick, gotten his blessing to do whatever’s necessary to secure Evangeline and her grandmother.

She shakes her head.

“Has he touched you?” I grit the words out, still raging from the way he’d put his hands on her earlier.

“No, not really.” Her eyes are watering, tears threatening.

“Not more than you saw.”

“That was plenty.” If I could’ve dragged him out of that classroom without risking her, I would have. But I couldn’t. I had to bide my time.

“I know.” She nods and a tear drops down her cheek.

I drop to my knees in front of her and wipe the tear away.

“Tell me, babydoll. You can trust me.”

“I’m sorry.” She sni es.

I cup her warm cheek. “You have nothing to be sorry about. I know that wasn’t you. You think I’d ever leave you?

Ever walk away?” I lean closer and graze my lips against hers. “You’re mine. This isn’t some stupid puppy love. It’s real.” I take her hand and press it to my heart. “This beats for you. It’s yours. You can do whatever you want with it.

Love it, break it, mend it--whatever you want, but it will always belong to you, no matter what.”

She cries more, and I kiss her, giving her as much emotion as I can, showing her that I mean every fucking word. Her hands go to my hair, her fingers pulling the strands as she answers my kiss and opens for me, her tongue a particular taste of ecstasy. I grip her hips and pull her to me, open and warm, her legs straddling my hips as we kiss.

But I can’t get carried away. Not when there’s business at hand.

Pulling back, I drag my thumb across her lower lip. “Now, babydoll. I need to know.”

Her cheeks are pink now, her nipples so hard I can see them through her sweater. I want to take her, to shove into her until all her doubts are pounded away and the only thing left is me. But first I have to get her somewhere safe. This apartment is done. I’ve got movers on their way.

“Trent, um.” She shakes her head, then meets my gaze.

“He threatened me.”

I grit my teeth.

“But you have to promise you won’t hurt him.” She takes my hand. “I don’t want you to get in trouble.”

“I can’t promise that. I refuse to make any vow to you that I might break. There will only be honesty between us, understand?”

“I can’t tell you, then.” She shakes her head. “I don’t want you to get arrested or, or hurt.”

“I won’t.”

She chews her lip. “Promise?”

“Yeah.” I don’t tell her that I could murder the entire Bradford family without catching so much as an arrest, but it’s true.

She worries her bottom lip. “Promise me you won’t kill him. You can promise that. Please.”

I don’t want to. But I pull her hand to my lips. “I promise.”

Letting out a breath, she nods. “He threatened to fire Grams if I didn’t go along with him. He wanted me to pretend to be his girlfriend, and he said he wanted me to come to his room tonight.”

I have to stand, to back away to keep my anger from spilling onto her innocence. Gripping my skull, I squeeze, then take a deep breath and drop my hands.

“And …” She looks down, her gaze on the floor instead of on me. “He, um, he—” Her voice cracks, tears shattering her words.

I return to her and pull her up and into my arms. “Shh.” Stroking her back, I kiss her forehead. “You can tell me.”

When she trembles, I want to burn Trent’s house down with him and his parents in it.

She sni es again, then the words spill out in a torrent.

“He took nudes of me through the window. I didn’t know.

But he said if I didn’t do what he said that he’d send them to the whole school.”

I keep stroking her as she cries, as my mind goes to so many blood-soaked places that I should be afraid, should be terrified of what I’m capable of. But I’m not. I’ll do anything for Evangeline. She should never feel this sort of anguish or shame.

“You did nothing wrong.” I stroke her back.

“I just feel so ashamed.” She sobs. “Like I’m dirty.”

“No. Shh.” I sit on the bed and hold her in my lap, rocking her gently. “This isn’t your fault. It’s Trent’s. And you don’t have to worry about it. I’ll get the photos and take care of it.”

“How?” She clings to me, her tears wetting my throat.

“I’ll handle it.” I kiss her cheek, her temple, her hair.

“Don’t be ashamed. You always hold your head high, babydoll. He’s nothing. You’re everything.”

“If he sends those out, I’ll get booted from school. I won’t get into college. I won’t be able to support Grams or—” “He won’t. I promise.” I keep rocking her until she calms again, her breathing evening out. Leaving her won’t be easy, but I have some business in the big house next door, so I stand and ease her onto the bed. “I’m going to get those pics.

Stay here. I’ve got some moving guys on the way.”

“What?”

“Yeah, Grams just got a new gig, pays better, and the hours are easier.”

She wipes her eyes. “Where?”

“Some uppity crime family.” I smirk. “Davinci, I think is their name.”

She jumps to her feet. “Are you serious?”

“Definitely.” I kiss her again, unable to resist. Her hands go around my neck and she holds me tight.

“I can’t believe it,” she breathes against my mouth.

“Believe it, babydoll.” I step back. “I’ll go handle business. You start packing, then boss the guys around when they get here with boxes and the moving truck, okay?”

“I-I guess?” She tangles her fingers together, then shakes her head.

“What?”

She seems to wobble on the edge of something, something big. Nibbling her lip, wringing her hands, as if she’s silently arguing with herself. But then she stops. I watch as she stands straighter, then shoots a glare at the window and the house beyond. The look on her face is fierce, and my cock goes hard as a beautiful sort of fury seems to roll from her.

“I’m going with you.” She swallows hard and wipes the last of her tears.

“No.” “Yes.” She reaches to her nightstand and grabs a ponytail holder and whips her hair up. “I’m done with this.”

“With what?”

“I don’t want to be weak. I don’t want to be afraid of men like Trent. This is something I need to handle. I should’ve done it this morning when he threatened me, but I was scared. I’m still scared, but I have to use my claws.”

“You don’t have to—” “I do.” She shakes her arms out. “If I have you with me, I can do this. Right?” Her gaze is open, honest, and she needs more from me than I want to give. I don’t want to take her into danger. I don’t want Trent within a mile radius of her.

But I’m already beginning to learn that love isn’t easy. It doesn’t go the way you want or the way you expect. Just like the steel in Evangeline’s spine, love surprises you when you least expect it.

And you can’t fight it. Not when it’s real.

I reach out, and she takes my hand. “Come on, babydoll, let’s see how sharp those claws really are.”

18

EVANGELINE

I

take Marco’s hand as he leads me out of my little apartment over the garage. Grams is missing from the kitchen now. Even though I know I have nothing to fear with Marco by my side, nerves begin to take flight in my stomach. I try to remain strong, and with each step we take closer to the main Bradford house, the worry dissipates and my anger begins to assert itself.

Hours ago, I was worried that I’d have to live under Trent and Mrs. Bradford’s thumb for the rest of my life, and now with Marco by my side, those worries no longer exist.

“You good?” Marco turns to face me as we approach the front door. He reaches up to tuck a stray piece of hair behind my ear.

“Yes.” Whenever he’s with me, I’m more than good. He’s changed my life, and I’ll forever be grateful for that. I wonder what would’ve happened if I didn't have him. My stomach cramps at the thought. Not only from the fear of what might’ve happened to me but of having never known Marco. My heart wouldn’t realize it was missing a piece.

“Let’s do this so we can put it behind us.” I’m not exactly sure what we’re going to be doing, but I want to get it over and done with. I want all of us to be able to move forward,

and I want to do it without fear. We reach the front door, which is slightly ajar, and Marco pushes it open the rest of the way. I can hear raised voices coming from another room.

The loudest being that of my grams.

I’ve never actually been inside the main part of the Bradford’s home. Grams would never let me come over and help. I think she was trying to keep them as far away from me as possible. Marco squeezes my hand tighter.

“I think your grams got to them before I could.” We round the corner, and I see my grandma has Mrs. Bradford by the hair. Sure, that’s shocking and all, but it’s the knife she has to her throat that has my jaw hitting the floor.

“Grams.” I let go of Marco’s hand. Trent and his father come rushing into the room at the same time. I run toward Grams.

“Don’t move,” Marco barks at the two of them. Trent hides behind his father like the coward that he is. He’s probably hoping that he’s not next in line to receive my grandma’s wrath.

“Apologize.” Grams pushes the knife more into Mrs. Bradford’s throat. I shouldn’t take pleasure in the fear I see in her eyes, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t.

“I’m sorry!” A tear leaks down her face. I’m not buying it.

Sure, she’s scared but she’s not sorry. She’s only sorry that someone is making her pay for what she did to me.

“Grams.” I grab her elbow. Being this close to Mrs. Bradford, I can see her cheek is red. The clear outline of a handprint is on her face. I’m guessing Grams roughed her up a bit before she pulled the knife.

“I said don’t fucking move,” Marco repeats. I don’t turn to look at him until I hear a click. Then I glance over to see he’s got a gun on both Mr. Bradford and Trent. “Think this belongs to you, Trent.” I know Marco has them handled, so I

turn my attention back to my grandma before she ends up killing someone.

“I knew that I had to get to her before the Davincis. I had to get a few licks of my own.” Grams smirks.

I’ve never seen this side of her. She’s always so sweet and loving. That is until you cross someone she loves.

Apparently, she turns into a total badass when that happens.

I nod, letting her know that I understand while I continue to help guide the knife away from Mrs. Bradford’s throat.

“Let go of the knife, Grams.” She obeys, but doesn’t let go of the grip she has on Mrs. Bradford’s hair.

“Come on, Grams. She’s not worth it.”

She lets go of Mrs. Bradford’s hair as she slowly brings the knife away from her throat.

“You stay away from my grandbaby. You understand me?” She points the knife at Mrs. Bradford, who nods and steps away.

“You’re fired, you old hag!” she yells as she starts to run across the room. I stick my foot out, tripping her. She lands hard on the marble floor and I hear a faint noise that sounds like a crack.

“Oops.” I stand, a little shocked at my own actions, but she called my grams an old hag. Mrs. Bradford starts to cry as she rolls to her back, holding her nose.

“She’s gonna need another nose job.” Grams laughs from beside me.

“Crazy bitch needs more than a nose job.” Marco’s eyes flick down to Mrs. Bradford on the floor. “You’re not going to check on your own mother or wife?” Marco levels both of the men with a stare. Not that Trent is a man. He’s far from it. He might be a legal adult but he isn’t anywhere close to being a man.

“You told us not to move,” Trent all but whines.

“I’d take a bullet to get to my mom or my girl if she was bleeding on the floor.” I know he’s not talking about his real mom but about his sister, Sophia. She’s his older sister, but she has a motherly hold over him. As for his girl, I know he’s talking about me, and I have no doubt that he’s one hundred percent telling the truth.

“I want to apologize, Marco.” Mr. Bradford raises his hands higher. “I thought I’d gotten them under control.”

“It’s clear you have no control over anything.” Marco keeps his gun trained on Trent. I’m surprised when his father steps in front of him.

“It was a mistake. Family can be hard to control.”

A look of understanding passes over Marco’s face and I know he’s thinking about his own parents. He told me about them.

“Sometimes you have to cut them lose or someone else will handle them.” Marco drops the gun down to his side. “I want them out of this city.”

“She could go live with the pool boy she’s always fucking.

I think he lives a few towns over,” Grams suggests.

“Grandma!” I look over at her. She shrugs.

“I think a few states might be better,” Mr. Bradford says dryly. He doesn't sound shocked by Grams’ words.

“I’m not leaving Brightwood Prep.” Trent finally steps forward.

Mr. Bradford turns. In one quick motion, he backhands Trent. “You’ll do what you’re told, or you’ll be cut o for life.”

“By ‘cut o ’ he doesn't only mean money,” Marco snarls.

“You’re going to be lucky if I don’t cut your fucking eyes out.”

“You’re all so bloodthirsty,” I whisper under my breath. I don’t think Marco is done with Trent. We might walk out of here with him only having gotten a hit from his own father,

but I can tell from the glint in Marco’s eyes that this is far from over.

“I’m bloodthirsty? You just broke that bitch’s nose,” Marco reminds me.

“It was an accident.” I look up at him and bat my eyelashes. He smirks, shaking his head.

Mrs. Bradford starts to cry more. It’s faker than me accidentally tripping her. Grams gives her a kick in the side for good measure.

“Grams!” I throw my hands up. I’m still so shocked by this side of her. “You’re going to break your toe or something.”

“The pictures.” Marco walks to Trent. Trent reaches a shaking hand into his pocket and pulls out his phone. Marco takes it from him, drops it to the floor, and stomps on it.

“Don’t get any ideas. I already have someone wiping everything from every computer and phone this family has.

Hope you don’t have anything important on them. It’s all gone.”

Trent’s father closes his eyes and shakes his head.

“How are you going to let this boy treat us like this?”

Mrs. Bradford gets to her feet, almost falling over again in her heels.

“The boy you tried to fuck yesterday?” Mr. Bradford looks to his wife.

I glare at Marco.

Mrs. Bradford shuts her mouth now. Blood drips down onto her expensive blouse.

“I didn't touch that bitch. Trust me. She doesn't want me to. I’d choke the life out of her.” Marco looks like he’s still thinking about doing it. I grab his arm so he doesn't. As much as I hate all of them, I don’t want to see anyone die.

I’m sure blood is something I’ll have to get used to when it comes to being with Marco, but for today I am done.

“See? That’s why I had to get her first,” Grams says smugly. I lock my fingers with Marco’s.

“Take me home.” I lean into him.

“As you wish.” He leans down and kisses the top of my head. I notice it’s in the same spot Trent did this morning. I don’t know what kind of look he just gave Trent, but he steps back, hitting the wall trying to make more space between himself and Marco.

“Don’t let me catch either of these two in this city,” he tells Mr. Bradford. “But I’m sure I’ll see you soon, Trent.”

Marco lets go of my hand to wrap his arm around me.

“Are you ready, Ms. Garver?” he asks Grams.

She shakes her head. “Call me Grams.”

“Will do.” He nods for her to lead the way as we exit the house. There’s already a moving truck backed up to the garage. Men are going up and down the stairs getting our things. Marco walks us over to the car, opening the car door first for Grams and then for me.

“I trust you’ll handle the Trent boy,” Grams says as we pull away from the Bradford’s home.

“When it comes to Evangeline, you can trust I’ll always handle everything.”

19

MARCO

“Y

ou sure you won’t come in?” Evangeline keeps my hand in hers as I idle in front of Brightwood Prep.

“No, babydoll. I want to spend time with you, believe me, but I’m pretty sure I’m just a distraction. I want you to do your best.”

“But what about you? And college?”

“College is for you.” I lean over and kiss her. “And I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“So what are you going to do all day?” She’s reluctant to let me go, and fuck if I don’t love that about her.

“I have some business. Nick’s given me assignments.” It was a fight when I told Sophia that school wasn’t for me anymore, that I wanted to take more responsibility in the family business. She had it out with me, then she had it out with Nick who, surprisingly, backed my play. But, in the end--and only after some shenanigans between them in their bedroom--Sophia relented. “I’m going to make you proud, babydoll. That’s all you need to know.”

“I’ll worry.” She adjusts her new glasses. She only tends to wear them when she’s driving, but she looks cute in them no matter what.

“Don’t worry. Nick wouldn’t give me anything dangerous.

Sophia would kill him.”

She seems to consider my words, then nods. “Yeah, she really would.”

“See?” I kiss her again, cupping her face and leaning into her, caressing her tongue with mine as schoolkids gawk at us as they enter the school. I can’t get enough of her, and if they want to watch me stake my claim on my woman, they’re welcome to do it. At least they’ll know that touching her will be met with particularly vicious punishment.

Her touch is addictive, and I have to force myself to pull away or we’ll be doing a lot more than kissing in the parking lot.

She licks her lips as I lean back.

“Have a good day, babydoll. I’ll be back to get you right when school lets out. If anything happens, text me. If any of those lacrosse pricks talk to you, text me. If anyone—” “Bothers me or touches me or looks at me funny—” “Text me,” I finish for her.

She rolls her eyes. “Trent won’t be here. I think I’m good.”

“Text me.”

“Fine.” She leans over to me, grabbing my coat and pulling me back to her mouth. Her aggression is a turn-on, probably because it’s so rare. So I meet her tongue with mine, kissing her like I’m starving for her--which I already am. I woke her up with my mouth on her sweet pussy, and now she’s making it impossible to leave her.

Dragging her into the backseat seems like a totally viable option, but she pulls back and smiles. “Okay, I’m o to science class.”

“Text me,” I remind her as I grab her backpack.

“I will.” She takes it and opens the door. Stepping out, she shoulders the bag, then turns to me, her cheeks pink, her

eyes bright. “I love you.”

Like a bullet to my heart, I take her words deep inside.

She hasn’t said it before. I wanted her to so badly, but I didn’t want to push her. But she just gave me the words, a gift greater than any in the world.

Before she can move, I’m out of the car and running around to her. Lifting her in my arms, I twirl her in the air and kiss her again as she clutches my shoulders.

When I finally set her on her feet, I can’t stop smiling.

“I love you, too.” I fix her knit hat so her ears will be warm.

“I’ll see you this afternoon.” She steps back, her smile matching mine.

“I’ll be here.”

“I know you will. And Marco?” She takes another step.

“Yeah?” I can’t stop smiling, grinning like a fool as I stare at my treasure.

She smiles, too, her warmth like a burst of sun. “I’m so glad I decided to hang out with the bad crowd.”

EPILOGUE I

MARCO

Two weeks later

“A

re you sure you’re ready?” Nick smokes a cigarette but keeps one eye on the front of the house, afraid Sophia might catch him.

“Yes.” I nod and stu my hands in my pockets. I’ve already dropped Evangeline at school, and I’ve planned the day so I can get my business done and pick her up right on time.

“And you want to do it alone?” He takes a drag, then jumps a little when the wind blows past, his eyes going to the front door again. This man has lived his entire fucking life without fear in his heart. But when it comes to Sophia, he is genuinely terrified of getting caught smoking.

“I have to do it alone.”

He nods. “Yeah.” Dropping the butt, he kills it with his shoe, then picks it up again and hides it in a planter. “She looks.” He shrugs and joins me again. “Can’t be too careful.”

I can’t disagree. Sophia can be a handful, especially now.

It’s like she gets stronger every year they’re together. I’d hate to see how she rules with an iron fist once she’s older.

Yeesh.

“You have my blessing.” He holds up a finger. “No witnesses. Nothing to come back on you. Got it?”

“Got it.”

He smiles. “Proud of you, man. Protecting your woman is the biggest step. The most important thing in your life.

Family is what matters. It’s the only thing that matters.”

“Thanks, Nick. I’ll—” The front door opens, and Sophia peers out, her eyes narrow. “What are you two doing?”

“Nothing, cara mia.” Nick walks to her, his arms open.

“Were you smoking?” She points at him.

“What? What sort of accusation is that to make against your loving husband?”

“You didn’t answer my—” She squeals as he tosses her over his shoulder and carries her inside.

I just shake my head and jump in my car.

The drive is about an hour, but I spend the time checking for texts from Evangeline. When I pull up in front of yet another prep school, I know I’m in the right place. Expensive cars dot the student lot, and the lacrosse team is practicing on the field. Good.

I step out of the car and stride over, then lean on the fence. They keep playing, running and yelling, their breath white pu s in the air. But then one of them falls. I know who it is, because he gets up and takes o running.

With ease, I jump the fence and follow him. The other players just stand and stare at each other as I dart past. Trent may be quick, but I’m no slouch.

He makes it over the fence on the far side of the field, but I hurdle the damn thing, then run him down as he tries to cut back toward the school.

Falling into a heap, we roll a few times, and he starts swinging. But I get the better of him quickly, wrapping my forearm around his throat and squeezing. He still struggles,

but then his flailing slows. I throw him o me, then get to my feet.

“Get up, Trent.” I shake out my fists, more than ready.

His lacrosse pals start yelling and climbing the fence to get to us.

He looks up at me. “Fucking Davinci trash. My boys are going to kick your ass.”

“I hate repeating myself. Now get the fuck up.” I flex my fists, rage riding me hard.

“I don’t have to do—” I reach down and yank him to his feet. He screams. Legit screams.

“Did you think nothing would happen to you? That I’d just walk away after you violated my girl’s privacy? After you threatened her?” I shake him.

“Get him!” he yells.

His lacrosse teammates walk up and watch.

“You guys want to do this?” I’ll fight them o . My rage is already spiraling, demanding I do some fucking damage.

“What did he do?” one of them asks and puts out a hand.

The others seem to obey.

“Took nudes of my girlfriend without her permission.

Threatened her. Threatened her grandmother.”

He looks at Trent. “That true?”

“No!” I shake him again.

He breaks almost immediately. “Yes.” “I don’t like the new guy anyway.” One of the players shrugs and turns to leave. “Dick.”

“Let’s go,” the leader says and gives me a brisk nod.

“Don’t kill him, and don’t break anything. We’ll need him for our next match.” His gaze goes to Trent. “But if he did all that, he deserves what you came to give him.”

He turns and saunters away, the rest of the team following him.

“Brayden!” Trent screams. “Come back!”

“I’m glad I don’t have to fight them.” I cock my fist back.

“Now I can spend all this on you.”

His scream is music to my ears as I exact vengeance for every second of worry and fear he gave my girl. I hurt him, each hit freeing me, telling me who I am and who I fight for.

Who I will always fight for.

I even add some interest by filming his tearful, bloody apology to Evangeline. I’ll save it for later. A special gift for my girl. After all, she’ll need something she can sharpen her claws on.

EPILOGUE II

EVANGELINE

Years later

“W

hat are you two doing?” Grams and Sophia turn around, both with wide eyes. I know I’ve caught them when they’re up to something.

“Nothing.” Sophia shrugs. If I didn’t know her I’d believe her, but over the years we’ve become as close as sisters. She may be a good liar, but I know her too well now. She has her sneaky expression on. The one she thinks none of us recognize. My niece Bianca gives me the same sly look as her mother.

“The Davinci ladies are always up to no good, I see.” I kiss the top of her little head as she giggles.

She runs o , her dolly in one hand as she chases the family cat Fredo from the room. She’s lucky she’s utterly adorable.

Nick lets Sophia and Bianca get away with thinking they’re pulling the wool over his eyes all the time. It’s actually very cute to watch. But I plan on giving Sophia a little bit of a hard time about whatever she’s up to.

“Are you hungry?” Grams tries to distract me, but I’m not letting either one of them o the hook that easily.

“No, thanks.” I walk closer, trying to get a peek at whatever it is they were looking at. I can see Grams try to slip it to Sophia behind her back, but it ends up on the floor.

These two are as thick as thieves when they get together.

That thought brings a smile to my face.

The Davincis have changed my and Gram’s lives for the better. Over the years, we’ve all grown together. Marco and I will soon start a family of our own. He’s already begun construction on our new home. He tells me it’s a surprise and won’t let me see it. I’d been down with this when I was still in college. I was too busy with classes and finals to think about anything else. I’d double majored in foreign language and economics. Nick will even pick my brain from time to time with random questions.

I had no idea how easy picking up other languages would be for me. I can speak Italian, Spanish, and my favorite, Latin. The dead language, but not to me. I’m still trying to learn more even though I’ve already graduated. It has become a passion of mine. With each new language I learn, I also learn about the cultures that they represent. It’s been nice to be able to lend a hand in a few meetings that have gone down in the family. Whenever outsiders thought they had an advantage over us by speaking out of line without anyone knowing what they were saying, they were always surprised when I answered in their language. Marco and Nick always get a kick out of it when it happens. I’m just glad to be able to help out in some way. My claws might not be as sharp as others around here, but I can hold my own for the most part. I also think Marco enjoys that I’m softer. It’s just who I am. It balances us well, because my Marco can be a little hot tempered at times. He’s gotten better with age, but I know it will always be simmering under the surface, and no one can calm him like I can.

“Do either one of you want to explain why there is a sketch of a wedding dress on the floor next to your feet?”

Grams and Sophie quickly look at each other, trying to figure out how to explain it. My name is scrolled across the bottom, and it’s a dress that I’ve looked at before.

“Nick wants to renew our vows!” Sophia shouts, startling Grams. This is so much fun that I can’t stop myself from continuing on.

“You stole my dress idea?” I accuse.

“I’m not a thief.” Sophia sco s.

“She did. I tried to talk her out of it.” Grams elbows her.

“Right. I’m a big thief. I just steal everything.” She keeps her face straight. I don’t know how but she does.

I burst into laughter, then lean down and pick up the paper.

“We aren't getting married anytime soon, guys.” I stare at the dress.

Marco and I have been engaged for years. When he first popped the question he said he knew we were young, but he wanted his ring on my finger as a symbol of what was to come. That we’d wait until I was done with college before we got married. I’d agreed. I didn't want to wait, but deep down I knew it was the right decision. I would have married him that day, not caring that I was only eighteen at the time but I agreed to waiting. What did it matter? We lived together already. We’re practically married as it is.

“You said right after you graduated,” Sophia reminds me.

That was four years ago. I’d brought up planning a wedding a few times to Marco but he brushed it o . Told me we needed to finish college first. That I didn't need to be planning a wedding and trying to handle a double major at the same time.

Well, I’ve graduated and still he hasn't brought up the wedding. Maybe that’s because he’s too busy working on his

law degree? After he got his GED, he whizzed through undergrad in three years, majoring in pre-law, and went right to the law school. He’ll be finished sooner rather than later, and is already working on family business.

I haven’t mentioned the wedding either. I keep waiting for him to say something. Anything! But there hasn’t been a freaking peep about it from him. I was so sure the second I was done with college that he’d be pulling me down the aisle.

I guess he’s gotten used to the way things are. Even though I know that I’m his life, I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t a little disappointed. In saying that, my life with Marco is happy and I never second-guess how much he loves me.

“Marco hasn't brought it up.” I put the paper on the desk facing down, not wanting to look at the dress.

“That’s because he doesn’t want us to have a bachelorette party,” Sophia blurts out. “I think that's why he wanted to do this whole surprise wedding, because he didn't want us to have our wild night out.” She purses her lips.

“What?” I stare at her in shock. A surprise wedding? What the heck is she talking about?

“How can you be so tight lipped about some things and yet you can’t hold a secret about others?” Grams nudges Sophia again.

“We’ve been planning this for six months. It’s the day of the wedding. I think we have to tell her.” She turns around and walks over to the closet, opening the door. I stand there still in shock. It’s my wedding day? “How were we going to trick her into the dress or get her down the aisle? We had to tell her at some point.” She pulls out the same dress that is sketched on the sheet of paper.

“I’m getting married today?” I whisper. My eyes start to water. Of course that’s what Marco has been doing. He’s always trying to handle whatever he can for me. To do what he thinks is best. It’s always me that he puts first.

“He didn't want you worrying over it.”

I turn and take o to find my soon to be husband.

“Get back here! We have hair and makeup,” Sophia shouts after me but I walk faster, needing to find Marco.

Wanting to see the perfect man who had stolen my heart all those years ago.

I find him in our bedroom, already dressed in his tux. He has grown into such a handsome man. When we first met he was still a boy even though he’d already seen more than most grown men had in their lives, but now he is all man.

“You better take that suit o if you don’t want to wrinkle it.” I throw myself at him. He easily catches me.

“Nah. I think I’ll fuck you in it before I make you my wife.” He pins me to the wall.

“You can’t see the bride before the wedding!” I hear Sophia shout. She doesn’t try and open the door.

“When do we move?” I ask him between kisses as he reaches between us, freeing himself. I’m thankful I wore a dress today. He only has to push my panties aside and he’s inside me.

“After the honeymoon.” He groans as he says it. “Taking you to Paris. I know how hard you’ve been working on your French.”

“Did you hear me?” Sophia shouts again.

“Do I need to remind you of your wedding day?” I shout back. “There were dead bodies everywhere.”

“Gross!” she gasps. At first I think she’s talking about the dead bodies, but then she says, “Are you talking to me while my brother bangs you?” She makes a fake gagging noise.

I’d laugh if I wasn’t already about to come. Marco in a tux is something else. Not to mention everything he’s done to make this wedding happen.

“Hurry up. We got shit to do.” Sophia stomps o . I’m going to miss living with them, but we‘re only moving next

door. It’ll be nice to have some privacy.

“You going to become my wife today?” Marco thrusts in and out of me.

“Yes.” I dig my fingers into his back, clinging to him.

“I’m going to be your everything.”

“Fuck yes. You already are my everything.” He kisses me.

“I love you, babydoll.”

“I love you too,” I say against his mouth, thinking I’ll wait until the honeymoon to tell him I’m pregnant. The joke’s on everyone in this house because I’m the one holding the biggest surprise of them all.

More MINK is coming your way!

Locking Her Down releases on February 25!

She’s a kitty criminal. He’s a clever attorney. Can he get her out of trouble and into his life?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MINK writes sweet and salty romances that always satisfy with a happily ever after. www.MINKromance.com Click here to sign up for MINK’s newsletter.

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