Chapter-66

I stared at the empty space where Torin had been. If what he said was true, then I was in deeper trouble than I had realized. This wasn’t just about some stolen money as Lucien had claimed; it was about family bloodlines and vengeance.

As the door to my room creaked open, I pretended to sleep, my breathing shallow and even. Soft footsteps approached my bed, and I peeked through my lashes, seeing Tannin. She looked exhausted, as leaning over me she tucked the edge of my blanket in a little more securely.

"How you doing? You need anything? Something to eat? Drink?" she asked.

I shook my head,  tempted to telling her about Torin visiting again, but for some reason I held my tongue.

Her hand hovered for a moment longer before standing, she murmured, "Just holler if you change your mind," then retreated, closing the door softly behind her.

After she'd left, I lay for hours, thinking about Torin's visit and listening to the sounds about the apartment;  the low volume of the tv. The hum of air through the vents, before finally rolling over, I closed my eyes.

~~

As the first light of dawn began to peek through the curtains, I pushed back the covers and gingerly swung my legs over the side of the bed. Slowly, standing, I tested my legs. They were wobbly but strong enough I wouldn't fall. Minutes later, I stood on the cold tiles of the bathroom floor, looking in the mirror, taking in the bruises and bandages.

As I heard the door open behind me, I was expecting to see Tannin checking on me again, but instead it was Rook, his eyes wide with surprise. "What the hell are you doing?"

Grabbing a towel, I covered my breasts, as face flushing, I muttered through clenched teeth. "I'm done playing invalid."

He stared at me for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, then. I'll see you in the kitchen for some breakfast in a few."

~~

The days turned into weeks, and my body began to heal. The bullet wound was still a constant reminder I'd survived being shot, but I was getting stronger every day and I'd returned to work.

I still hadn't said anything to anyone about Torin's second visit, but I needed answers. So, one night, after closing the bar, I made way into the office. Jess was at his computer and I could hear the faint tapping of the keyboard as he worked.

He looked up, surprise etched into his features. "What's up kid?"

I took a deep breath. "I need to know everything you have on Lucien and Stephen Dinelli."

His eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"Because," I whispered, "after what Lucien did to me, I want to know all I can about that family."

Jess studied me for a moment before nodding and turning back to his computer. He began typing, the clacking of the keys echoing in the quiet room. I leaned over his shoulder, my heart racing as the screen filled with information about the Dinellis'.

~~

The file was extensive, detailing the rise of Stephen Carlos Dinelli through the ranks of the underworld after the murder of his brother and sister-in-law. Stephen was ruthless, cunning, and had a penchant for playing with his enemies before delivering the final blow. As Jess scrolled through the pages, my stomach twisted into knots.

"This doesn't make sense," I murmured, pointing at the screen. "If they're so powerful, why  was Lucien using me?"

Jess leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Maybe it's not just about you, Marlowe."

"But why?" I insisted, desperation creeping into my voice. "What could I possibly know that they want?"

Jess's gaze grew serious. "I don't have all the details, but it seems like there's something you're not telling me. Something that connects you to the family, maybe?"

My heart skipped a beat. "My mom is married to Stephen!"

"I don't know. Maybe that's the reason you're in their crosshairs." He leaned closer, his voice a low murmur. "What do you know about your mom?"

The realization hit me like a truck. I had been so focused on surviving, on healing, that I hadn’t put the pieces together. "I need to talk to Rook," I said, turning away from the screen.

"Be careful," Jess warned. "This is not a game."

I nodded, already formulating a plan. I'd talk to Rook and get what answers I could.