Sweet Pain (Amatucci Family #3) - Sadie Jacks Page 0,109

a hand to her chest. Nodded. “That’s for damn sure. I haven’t been able to leave her side. I’m sure she’s sick and tired of me hovering over her.”

“Only a little bit, mom. But I’d rather wake up and see you, than not,” Corrie said with a smile over her shoulder. “He’s here. He’s really real.” Her blue eyes, almost as vivid as Ryker’s green ones, were wide and shining.

Daphne chuckled. “I told you he didn’t actually die.”

Corrie turned back to Mas. Her face fell. “I’m so sorry you got hurt trying to help me.”

Mas smiled. “I’d do it all over again to see you safely home.”

Corrie sighed. I’m pretty sure her heart melted at Mas’ feet in that instant. Hero worship crush of epic proportions.

“Not that I mind, but what are you doing here?” Ryker asked.

“We heard on the news that there was trouble in the penthouse of Penn Towers. She’d just finished up her checkup, begged me to come see you. I couldn’t say no to that pouting face, so here we are.” She shrugged.

“We’re still waiting to get back up there. Luckily Nik and the Amatuccis here were able to get us out of there without bloodshed or violence,” Ryker told her.

Daphne’s blue eyes widened. “Bloodshed or violence? What the hell happened?”

Chapter 33 – Ryker

I winced. Damn it. I skimmed over the whole sordid affair in quick efficient terms. She didn’t need the nitty gritty especially since Willow and I were in perfect form.

She studied me for long moments before she nodded. “I’m glad you’re safe. And unharmed.” She turned to Willow. Added her. “It also probably explains Willow’s clothing choices for this morning. Although, I wish I could make men’s sleep pants look that good.”

I looked at Willow, gave her a smirk.

She rolled her eyes at me. “Thank you for saying so.”

“Why do you guys have a picture of Taylor Pankowski on your computer?” Corrie asked.

I spun around. Nik was going through her presentation with Nico. Confirming data on a list with Turo. I winced. Shit. This morning wasn’t going anything how I’d imagined it falling asleep with Willow in my arms last night.

Nik looked at Corrie. “You know Taylor?”

Corrie nodded. “Yeah, she was in my therapy group for a while. Dr. Waste of Space made her attend or he wouldn’t prescribe her antidepressants anymore.”

“How long ago was she in your group?” Nik asked.

“Why is she on your computer?” My little sister raised her chin.

Nik smiled. “Because.”

“Then I guess it’s just been a while since I last saw Taylor.” Corrie shrugged, gave Nik a ‘what can I do’ look.

Mas rose to his feet. “Taylor is gone. We want to give her back to her parents.” He swallowed. “How long since you saw her last?”

Corrie’s face fell. “She’s really gone?”

Mas nodded. “I’m sorry.”

Corrie blinked rapidly. “Um, I would say about a year? Maybe.” She wiggled her hand in the air from side to side.

Mas smiled. “Thank you.”

My little sister’s cheeks went pink. “Sure.”

I groaned. I was not prepared for my half sister to get a crush on the death dealer of the mafia. I’m pretty sure Mas wasn’t really to deal with that either.

Willow smiled. Opened her mouth.

“Mr. Penn?” an unfamiliar voice asked from behind us. I whirled around, my gun in my hand as I shoved my mom at Willow. Mas was up beside me, his own gun pointed, before I could blink.

“Who wants to know?” I asked.

The man raised his hands, his eyes wide. “Lieutenant Richards is ready for you in your penthouse, sir.”

I nodded. “Thanks. We’ll be right there. You can leave now.” I didn’t lower my weapon until he’d raced back down the hall and out into the main reception area. I kicked the door closed.

Mas looked at me, nodded. He went back to stand next to Corrie. “How old was Taylor when you saw her last?”

We had the information, we didn’t need to grill the innocent kid. I opened my mouth to dress him down. Or at least get him to back off.

“Fourteen? I think.” Her head tipped to the side. “Yeah. Fourteen. Are we going to discuss the fact that you and my brother are carrying guns? Or are we just going to blow over that fact?”

Mas smiled. “Just blow over that one.” He nodded at her and turned to the group at the desk.

I turned to my mother. “It might be better if you guys go back home now,” I said softly. “We’re kinda in the middle of something. And