Indebted - Piper Stone Page 0,80

the plan? A new instant family?”

My fucking God.

Her grip tightened and for a few seconds, I was confused as fuck, ready to bring her into my arms. That couldn’t happen.

“I said, go!” My bellow was enough to terrify her.

She backed away quickly, letting out a deep sigh before heading out of the room.

But not before she turned to stare at me, sadness in her eyes. There was also something else, an emotion that I wasn’t certain I could tolerate.

Pity.

I waited until she left the room before dialing Darren’s number. I knew that he and Kito could handle the job I was about to give them with no issues. “I need to see you.”

“Sure, Mr. Masters. I’ll be right there.”

I held the phone in my hand, moving toward the bar. This time my selection was stronger, the smooth scotch the only thing that might be capable of calming my rage. After pouring a glass, I glared at the phone, anticipating Liam would leave a message. Did he seriously think that I’d answer his call after all this time?

When nothing came in, simply a missed call, I tossed the phone onto the bar, my hackles raised. I knew my brother well enough, even from ten years before, to realize that his wasn’t a reunion call. He either needed something or he was calling me as a warning.

I took a deep breath, debating whether to call him back when Darren entered the room.

“Is there an issue with the girl?” he asked, his upper lip curling.

“No. She’s fine, but I need you and Kito to handle a situation for me.”

“Anything you need.”

“You’re familiar with Bobby Rivers?”

He walked closer, narrowing his eyes. “Yeah, he’s scum. Handles dirty work for a lot of bigwigs in town. Why?”

“He needs to understand that I won’t allow threats to be made.”

“Do you want him relieved of his... situation?” Darren asked as he shifted from one foot to the other.

“Just make certain he understands that it’s better not to cross me. Also find out exactly what his relationship with Luis Toro was.”

Darren seemed perplexed then nodded. “Absolutely. When would you like it dealt with?”

“The sooner the better.” I knew my instructions would be handled to the letter.

He grinned. “You got it, boss. I know where he plays. We’ll have a long chat with him tonight.”

Likely the very place he’d been attacked. I needed to find out what I might be dealing with. If Bobby wasn’t obliged to help, there were ways to garner additional crucial information on him necessary to make him talk. If I had to guess, Luis had realized Bobby had been hired to put pressure on him. It was likely Luis had been killed because of reneging on the terms, Bobby the man responsible. I couldn’t put anything past Mr. Rivers. The little information I’d learned about him suggested he had no morals, his entire family not much better. “Find out what he’s into and who he’s been dealing with other than Mr. Toro as well. I need to know his contacts.” I was aware of Darren’s colorful past and his various underground connections. If anyone could find information, he would be able to do so.

“That I can do,” he stated, a slight growl coming from his chest.

“Let me know when it’s done.”

“Will do, Mr. Masters.”

As he left the room, I knew I was taking a significant chance in attempting to protect her. In my mind, there was no other choice.

While she was mine to keep and enjoy, she was also mine to protect.

And God help any man who attempted to hurt her again.

Chapter Fifteen

Gabriel

Alessandra was much quieter at dinner, as I’d anticipated she would be, unable to look me in the eyes. She sat like a statue, picking at her food while I devoured mine.

I hated the quiet, the tension between us.

And my frustration increased as every minute ticked by.

Sighing, she took a sip of her wine, fiddling with her hair. After showering, she’d donned a stunning red dress, my favorite of all of the frocks I’d selected. Every time I looked at her, all I could think about was stripping it away, taking her like the savage I was all over again.

However, her insolence I couldn’t tolerate.

“You don’t like prime rib, Alessandra?” I asked as I forked another piece into my mouth, immediately cutting another bite. My hunger knew no bounds tonight.

“I love prime rib, Gabriel. The bloodier the better,” she mused, lifting her gaze until she locked eyes with mine. As if on purpose,