Final Reckoning Read online

  “Yeah. I’d gotten a lot harder. You have to, to survive. And Gavi …”

  My voice trails off. This is even tougher than I thought it would be. Quinn reaches across me, finds my hand, and laces her fingers through mine.

  “Nobody told me.”

  “Told you what?”

  “In her sophomore year of college, she was assaulted by a group of men. Gang raped.”

  “Oh my god, Matteo.”

  “The physical trauma was bad enough. But it wasn’t the worst part. Her parents, the whole family, did everything they could. Stood by her, got her counseling. But those men destroyed her sense of being strong, and whole, and safe in the world.

  “She dropped out of school. Started drinking. Made the wrong kind of friends. They introduced her to stronger stuff.”

  “Heroin?”

  “And cocaine. Probably other shit, too. The girl I knew … she had to still be there, somewhere inside. But I couldn’t find her.”

  Quinn goes up on her elbow and looks down at me. “Even if you’d been here …”

  Trust her to get to the heart of the matter. “I know. Odds are low I would have been with her that night. But maybe, if I’d been there for her afterward, I could have helped her through it.”

  She squeezes my hand but doesn’t speak.

  “I joined the force, started working vice. But in my spare time, off the books, I worked Gavi’s case. There were suspects, but no proof. I tracked one of them down and got a DNA sample, matched it to the evidence.

  “I went back to him and told him he could confess, or he could die.” Quinn sucks in a breath, but doesn’t interrupt. “He gave up the names of all his buddies who were with him that night.”

  “Did you kill him?”

  I look at her. There’s no condemnation in her clear blue eyes, just understanding. The knot in my chest that I hadn’t realized was there loosens a little.

  “No. I wanted to. But I’d taken an oath to uphold the law, and I needed to be a man of my word.

  “So I didn’t kill any of them. But sometimes the spirit of the law and the letter of the law part ways. I made their lives a living hell. Gave them a small taste of what they’d done to Gavi.”

  “You couldn’t bring charges?”

  “Gavi wouldn’t talk to me about it. Didn’t even want to see me. I think she was ashamed. I tried to tell her that nothing would ever change how I felt about her, but she wouldn’t listen.

  “Her parents begged me not to charge those assholes. They said it would only dredge it all up again, and traumatize her further. I didn’t agree, but it wasn’t my call.”

  “How terrible for all of you. Especially her, but everyone who loved her, too.” She drops another kiss on my chest. “And Santiago?”

  “He was the one ultimately responsible for the drugs in her system. So when we had a chance to get a guy undercover with him, yeah, I volunteered. Better me than any of the married guys. And I wanted a shot at bringing him down.”

  “But now he knows? Who you really are?”

  “He knows I made off with one of the Callahan girls. Whether he knows more than that, I’m not sure yet. But it’s enough. He’ll consider it an unforgivable betrayal.”

  “So what happens now?”

  “I find out where he is and what he’s doing. If I’m lucky, he’s already been arrested. If not … I’ll figure out my next steps.”

  What I don’t tell her is that I’ll break every oath I’ve ever sworn to keep her safe. If Santiago escapes the justice system, he’ll answer to me.

  10

  Determination

  Despite the weather outside and the fact that we’re still naked, I’m not cold at all. Matteo gives off so much heat that all I have to do is stay close – which is no hardship.

  The things he told me keep tumbling through my mind. The night I met him, I saw a man steeped in so much rage and pain that most people would crumble under the weight of it. Now I understand.

  Not that I imagine I have him all figured out. Tip of the iceberg is more like it. Or maybe edge of the volcano.

  I want to ask him more, to hear all his childhood stories, even the ones about Gavriella. Maybe especially those. But pushing too hard would backfire.

  Why Matteo has suddenly opened up to me, after being so determined to keep distance between us, I’m not sure. Is it because we had sex?

  Which, wow. Even more amazing than I expected. Still, I can’t assume this is anything more than sex, his sudden candor more than pillow talk. I’m not going to be naive.

  A man like Matteo doesn’t fall in love because he fucks someone.

  Me, on the other hand … I’m pretty much a goner. But even knowing I’m probably going to get my heart broken, I can’t be sorry for this time with Matteo.

  “Hungry?” he says. He’s got his arm around me, his fingers toying idly with the ends of my hair. It’s surprisingly soothing.

  “I’m okay.” I could stand to eat again, but I’m not wild about the idea of another protein bar.

  He hands me a flannel shirt. “Put this on.”

  “Why? I’m warm enough.”

  “That’s gonna change before too long.” He’s rolled onto his side and is looking down at me, with a gleam in his eye that makes me pretty sure he’s thinking about sex … but how could that translate to me being cold?

  “Suit yourself,” he says at my quizzical expression. “Just remember it’s there.” His mouth settles on mine, and I start to learn what happens when he’s not in a hurry.

  One hand cups my breast, his thumb grazing my nipple. When I moan, he plucks at it, then pinches it. White-hot sensation streaks to my clit.

  He makes a satisfied sound deep in his chest. And then his hands and his mouth explore every inch of me. Whenever I respond, he lingers, drawing out my pleasure.

  Space becomes an issue. His big body has nowhere to go, so when he wants to get at my ass, my thighs, my pussy, he urges me up, toward the front of the SUV. When my torso is exposed to the cold, I grab the flannel shirt, thankful for his foresight.

  “Turn around. On your knees, facing front.”

  Damn. Why is it sexy for him to boss me around like this? I expect a round of doggie style and am more than happy to find out what that’s like.

  Instead, his head appears between my thighs. He’s on his back, looking up at me with an almost smug expression, and it hits me why when he coaxes me down with his hands on my ass.

  “Teo …” I’m still a little embarrassed by this. Then my pussy makes contact with his face, and I forget all about protesting.

  By the time his mouth closes over my clit, I’m desperate. He’s sucking me so gently – too gently. I need more.

  “Teo, please.” My hips start to flex, grinding me against him. His hands squeeze my ass, holding me against him while he torments me with endless pleasure. Sensation sears through me, spreading to my fingertips and toes before spiraling back to gather and tighten in my core.

  “Teo!” He’s killing me. I’m so – close … then he uses his teeth and I shatter, crying out as wave after wave of ecstatic release pours over me.

  He makes me come three times before he slides out from under me. “Stay right there,” he commands, and now he sounds smug. Well, I can’t blame him. I was pretty pleased with myself after my blowjob.

  A moment later, he presses against my back,, bending over me, and the tip of his cock slides between my lips. I groan as he pushes into me, slowly, letting me feel every inch of him.

  When he starts to move, it’s heaven. “Oh, fuck, Teo.” He rocks against me, his cock nudging some sensitive spot deep inside with every thrust. It feels so amazing I’m already close to coming again.

  He sends me up, up and over, the climax rippling through me, then goes faster, and faster, until he’s fucking me hard, pounding that magic spot. I can’t stop coming. I’m clinging to the seat in front of me, shouting his name.

  “Quinn,” he groans. “Fuck.” And then he yanks
free and coats my ass and my back.

  Despite the bliss radiating through my body, I’m overcome by a deep sadness. It’s disorienting to feel them both at once. And shocking to understand the source of my melancholy.

  I don’t want Matteo to pull out. I want him to come in me. Even if it means I get pregnant.

  This is crazy, so I try to give myself a stern talking to. You don’t want to be a single mom. The Adamos might pressure him to marry you, and then he’ll resent you and the baby.

  It helps, a little. But it doesn’t change the quiet longing that’s taken root in me.

  “You okay?” he says.

  “Yeah. Fine.”

  I’m a terrible liar. He tugs me back to lean against him. “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?”

  “No.” I squeeze his hand. “I just – got emotional all of a sudden.”

  Matteo frowns. “Quinn–”

  “I’m okay. Really.”

  He lets it drop, but he doesn’t look happy about it.

  After we’ve cleaned up again – thank goodness for those baby wipes – he says, “I need to get near a cell tower. I’ll drive, and you keep an eye on the phone and let me know as soon as there’s a decent signal.”

  “All right.” Instead of putting my jeans on again, I pull on one of his pairs of sweats. They’re too big, but they’re warmer … and easier to take off again. My shirt and his flannel shirt, and my socks and boots, and I’m good to go.

  I help Matteo on with one of his shirts. In case we have to drive close enough to civilization that we’re spotted, he doesn’t want to be conspicuous. Then we transfer the few items that are on the picnic table into the back of the SUV and take our seats up front.

  Driving away from the campsite, I’m struck with a surreal feeling, as if we were in an alternate reality and are re-entering our own dimension. Except for the unfamiliar tenderness in my body, I could almost believe I dreamed the whole thing.

  The scenery here is beautiful, towering trees and rugged rock formations. We’re still in what feels like the middle of nowhere when three bars show on the phone. “Signal,” I announce, and Matteo immediately pulls over.

  He taps in a number, listens, and his expression darkens. “What?” I ask.

  “My security system’s offline. Fuck.”

  I don’t want to be yakking in his ear while he’s dealing with serious stuff, but I can’t help being curious, so I venture a tentative question. “What system?”

  Matteo glances at me while he’s punching in another number. “House I was renting. Had a bad feeling last night, didn’t go there. It might be compromised.”

  He holds the phone to his ear. “Lieutenant. What’s the word? Fuck. Even with all that … yeah. Fuckin’ lawyers.”

  A pause, then, “Seems likely. Listen, did you take the server offline? No; I just tried to access my security and couldn’t. Good chance the server’s compromised. Better check everything and shut it down.

  “Right. Talk to you soon.” He ends the call and rubs a hand over his face.

  “Bad news?”

  “Santiago’s already out on bail. The judge decided he wasn’t a flight risk despite his high liquidity and international connections.”

  “That seems … unwise.”

  A faint smile crosses his face. “Yeah. But he’s under heavy surveillance and shows no signs of preparing to go anywhere. My lieutenant thinks it’s because he’s gunning for me. And you, and your sisters, and the whole damn Adamo clan.”

  “We knew he was crazy.”

  “Yeah, but he’s the functional kind of crazy. Capable of acting on it and highly inclined to do so.”

  He falls silent, his gaze fixed on some unseen horizon. I let him think. When he looks at me again, the cold determination in his eyes scares me.

  11

  Finish Him

  “I need to get you home,” I tell her.

  Her mouth takes on a stubborn set that’s as sexy as it is exasperating. “And you?”

  “I have things to do.” Like making sure the people I love are safe.

  “Teo–”

  “Quinn.” I’m not going to argue this with her.

  She doesn’t listen. “There’s no need for you to be on your own anymore.”

  “Yeah, there is.”

  “Why? It’s not for our safety; all of us are targets already.”

  Damn her logic. “It’s not up for discussion.”

  “You don’t have to punish yourself.”

  I haul her across the cab until we’re face to face. “Don’t try to fucking psychoanalyze me.”

  “There’s nothing to analyze! You laid it all out for me.”

  Her eyes are bright with temper. Quinn angry is a sight to see … one that makes my dick hard. I yank her against me and let my mouth crash down on hers.

  She ignites in my arms. The next few moments are spent dragging her clothes off while I plunder her mouth. When she’s naked from the waist down, I move her to straddle me, free myself, and drive up into her.

  Her head flies back and she vises around me. I waste no time in fucking her brains out, slamming her down on my cock while my hips piston. Her tits are bouncing in front of me, and I want my mouth on them.

  “Shirt. Off.” And she does it, she peels off the flannel and t-shirt and tosses them aside. “Tits out.” She scoops them from her bra and offers them to me, and I clamp my mouth on one and suck hard.

  We’re parked on the shoulder, on a public road, and I couldn’t care less. So far as I know there’s no one for miles around, but if that weren’t the case this would still be happening, maybe just a little more discreetly. But only a little.

  “Teo!” I fuck her even harder, not stopping even when she comes, her pussy doing its best to strangle my cock. I keep powering into her, faster and faster, until it hits me, and I bury myself in her a final time and let go, filling her up with the most spectacular climax I’ve ever had in my life.

  I’m almost dizzy afterwards. Holding her close, I fumble for the flannel, find it, and drape it over her shoulders. My brain is still foggy with pleasure when she says, “Just so you know, I’m not sorry.”

  I blink at her. “What?”

  “If I get pregnant, I’m keeping the baby.”

  Holy fuck. I completely forgot myself. That hasn’t happened in … ever. Even as a randy teenager, I was careful. “Quinn …”

  “Don’t apologize. Please. I just told you I’m not sorry.” Her lips press together. “Even if you are.”

  It was fucking irresponsible of me, even if we both wanted it. “Quinn.”

  “Don’t.” Her voice sharpens. “You won’t owe me anything.”

  Now I’m pissed. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

  “If your family tries to pressure you into marrying me, you don’t have to. We can work out our own arrangement.”

  I’m too angry to trust myself to speak. Lifting her off me, I find the clothes scattered on my side of the cab and hand them over. A brittle silence reigns while she stiffly pulls them on.

  As soon as she’s dressed and buckled in, I pull back onto the road. Judging from the clouds moving in overhead, we’ve got a storm coming. I want her safely home before it hits.

  Otherwise, I’d take time out to give her the spanking she obviously needs. If Quinn Callahan thinks she’s gonna raise my kid by herself, she’s got another think coming. Arrangement, my ass.

  Pregnant or not, I’m putting a ring on her finger.

  It’s early afternoon when we get to town. We haven’t even made it to Callahan’s before I see Carlo’s guys patrolling. Kosta and Tonio have their private security out and about, too.

  The bakery’s wrapped up tight, with security inside and out. Probably nowhere safer she could be right now. I park in the alley and stand behind Quinn while she knocks on the door.

  A redhead opens it. This must be Brianna. She wraps her sister in her arms for a long hug, but her eyes are on me.

  “We’ve got
your purse,” she tells Quinn. “They dumped it in the alley. Go on in and talk to Jade; she’s been worried.”

  Quinn does a half-turn toward me. “See you,” I tell her, letting my eyes carry the message that I don’t mean it as a pleasantry.

  I get a chin lift, nothing more, before she goes inside. She’s still hurt, still angry. I can’t fix that, not right now.

  Brianna pulls the door to, shutting herself outside with me. Her eyes flash. “If you hurt her, I’ll hunt you down myself.”

  The woman means it, too. Lando’s made a good match. I lean down. “Your sister’s got some fool idea about letting me be a free man.”

  Anger turns to surprised speculation. “Does she?”

  “Yeah, and I don’t have time right now to explain things to her. Need you to keep her on an even keel till I get back.”

  “I can do that.” She leans in. “Don’t you do anything stupid. I’d hate to have to voodoo your zombie corpse out of its grave just so I can kick your ass.”

  Damn. These Callahan girls are something else. I’m looking forward to meeting Jade. “I’ll be careful; you do the same. He’s not finished yet.”

  The look she gives me is very direct. “So finish him.”

  “That’s the plan.”

  I’m climbing into the SUV when my phone rings.

  12

  Hurry

  Christmas Eve, 7 pm

  The final few customers of the evening have just left Callahan’s. Our holiday extended hours were a big success; a score of Adamo cousins helped out, and my sisters and I worked split shifts to keep a fresh supply of goodies going. It’s been exhausting, but gratifying.

  I haven’t had any contact with Matteo since the day he brought me home. Not a visit, not a call, not even a text. I’ve gone from anger to grief to numbness.

  His cousins assure me that Matteo’s busy dealing with Santiago. Their excuses only make me feel worse. If he wanted to talk to me, he could find five minutes to do it.

  I’ve only got myself to blame. I knew what I was taking on when I let myself get tangled up with him. It was foolish, and I did it anyway.