Page 58 of Devil’s Promise

“He killed my mother,” she says, looking down at her lap, but the sound of her voice jolts through me. “She was beautiful and gentle, and she loved me like he never did.” Her chin lifts up again. “I won’t be on your side if you’re not on mine.”

I slow blink as I process those words, the sound of her voice, hoarse from lack of use, as my chest grows tight. I suspected that Don had killed his wife, the same way he wants me to eliminate his daughter. Which tells me all I need to know about the man. No love. No loyalty. No code.

And she’s right.

I can’t be on my brothers’ side, be on Promise’s side, and be on Don’s side. And even though Don dangles the future I’ve always wanted, I might lose everyone else chasing it.

And just like that, I realize I’m my fucking old man.

And that shit sits like a lead fucking weight.

“Come to bed.” I hold out my hand to her.

She shakes her head.

I sigh, my shoulders curling. “Come to bed with me and I’ll just hold you.” She still hesitates as I stand. “Your toothbrush is in my bathroom.”

That makes her smile a tiny bit before she scoots to the edge of the bed. But I don’t let those bare little feet hit the floor before I step up to her and sweep her into my arms.

Her arms wrap around my neck, soft and pliant, and I bury my nose into her silky hair, breathing her in.

When did I become the man who just likes holding her in my arms?

It’s fucking trouble and I know it, but it’s too late now. I carry her toward my bedroom, knowing that tomorrow, I’ve got some big fucking decisions to make.

But tonight…

I’m going wrap Promise up in my arms, and I’m going to sleep.

In the light of day tomorrow, I know the path forward will be clear.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Promise

I can’t keep the dreams away.

I’m in a maze, branches pulling at my tiny white tube top dress. They’re scratching my skin and tearing at my dress, but I keep running. Searching.

My feet are bare and rocks dig into them, but I push faster, my breath gasping in and out.

“Promise,” Angel rumbles and I slow my pace, swiveling my head to find him. He’s not who I’m searching for and I know it. Do I stop? Keep going?

“I’m here,” I call back and then keep running. I’m searching for her…my mother. She’s here, I know she’s here and if I can find her…

But as I round a corner, it’s my father who stands before me, blood on his hands, his face twisted in ugly rage. I stop dead, a scream ripping from my lips.

“Promise,” Angel calls again. “Wake up.”

“No,” I whimper, knowing I’m too late. “No.”

“Come back to me, baby. Come back.”

My eyes open with a jolt. Angel is curled around my back, his arms tight around me. I gasp as my whole body flinches. He only holds me tighter. “You’re all right.”

I’m drenched in sweat, even as a sob breaks from my lips. He holds me tighter yet, softly rocking me as I try to slow my breathing and my racing pulse.

We stay like that for several minutes, him holding me while I slowly shake off the fear of the dream.