Sins (Havoc of Sins #3)

Chapter 12

Kenna

T he flight to Italy was a fun one. Minnie and Tess were in fine form and ready to celebrate the death of my stalker, and I was just happy to be on a vacation where I didn’t have to constantly look over my shoulder. To top it all off, Dad and Calli were six thousand miles away, and I was surrounded by great friends who were ready to party it up mafia style in Montepulciano.

Security was tight on the way in. Our car was third in line with two more following us. Sienna, who had joined us girls in our limo, gave us a brief history on the place as we drove. The sun was just about to set by the time we passed through the gates and started to climb a long, winding hill lined with tall, beautiful trees that came to a sharp point at their tops. I was told they were cypress trees. They reminded me of the ones from my childhood Dr. Seuss book. The Hill house, as Sienna called it, sat at the top of the property, and she said you could see anyone approach for miles in any direction. Several houses had apparently been added to the property since it was first purchased, but we would stay at the main house.

I wasn’t prepared for how gorgeous it was. Fields of sunflowers blanketed one side of the hill, while rows and rows of vineyards graced the others. Mason jars of twinkling lights swung from trees and truly showed how vast their property was.

“Welcome to our home.” Niccola grinned as we came to a rolling stop, and he and the guard with us got out and opened our doors. The sunset alone took your breath away. The different shades of oranges and reds looked like someone had tipped over two cans of paint and let them flow together.

“Wow,” I sighed, soaking it in.

“This is my fifth time here,” Tess threaded her arm through mine, “and it never gets old.”

Sienna, absolutely stunning in a soft green sundress, smiled over at us. “It will always be here for you to stay whenever you want.” She was so welcoming and sweet. It made me smile to know she was a mafia princess and married to one of the most ruthless men in all of Italy. “I know it’s been a long flight. Your bags will be placed in your rooms, so let’s get you something to drink.” She waved at the guys, who chatted happily together as they stood near the cars, and they followed us inside.

We were introduced to Elio’s parents, Andrea and Piero, and then to the twins, Marabella and Filippo. They were adorable and were the spitting image of their parents. Francesco, a longtime family friend, was introduced next. Sienna said she considered him like a father. The love that filled the household was tangible and could be felt in every touch and look, especially when Elio came in and scooped up his wife and kissed her like he hadn’t seen her for weeks.

It filled my heart being there, and I found myself looking at Grim where he stood near the wall with a drink in his hand, deep in conversation with Vinni. It looked to be serious, so I didn’t engage in case it burst the happy bubble I was enjoying. I sipped the delicious glass of wine Sienna handed me and smiled at my friends. Minnie and Tess were obviously enjoying themselves as they laughed and talked with Elio’s cousin Niccola.

Sienna came and stood next to me, and we watched the others for a few moments. “Want to see one of my favorite spots? Bring your wine.”

“Sure, I’d love to.” I followed her through the house and out back to a cobblestone patio that looked over a gorgeous field of sunflowers.

“Elio planted those,” she said over her shoulder as I followed her down a little path that hid us amongst the tall flowers. “He wanted me to have a spot that was just mine where I could be alone.” She smiled at me then reached out and pushed aside some of the huge flower heads. I gasped as I took in the white hammock tied up between two trees and tucked into the garden in a way that allowed a private view of the property. “When you’re here, no one can see you. It’s where I come when the outside world becomes too much.”

“It’s beautiful.” I stepped by her and sat in the hammock to get the full effect.

She joined me, and we swayed and sipped our wine in the cool night air. “I know you’re only here for a few days, but I also know you’ve been dealing with a lot. So, if you ever need to slip away, I’d be happy to share my spot with you.”

My father’s face flashed in front of me, and I let out an unexpected sigh. “I appreciate this so much. Thank you, Sienna.”

“I’m happy you came along.” She ran her hand down her necklace and fiddled with the two pendants at the bottom. “I would never pry, but I want you to know I understand the position you’re in. I’ve been there.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes.” She cleared her throat. “It’s been years, but that feeling of thinking you’re adding to the problems that storm around you doesn’t go away very easily.”

“No, it doesn’t.” I knew exactly what she meant. “It’s lonely at times,” I confessed.

“Very.” She looked down. “I know they all love me,” she nodded back toward the house, “but the looks on their faces when…” She shifted in her seat. “The truth is scars don’t always heal smoothly, and the memories don’t always fade completely away either. I’m just saying if you ever do need to talk, I’m here for you. I don’t want you to feel the way I did and think you’re all alone.”

I let her words sink in. “I don’t think I realized how much I needed someone from the outside to say that to me.” I squeezed her hand gently. “Thanks, Sienna.” She smiled, but I could see her own past still hurt her at times. We both tuned in to the night as the crickets started to play their evening song and a breeze swayed through the garden.

“As much as I could spend the night here,” Sienna pushed to her feet, “we should go back up before the others begin to look for you.”

“I suppose.” I hated to leave, but she was right. It would be impolite to leave my friends much longer.

When we stepped out of the high flowers, I found Grim waiting for me. When Elio saw me, he slapped Grim on the chest.

“See, they’re never far.” Elio reached for his wife, and they walked arm and arm back to the house. Sienna gave me a wave as they left.

“It might be wise for you tell me when you’re going to sneak off.” Grim undid the top button of his shirt. He sounded frustrated.

I licked around my mouth, suddenly irritated with his comment. “I was with Sienna, Grim. I hardly think that was sneaking off.” I brushed past him, and he followed me.

“I don’t like it when I can’t see you.” He tapped my hip when I wasn’t sure which way to go when we reached the house.

The rest of the evening went by quickly, and after our goodnights, Grim led me upstairs. I had no idea where my bedroom would be, but he seemed to know exactly where to go.

“Ah, yes, this place probably isn’t crawling with cameras like back home.” I chuckled. I knew it would piss him off. “I think I’m going to enjoy this vacation.” He steered me left down a very long hallway. I spotted an open door and saw my suitcase inside. “Well, on that note,” I stepped inside and turned to find him towering over me, “good night.”

He reached back and kicked the door shut with a smirk. “We’re sharing a room, sweetheart. Now, lose the dress.”

Grim lay heavily against me, his arm over my back and his hand cupped around my breast in a near dead sleep. The man was a beast—not that I would ever complain—but I needed to move, and I was determined not to miss a single moment of Italy. I managed to shimmy out of the bed, shower, and dress without waking the man who looked like a sketchbook drawing against the crisp white sheets. God, he was gorgeous. I snatched my sunglasses and my bag and headed downstairs.

“Good morning,” Piero, Elio’s father, greeted me as I entered the kitchen. He was perched at the large island reading the paper while a man dressed in a chef’s outfit was rolling out some pastry dough. I liked the fact that Piero was here in the kitchen and not secluded in an office away from the family and staff. All signs that it was a big, happy home, and everyone co-existed as one big family.

“Good morning. Is anyone else awake?”

Just as the words came out, Sienna walked in. “I love that you’re up early,” she said, beaming. “I’m heading to the market. Would you care to join me?” Piero gave her a glance, and she sighed softly. “Vinni’s pulling the car around.”

“Good.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Be careful.”

“When have I not?” She playfully rolled her eyes. “The men in my world are so protective.”

“Don’t I know it.” I laughed as she led the way to the car.

Vinni was something else. He was kind, funny, and gave Sienna a massive amount of shit, which she happily took and gave right back. I wished the other girls were there to witness it. I knew my friends, though, and Minnie and Tess loved to sleep in.

When the car stopped in the plaza, Vinni and three other members of their security got out. Each was attractive in their own way, but one in particular was very handsome.

“I know.” Sienna seemed to read my mind as we made our way toward the fresh vegetable tables. “His ass is so tight you could bounce a dime off of it.” She laughed.

“It’s not just the ass, it’s the arms, the hair…” I played along as Vinni glanced back with an impressed grin.

Sienna crossed her arms. “Don’t act like you never stared at him.”

Vinni rolled his eyes and went back to scanning the area.

My head was on a swivel with all the stonework and history Italy offered. Not to mention the gorgeous flowers and friendly faces. “Are you happy here? Do you miss Sicily?”

“At first, yes,” she threaded her arm through mine, “but Montepulciano has my heart now.”

“I’m glad.” Suddenly, something amazing found its way to my nose and I headed for it. “Sienna, what is that smell?”

“Oh! That’s soup.” She tugged my arm, and we turned down a different street. The guys had to pivot to keep up.

We stopped at a vendor who was set up a little away from the others. “They have to sell down here, because at mealtime the line is so long it clogs the rest of the market.” She handed the lady some money, and we watched her pour the soup into a bowl, then she held it up for me to try. As soon as the taste smothered my tongue, I let out a moan. It was as if someone poured heaven in a cup and he himself served it to me.

“I know. I swear after I discovered this soup I paid for their children’s first year of school.” She spoke to the couple, and they thanked me a few times as they bagged some for me to take with me. We thanked the couple, and as we did, two shots rang out, and in a split second the bag that held the container of soup flew in all directions and I felt myself being tackled hard to the ground. My heart dropped into my stomach as something sticky dripped down my face.

Sienna’s scream found my ears, and then I was jerked up and shoved behind Mr. Hotness. The security guard bled down his arm from a wound in his shoulder. More shots came, and he pressed my head down under the table. We kept low as he directed me to move with him behind two cars where Sienna was hunkered down with Vinni.

The four men communicated in Italian, and I kept watching their body language, trying to understand. Vinni raced off as more shots came, they seemed to be closer than before. I screamed as a bullet hit the tire very close to my side. More shots rang out, and Sienna shifted close to me and wrapped an arm around me.

“Who are they?” I somehow asked.

“I don’t know,” she yelped when another bullet got too close for comfort, “but there are a lot of them, and they’re close.”

Squealing tires found their way through the chaos, and a vehicle stopped in front of us. Mr. Hotness crouched and tried to reach up to open the car door, but dropped his hand as the door was sprayed with bullets. Finally, he managed to reach the handle of the back passenger door, it flew open, and we were both lifted off the ground and pushed inside.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

I screamed and tried to make myself smaller even though the car was bulletproof. Vinni wasted no time peeling out of there and around a corner at full speed. I was flung across the car and right into the arms of the hot security guard. He clamped a bloody arm over me like a seatbelt, and I had no choice but to hold on to him.

“Everyone okay?” Vinni called over his shoulder as he fought to keep the car on the road. “Sienna?”

“Yes.” She pressed a hand to her chest and tried to catch her breath. “Kenna?” I nodded in fear my voice would betray how terrified I was. “She’s okay, Vinni,” she answered for me.

I closed my eyes and counted my wild heartbeats. The gunshots echoed in my head, and I fought the fear that tightened around my chest. But it’s supposed to be over!

The car stopped, and I nearly trampled everyone to get out, but when I stood, my head went light. I twisted and reached for the car, only to have Mr. Hotness swoop me up as I lost my balance. Thankfully, I didn’t pass out.

“Sorry,” I whispered.

He looked at me intensely. “Don’t be sorry, signora .” His low voice grounded me.

“Get your hands off her!” Grim barked and pulled me into his arms. I sagged with relief at his familiar scent.

“I want a full report.” Elio threw out orders to the men, and they scattered. He pulled Sienna from the car and checked her over feverishly, then, relieved, he pressed his forehead to hers. He spoke softly to her in Italian, and she nodded and hugged him. He then looked at me, and I gave a small nod that I was fine as well. “Grim, your parents are on their way back. They turned around as soon as they heard the news.”

“Okay.” Grim ran a hand down my back.

I wanted a moment alone and was grateful Elio took Sienna toward the house as they saw his parents run outside.

“Hey,” Grim’s tone was soft, but still carried his normal edge, “what the hell just happened?” I hated that I wanted him to pick a fight because I felt all twisted and rattled inside.

I stepped back and wiped my sweaty forehead with the back of my hand. “Apparently, I have some pretty shitty karma banked, because I can’t even fly halfway around the world without someone wanting me dead.”

“Or maybe they were after Sienna.”

“Well, there were enough bullets for all of us, so…” I raised my hands and dropped them. “God!” I covered my face and tried to push the tears back, but they insisted on coming.

“Just take a breath.” He tried to soothe me, but I felt a flash of anger instead.

“Can’t you just say something prickish so we can fight?” I swiped my cheeks with a hiss, knowing I was being a bitch, but I couldn’t contain my emotions. “Seriously, stop being so damn nice. That’s not what we—” In a flash, he wrapped a hand around my throat and pushed me back into the car door to tower over me in that delicious way he did so well. His chest heaved against mine, and his pupils dilated to let me see the dark predator inside.

“You’d be wise to remember my dark side’s never far from the surface.” He swiped his tongue along my jaw as he breathed me in, and all the fear from before was replaced with a deep ache between my legs. “Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness.” He kissed my pulsing heartbeat. “But I crave you, sweetheart , and if anything happens to you…” he pulled back, and so much darkness flickered from his eyes that I swallowed hard, “it’ll rain blood.” His promise held so much truth goosebumps burst over my skin. He dipped down and caught my lips with his. I had to clench my legs at that moment. “The girls are looking for you, so let’s get inside before I lose it with you any further.”

I pushed him away, but he caught my hand and pulled me back to him with an odd look. “Yeah?”

“Stay away from that guard,” he warned.

I smirked and tilted my head, loving that Mr. Hotness had gotten under Grim’s skin. “For someone who doesn’t care, you sure seem jealous.” I didn’t wait for a response. I headed inside; I needed my girls.

“See, he does want you!” Minnie beamed after I finished my story. She was stretched out like a lazy cat on the lounge chair by the bedroom window.

I shook my head. “No, he craves me physically,” I corrected. I pulled my dress up over my hips, “he’s addicted to our sex. I totally get it because I can’t imagine giving it up either. We’re addicted to each other. It’s amazing, but he doesn’t care for me in the way you think. I can only wish.”

“It’s Grim, Kenna.” Minnie’s face showed she cared. “He’s not a hearts and flowers kind of guy. Some men write poetry, some send you flowers, and then men like Grim threaten to kill anyone who touches you.” She swung her legs around and sat up. “Tess, I think it’s time.”

Tess flipped her hair over her shoulder and ran her fingers through her soft curls. “It’s been long enough since the desert.”

I looked at both of them in confusion. “Time for what?”

“This shade of lipstick,” Sienna eyed Minnie as she held up a tube of lipstick, “would match your dress perfectly.”

“You know what?” I took it from her and headed for the vanity, “I don’t even want to know. I have enough going on inside here, anyway.” I circled my head with my finger.

“Insert Rail.” Rail laughed as he popped out of nowhere with a joint between his fingers. “Some people call me a gift from God, but we all know I spread the breath of the Devil.” He puffed out a smoke ring, and I chuckled and reached out. I took a hit from it, and just as I sucked the warm smoke into my lungs, I caught Minnie’s glance at Tess. What were these three up to?

The party was held in an enormous room on the first floor of Hill House. Grim told me they’d go all out for this party, but no one could have prepared me for when I walked down the hallway to the top of the stairs and looked down.

The color theme was black and gold, and their family crest was hung proudly above the stage where a live band played. Black and deep red roses graced the tables, gold silk wrapped the chairs, tall pillars filled with water and gold dust sparkled and created what could only be described as a dream-like environment. Elio wore black, and Sienna dressed in a lavish gold dress as they greeted arriving guests.

I took my time to enjoy the incredibly striking scene below as I stepped down onto the first stair with my hand on the rail. I felt radiant in my sheath-style silhouette black and lace gown. It hugged all the right places, and the slit was perfectly placed to reveal my thigh as I descended to the dance floor. My hair was swept up, with a few pieces free to soften the look.

“Kenna.” Laurel was at my side in an instant. Her hands slid down my arms as she studied my face. “Are you hurt? We barely got back in time for the party. A truck had tipped over,” she rambled. “I just want to make sure you’re not hurt.”

I smiled warmly at Grim’s mom and loved that she cared enough to find me right away. “I’m fine. I just felt bad for Sienna. It was a close call.”

“For both of you,” she corrected. “Thank goodness you’re okay.” She dabbed at the corner of her eye. “I just needed to see you for myself.” I leaned in and hugged her. I was sure the fear of losing someone else was fresh on her mind.

“I’m fine, really,” I assured her, and she smiled and dabbed her eyes again.

“Good. In answer to your question earlier, I had Vinni check, and the couple who made the soup are fine. No one was hurt at the market.”

“Oh, I’m so glad. They were lovely.”

“Now,” she patted my hand, “I insist you put all that aside and enjoy this wonderful evening. I’m going to go and check my makeup. Isn’t this all so incredible?” She waved around at the room then touched my cheek before she rushed off, leaving me alone, or so I thought.

“Some requests are worth their weight in gold.” Niccola grinned as he held out his arm to me.

I threaded my arm through his. “Requests?”

He patted my hand but didn’t reply as he led me across the room. “Shall we get you something to drink?”

“Please.” I nodded. As we walked, a few people stopped to ask who I was, and we filled them in.

“It’s not often a beautiful new American face is invited and introduced at such an important gathering,” Niccola explained as we moved through the crowd. “Not since Sienna has there been such excitement. Everyone is dying to know who you are and how you fit in. But most importantly, the vultures.” He glared at a few older men who gawked at me. “Are you single and looking? They wonder.”

“I feel like I’m on an episode of Bridgerton.” I chuckled, and his brows pinched. Of course, he didn’t follow, and I waved it off. “Just a popular television show back home.”

“I see.” He patted my hand again. Something told me Niccola didn’t watch a lot of TV. “We’ll I’ve been asked to bring you here, and…” His voice trailed off as we approached Minnie. She stood by the tables and wore one of her smiles, the one that always meant she was up to no good. Her pretty face looked positively devious. She nodded to someone, and I tried to spot who, but I only saw Sienna, who nodded again at someone else.

“Why do I feel I’m missing something?” I moved my hands to my hips when Niccola stood straight as if uneasy. “I might look little, but I’ve been known to be scrappy.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He looked over my head and eyed someone.

“Pardon me,” Mr. Hotness the guard from earlier held out a gold hoop earring, “but this must have come off when you got out of the car.”

I rolled my eyes in Minnie’s direction. “Or did my friend over there,” I pointed at Minnie, “give you that so you had a reason to come over here?”

His grin was impressive as he stepped toward me. He totally ignored Niccola’s advice to keep moving. “Or maybe I asked her for the earring, so I had a reason to come over and speak to you.” He took my hand and gently laid the piece of jewelry in my palm. “A woman like you deserves to be swept off her feet.” He folded my fingers around the earring and turned my wrist to kiss the back of my hand.

It was all very romantic, at least it would be to some women, but as lovely as it all seemed, and I saw Minnie swoon, I was never the type to connect with that sort of thing.

His arm fell away when a hand clamped down on my hip and lips brushed my neck, drawing every nerve in my body to attention.

“There you are,” Grim muttered against my skin. “Emiliano, I see you’ve met Kenna.” Emiliano. So Mr. Hotness had a nice name.

He smiled and inclined his head to Grim then looked back at me. “ Mi scusi , I didn’t realize you belonged to anyone.”

Me either.

“Now you do.” Grim’s lips brushed my ear. “Let’s go, sweetheart.”

I held up the earring. “Thanks for returning it.” I smiled at Emiliano.

Grim pulled me away toward Minnie and Tess, who tapped their champagne glasses together with Cheshire Cat grins.

They were always causing shit.

His hand stayed firmly planted on my waist as we walked, and when we were far enough away from Emiliano, he cleared his throat. “I told you to stay away from him. I don’t like to repeat myself.” His face positively glowered.

I glanced around and saw an older couple gawking at Grim’s expression. I smiled, not wanting to make a scene. “First, he approached me, and second, who are you to tell people who I belong to? We aren’t even dating.”

He spun me and pressed my back to his front then slid a hand around my stomach. “When I have you in my bed,” he inched his fingers down and pressed them against me, “you belong to me and only me.”

My jaw dropped, and I fought to curb my temper. “Says the man who has women dripping off of him whenever he wants.”

“I’m not sleeping with any of them.” His other hand slid up over my mouth. “Fight me all you want,” he kissed my neck again, “but we both know it’s where we’ll end up. Where we belong.”

I went from fuming anger to a sudden, deep sadness. Everything hit me at once, and my chest heaved at the realization that I wanted more from Grim. I wanted it all. His arms loosened when he sensed my change in attitude, and I whirled to look up at him.

His face fell when he saw the pure devastation written across my face. I didn’t want to want Grim, but no matter how much I tried to push the feelings away, they somehow returned. He only saw me as a sex playmate, and the worst thing was, that was all my fault.

He reached out, and I stepped back. “What the hell just happened?”

“Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends.” Elio’s voice carried through the mic and around the room. I looked over and found Minnie watching me with a concerned expression.

“Nothing.” I swallowed back my heartache and tuned in to Elio.

“As you know from personal experience or from the articles released about our story, things have been anything but easy these past few years.” The crowd chuckled. “After much hard work, we are proud to say the Capri blood will live on as the one true blood to rule all of Italy.” He reached for Sienna and threaded his fingers through hers with a smile that would have melted the sun. “And the next in line for the thrones,” he laughed, “are our twins Marabella and Filippo He waved to the stairs, and we all turned to see their two youngsters., Filippo dressed in a black tux with a gold tie and Marabella in a black dress with gold flakes in the tule around the skirt. They held hands as they took the stairs carefully, one by one. The crowd clapped and cheered, and their little faces glowed with excitement.

Something caught my attention, and I swung my gaze over to Trigger dressed in a handsome suit and a scowl. Tess smirked at me. I knew she loved it when he had to dress up because he positively hated every minute of it. I had to smile, and I gave her a wink before I moved my attention to the stage.

Elio handed Sienna the mic, and she waited for the crowd to quiet down. “I know many of you still wonder about the future. I’ve been asked many, many times which of our twins will rule one day, who will run the family business, but we’ve decided they can do it together, or perhaps one can take the lead, but only time will tell. That is for them to decide.” She looked at Elio and mouthed “I love you,” then looked back at the crowd. “I think our own story is proof that making such large decisions for someone else is not always the right choice.”

“I love you, too.” Elio stepped forward, dipped her backward, and kissed her. Everyone went nuts, and I got it. They were madly in love. I felt despair, then it turned to disgust. What was I thinking? This wasn’t me. I didn’t want to be in love.

My head swam, and it felt like the room was too small.

I vaguely heard Elio announce something before a video came on of an old woman with devilish eyes. She hissed at the camera. The screen then split in two, and another man came into view. He had heavy bags under his eyes as he begged for mercy.

“We have provided a viewing room for those that wish to see the final moments of the Coppola bloodline.” Elio held up his fist. “History will be made on this day.

I decided I’d skip this one. A double murder wasn’t something I wanted to view on any given day.

“I need some air,” I muttered at Grim. I knew he couldn’t come after me because Elio was about to call him on stage. He’d warned Grim to be ready, as he wanted to thank him for his help.

“Hey, babe, where’s the fire?” Rail took a sip of his beer and soaked the cigarette that hung from his lips. He too was dressed up, minus the biker boots that peeked out from under his pants.

“Restroom.” I didn’t give much more as I rounded a corner and walked down a few halls then found a door that had been left open to reveal a lovely garden.

The garden was a great place to think. There were so many little pathways and turns. I was able to take a deep breath and mentally kick my own ass for being that person. Falling in love, that just wasn’t me. Then why did I feel the way I did, damn it? The soft earth under my heels made it easy to walk, and the smell of the fresh flowers helped ease the storm inside.

Deep breaths, Kenna.

It was then that I tuned in to a strange sound. I started to follow where it came from but stopped short when I caught sight of Vinni in a passionate kiss with another man.

I had no idea he enjoyed men. I turned around slowly, not wanting to break their moment, to find Sienna in front of me.

“Hey.” She looked over my shoulder, and I could tell by the way she smiled she was aware of what was going on around the other side of the trees. “They think they’re fooling me,” she whispered and motioned for me to follow her farther away from them, “but I know they’ve had something for years now.”

“You know who Vinni’s with?”

“ Sí. ” She chuckled but didn’t go any further, which I honestly respected. People should be entitled to their privacy.

“Shouldn’t you be on stage right now?”

She shrugged. “Grim and Elio can handle it. The two of them could win over a priest to commit a sin, so…” She laughed at her dark joke. “Frankly, I don’t need to waste another breath on Rosa and Tieri’s death. Once it’s truly done, that will be enough for me.” There was a lightness to her voice. “Knowing those two are finally gone forever will bring renewed peace for our family.” She looked concerned. “I saw you run out. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. I just needed a little air.” I turned away to look at some flowers.

“I heard you met Emiliano.”

I eyed her. “You heard? Or were you roped into something by those two matchmaking friends of mine?”

“He’s not hard on the eyes,” she side-stepped my comment, “and he’s also very single.”

I crossed my arms and huffed out a breath. “Honestly, between everything going on back in Vegas, our close call, and… and, well, Grim, I think I’m about done right now. Men, especially single ones are very low on my priority list.” I sagged onto the bench, feeling the weight of my life press down on me.

She studied me for a moment then touched a purple flower that hung off a bush. “I’m sorry, Kenna, that you got wrapped up in my life here. What happened at the market is just part of it all.”

“Sadly, it’s not overly new for me either.”

She sat next to me. “No, I guess not.” Her nose scrunched as she looked at me. “Have you been getting much sleep? No matter how many times I’ve been shot at, it takes its toll.”

“Grim tires me out,” I confessed, “but I’m fine in the sleep department. And yeah, this whole thing has been utterly exhausting.” I rubbed my forehead and sighed.

She stood and held out a hand. “Will you do something for me?”

“Sure. What?” I pushed to my feet and took her hand.

“Just humor me, okay? Come with me.”

I followed her back inside as thoughts of a soft pillow began to sound like a lovely idea.

* * *

The next morning came all too fast. The sun beat through the windows and woke me out of my deep sleep. Sienna had given me a tour of her library on the way upstairs the night before after I did as she asked. She said it was the perfect place if I needed time alone. She brought me a cozy blanket and urged me to rest there.

Tears prickled my eyes when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. Four missed calls from Grim and an endless number of text messages, also from Grim. Sienna had promised to explain my absence and make it okay with the others. I had been too exhausted to entertain the idea of going back to the party. I needed time to think.

I slipped out the side door and froze when I heard a voice.

“Why someone would look so guilty leaving a library makes me very curious as to what you might have read.” Vinni grinned.

“It’s a gift.” I smiled.

He took my arm and walked with me. A fancy breakfast table was set outside the open garden doors, and Andrea and Laurel enjoyed coffee in the lovely setting. Vinni gave me a hug and retreated into the house.

I straightened my shoulders and tried not to show I had shed tears the night before. “You’re all up early.” I smiled at them. It was just after seven thirty. “I figured you’d be tired after such a successful celebration.”

“Most everyone is still sleeping, but we’re on grandkid duty.” Andrea smiled proudly. “We wanted to let their parents have the morning off.”

“That’s kind.” I squinted at the sun and thought how nice it felt on my face.

Laurel slipped her hand into mine. “Are you feeling all right? You left the party early.”

“Yes.” I looked down. “I think yesterday took a toll on me.” A shiver ran through me. “But I’m feeling much better.”

“I’m so sorry all that happened. It must have been very frightening for you.” Andrea shook her head.

“It’s not like it’s something I haven’t been through before.” I huffed a breath and patted her shoulder. “Please don’t worry about it. I think I could use a walk in this beautiful sunshine, though.”

“Of course, dear.” Andrea smiled. “It’s a lovely day.” Then her face turned serious. “Just don’t venture off the grounds.”

“I can promise you I won’t.”

I waved and headed down the backside of the hill out toward a field that called my name. It was yellow for as far as I could see, the sunflowers swaying in the wind like ripples in the water.

The first row of giant sunflowers cast their shadows against the rich earth, and as I pushed through them, there was something comforting about the way they closed around me and seemed to shield me from the outside world. I snapped a photo from between the vibrant yellow petals as I looked up at the puffy clouds that stood out against the bright blue sky. I breathed in the heavenly scent of damp earth and flowers and kept walking deeper into the field.

The farther I went, the lighter I felt. My head seemed to let go of the heaviness, and my thoughts began to untangle. I knew the truth needed to be faced at some point, but I let my mind slowly find its way.

Sienna’s kindness came to me, and I couldn’t help but shed a tear at her expression the night before. “We’re more alike than you might realize, Kenna. Remember that whenever you feel alone.”

I loved my girls, but Sienna was different, quieter, and insightful. She was a survivor. She’d been put through hell in her life yet had come out of it all with soft edges. I could relate to that. Minnie would have torn my stalker to little bits and stomped on them and Tess may have blown his head off, but I didn’t have that inner animal inside. I was feisty and could deal with horny, difficult men, but that was about the extent of any killer instinct. I hadn’t forgotten that I’d killed someone, and it would stay with me forever, but in my heart, I knew it had been accidental. I had only wanted to talk to him. Matt Myers would always haunt my dreams.

I brushed my fingertips along the stems as I wove through the sunshine-colored flowers, deep in thought. My life had taken many turns in the last few months, and I wasn’t sure what the next few would look like. Maybe I should take the job with Yen Hong and…I stepped out into a clearing and saw a beautiful old church across an old, beaten road.

I listened for cars then crossed the road and followed a grassy path to where little steps led up to the doors. By the look of the place, it hadn’t been used in a very long time, but I wondered if Piero and Andrea had been married there. I could imagine the sound of people singing. Perhaps it had been here for hundreds of years, and my imagination saw it as it could have once been. It was so peaceful. It took a few tries, but I managed to open the door and step inside.

My phone lit up and spoiled the atmosphere. I glanced at it; it was a text message from Zara. I ignored it, but it reminded me I was holding a handy flashlight. I turned it on and shined it around the room. Dust and droppings were scattered around the floor, and the windowsills showed evidence that an animal or two lived there at some point. I moved down the aisle and spotted an old hymnal tucked in the back of one of the pews. I couldn’t help but wonder how many people had cracked open its spine and sung along to a long-ago service.

As I moved toward the podium, I admired the simple cross that had been carved and placed against the wall. I was entranced by the old building, and it felt wonderful to let myself explore. Curiosity got the best of me, and I followed the winding staircase to the very top. Sunlight streamed and dust flickered in swirly patterns as I looked up. Two large copper bells with an old ship rope hung in the center of the platform. I wasn’t a fan of heights, but I’d been brave enough to try the zipline in Vegas with a client a couple times. I shuffled over to the edge and looked over.

The view was spectacular. The Capri property was like a patchwork quilt. Yellows, greens, and browns swept right to the horizon. I snapped a few pictures to preserve the memory, but as I held the phone up to center the house in the middle of the screen, something moved into the frame. I lowered it to see a man looking around. He seemed to search for something…or someone. I was instantly on alert. A second man popped out of the sunflowers right where I had been earlier, and he too seemed to be searching. He stayed low as if he did not to want to let the first man see him.

Then another man appeared, and another. My heart began to thump like a drum. A call pushed through, and I quickly tapped the button to answer it and crouched so no one could spot me.

“Hey, girl, I have a sexy-ass bikini on, a morning margarita here at Elio’s house, and no one’s ar?—"

“Tess,” I whispered harshly, “Tess, there are men here.” I tried to get my words out as a painful dose of fear raced through me.

“Shit,” I heard glass break, “where are you?”

“I’m at a?—”

“Jesse!” she screamed into the microphone. “It’s Kenna. She’s—where are you, Kenna?”

“A church.” I heard the door open below, and I squeezed my eyes shut and took a breath to calm myself. “At the end of the flower field, there’s an old church,” I whispered. “They’re close, but they don’t know I’m up here.”

“Find Grim!” I heard Jesse bark at Tess, then the phone made a sound, and he took over the call. “Kenna, stay low and keep out of sight.” I nodded like he could see me, but there was no place I could hide except to stay put, and it wouldn’t keep me hidden for long. “Can you work your way back to the house? Or to a road?”

“No.” I pulled my knees to my chest as I heard his shoes pound the pebbles. “Do you think they think I’m Sienna?”

“I’m thinking not.” He sounded like he jumped over something, and I stifled a squeak when I heard a crash at the bottom of the stairs. Suddenly, footsteps echoed up the steps, and I knew I had moments left. I pressed myself into a shadow and tried to make myself smaller.

“Jesse,” I was panicked but somehow managed to keep my voice low, “they’re here.” I licked my lips, and my mind spun with all the things they could do to me. “Jesse, I need to tell you something.”

“I’m here,” he cut me off with a pant. “Where are you?”

Tears ran down my face. “I’m up in the tower,” I screamed as my legs were yanked and I was dragged straight out on my back. I screamed so hard that it felt like the tissue was torn from my lungs. I kicked hard as hands grabbed my waist.

“Smile, bella .” A phone was thrust in my face. I screamed and bucked as I felt his grip tighten. He tried to take a picture, and I knocked his knife away from my throat. It cut into my collarbone but missed my artery. He grunted something in Italian and squeezed my wrist hard enough to fracture a bone. I screamed again, knowing Jesse was nearby.

This man was skilled; he knew exactly what I was going to do before I did. In one smooth motion, he had zip-ties around my wrists, and I was pulled to my feet.

A shot rang out, and he flinched.

Jesse!

My attacker slumped and fell back down the steps, but before I could take a breath, another man’s head appeared.

No!