MAEVE’S POV

“You can’t be serious about taking her with you, Kaiden,” Rocco yells and steps before I can enter the car. I stare at his back in utter surprise and watch Kaiden sigh.

“For fuck sake, Leonardo. She is my freaking wife. We are married.” He spells it out like a child, but it doesn't ease Rocco’s tension.

“You think I didn't try to stop that? Maeve has a mind of her own. She doesn't belong in there. It is like tossing meat to hungry vultures.”

I find it a little annoying that he thinks I am just meat and harmless. In the actual sense, I can be a bone stuck in their throats. Maybe he isn't lying when he says he came back for me.

“I’m not a child, Rocco,” I say, but he doesn't listen. His gaze threatens to pull his brother down. “Rocco!” I call out, and he finally turns.

“You are my responsibility, Maeve. I have known you for years; I can’t afford to lose you.” There is worry in his voice and his face, too, so I can tell he means it. He cares about me.

I place my hand on his shoulder and send him a smile. “I will be fine, Ri. I promise.”

He seems to buy it for seconds until he turns to look at Kaiden again. “Anywhere she goes, I go.” He informs and holds the door open.

I watch Kaiden’s mouth twist, and his expression hardens, but it quickly disappears like a cloud of smoke.

“Fine.”

I don't protest because it feels relieving that someone on my team is joining me. I occasionally steal glances at them during the ride, trying to point out their differences and similarities, but these brothers are like heaven and earth, so distant.

We finally stop at this shabby-looking warehouse, and I am almost forced to ask him if we are in the wrong place, but I don’t. Who knows, there can be a secret entrance in the middle of a collapsing building, but there is.

“About time.” One of the men sitting in the circle says. My eyes trail over him, and I can remember him from the book Mr. Pendafield—the one who buys houses and shares in his mistresses’ names.

“I can see you all missed me. It took forever to get my wife dressed.” There is scarsam in his voice, but I catch their side glances the second they digest the word. He looks unbothered, and his shoulders are still as high as always as he settles right into the tenth chair, the only one in the middle.

“You got married? We didn't hear anything.” Mr Grimer shows his disgust and eyes me badly.

“Do I need permission for you all to touch my wife too?” He jokes, but they don’t laugh. It is obvious that they hate him, but he doesn't seem to care.

“How do you intend to rule with a woman this fragile-looking? Also, a nobody. You could have done better, Kaiden.” Idris Lawison speaks up, the man with the most disgusting secrets, and I scoff as I roll my eyes and hold my dress for support because I am just about to throw it all in his face. “We all agree that Vivian Danfred would have been a better match.”

Okay, that’s it. I am not about to stand here and listen to their little crappy tea party. “For someone with five daughters, you amuse me. Isn’t a parent supposed to know better than to bully another’s child?” I hear them gasp, but I don’t feel a little sorry.

Kaiden smiles. “We have urgent matters to discuss, men. Let’s begin.”

Idris slams his fist into his table. “Are you just going to ignore your wife badmouthing me?” He sounds angry.

Kaiden gasps, “Did she? I just thought she was pointing out the obvious.” The moment I hear my husband defend me, I let out a satisfactory smile.

There are murmurs among the others just before Idris storms out, annoyed. Some follow, and soon, just two of them are left.

“This isn't the way of a true leader, Kaiden. We meet again when you have your home under control.” Cale Benson says, shakes his head, and leaves with Xandy Daniel.

Kaiden’s mouth twists for a while before he stands before me. “What was that about, Maeve? Looking to get killed before your death time?” His brows are creased.

“She did nothing wrong. You tame your big dogs who can’t seem to put their tongues in their stinking mouths.” Rocco comes to my rescue, his hand grabbing mine firmly. I feel protected. He feels like an elder brother, like a father figure.

Kaiden plays with his tongue for a while, but I can tell he is trying to contain his anger. “Fine. Can you let her go now? I do not like other men holding what is mine.”

I watch as they both stand loggerhead with stares that could tear each other’s souls out.

“I can get to the car alone,” I say and snatch my hand. Rocco stares at me with the warmest look as I walk off.

“Stay the hell away from her, Kaiden. If you make the slightest attempt to hurt her, I will kill you.” I hear Rocco threaten, but I don’t wait for his brother’s response. “Get down, Maeve!”

His yell echoes and goes off in my head the second I step out before Rocco pushes me to the floor, shielding my body with his. The next thing I know is the sound of the bullet that tears through his stomach.

“Rocco!” I scream aloud as the world seems to swallow it up.

I am holding his body, my hand on his stomach shielding the blood, and my tears won't stop falling.

“Please don’t die.” My voice is shaking. I am afraid. I watch as he attempts to hold me before his eyes close.