Flawless Desire

CALEB

They came after Juliet.

The thought haunts me as I stride down the street, elbowing my way through pedestrians on my single-minded mission.

I can’t believe I let it get this far. They could have hurt her.

Or worse.

A guy knocks into me, and I whirl on him. “Watch where you’re going!” I bark, and he just laughs.

“Whatever, dude.”

In a flash, I have him up against the wall, choking under my death grip.

“What… The fuck?” he garbles, gasping for air. I nearly pound his face into the concrete, but I catch myself just in time.

Pull it together, Sterling.

I step back, releasing him. He whimpers, and turns on his heel to run. I catch the looks of wide-eyed fear around me, and keep walking.

Attention is the last thing I need right now.

But anger drives me on, block after city block. Anger, and guilt.

Because I did this. I put her in harm’s way. I thought I had it handled, but now, Nero Barretti is sending a clear message:

Nothing’s off limits.

Nobody is safe if he decides to strike.

He’s gone too far now.

I thought I’d do anything to protect my family’s legacy. But it’s nothing compared to the lengths I’ll go to protect Juliet.