The Wrath of Cain (The Syndicate, #1)(69)

That brings us to right now. We’re riding in the back of a hired car to deter any suspicion from us.

“Are you nervous?” I whisper into her ear, the tall buildings of New York City coming into view.

“Anxious is more like it. I can’t believe we’re staying in a penthouse on Park Avenue. It’s crazy.”

I pull her into me, her breath blows warmly across my heated skin. The smell of her hair envelops me. My dick goes nuts, even with her mom and dad sitting in the seat opposite of us. I exhale and will the son of a bitch to keep himself in check, my brain telling him she’s still hurting.

“Calla. I almost forgot. Here.”

Her mom digs through her bag on the floor then slants forward, handing her a large envelope.

“What’s this?”

I look up at her mother, who sits back at ease with a shit-eating grin on her face.

“Nothing major, just some papers my mom printed off for me.”

I seize the envelope right out of her delicate little hands.

She laughs, not even trying to attempt to take it back.

“It’s an application for the NYU School of Law. Happy now?”

I kiss the top of her head.

“Very f*cking happy.”





Chapter Twenty-Four


Calla




I have never seen a building so tall, the outside so modernly constructed in my life. Craning my neck towards the sky, I stare up.

“How tall is this building? And please don’t tell me we’re all the way at the top?”

Cain’s arms snake around me from behind.

“Not all the way. About three quarters up. I’m not sure how tall it is. Enough to give us a perfect view of the city. You’re going to love it.”

The idea of being able to see the city excites me, although it may take some time to get used to. Heights and I don’t seem to get along very well. I remember the time my parents and I were on vacation. I had been so determined I was going to go on the new roller coaster. The minute we started the slow climb up, I squeezed my dad’s hand in a death grip and wouldn’t let go. As we started to descend, my stomach flew into my throat. I had to hold my breath all the way down, scared out of my mind.

Dad thought it was funny. Me, not so much. Especially when the moment we jumped off, I threw up all over the place. Not a pretty sight for a thirteen-year-old girl to have her head shoved into a garbage can while she throws up her lunch.

I chance a glance at my dad, who retrieves the last of our bags out of the back of the car, tips the driver, and gives me a knowing look as if he is remembering the same thing as I am.

“It’s nothing like that roller coaster, Calla. Now grab one of these suitcases and move your ass.”

I comply without delay, grabbing the handle of the suitcase and following behind my parents inside.

“Wow.”

I freeze for a moment, giving myself time to check out the lobby. It’s very chic and extremely elegant. A red wall runs down one side. The other side is all windows and doors leading back outside. Black and white leather furniture is grouped into small seating areas. My heels click across the marble tiled floor when I have to pick up the pace to catch up. The sound is delightful.

My favorite pair of Louboutins survived that horrible night I would just as soon forget. Even though at the time I would have loved nothing better than to have been able to stab both of Emerald’s eyes with the heels of my shoes, now I’m thankful I didn’t.

I continue on, feeling safe, shoving that night deep into the back of my mind. We stop briefly at the security desk where I’m introduced to two of the security guards. Both men are young and good-looking.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” they say in unison.

The bigger one of the two eyes me from head to toe. Cain growls from behind me.

“Nice to meet you, too,” I say politely.

“Let us know if you ever need anything, Mrs. Bexley,” he says.

I return his smile.

“Thank you.”

We make our way toward the elevator, leaving the two men behind. I elbow Cain.

“Jealous?”

“No. The opposite. They can look all they want. Now if they touch...” He quirks up a brow.

I roll my eyes.

The elevator dings just as we approach.

“We’re on the Forty-ninth floor and you’re on Fiftieth.,” Dad says as he pushes both buttons. The elevators close and we ascend rapidly. Even the elevator floor is marble. Good lord.

I’m anxious to see the inside. The view. To soak in the tub overlooking the city that Lola went on and on about. I pray my stomach will be able to take it. I’d hate to disappoint Cain.

I know he built his house back in Michigan with hopes of us living there. We haven’t talked much about why he wants to live here. When we were younger, he did always talk about moving away from Detroit, with all of its drugs and violence, but there’s just as much, if not more, here.

Not to mention, no one knows Royal’s whereabouts. Everyone seems to think he has left the state. Salvatore is convinced he’s left the country. You would think I would be frightened after everything I’ve been through, but I can honestly say this is the safest I have felt since I first learned about my fate, and all the things I never knew about the six years I lived on my own. Maybe it’s the fact that my parents are close. Or the reality of Cain and I really trying to make our marriage work. Whatever it is, I’m ready to put the past behind me, and eager to start my new life with the only man I will ever love.