Loved: My Broken Hitman, #3

By Talia Ellison

After Theo and I break up, doing a job for the Skulls to return their favor seems like a welcome distraction for me. When I realize they're up to something that might have devastating consequences, I know I have to act, but I can't do it alone.

Theo is back in my life, but will he stay this time or will our paths separate forever?

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This is the third and final installment in the three-book My Broken Hitman series.

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Reading order:
BROKEN (Book 1)
TESTED (Book 2)
LOVED (Book 3)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Talia Ellison
• Release date: Jun 13, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386978114

Talia Ellison

Talia Ellison is the author of Hold Me, Unfold Me, the Loving Your Enemy series, the Your Love Is Dangerous series, Destroying the Billionaire, The Mafia Proposal series, the My Broken Hitman series, the Her Dark Mafia Heart duet, the Owned by the Mafia Queen series, the Never His duet, the Taking Revenge on Her Bully series, the Varano Mafia series, and Arranged: Cassaro Mafia. She loves to read and write all kinds of romance, and she has a thing for broken, tortured heroes and fierce heroines who aren't afraid to take what they want. When she’s not busy with a book, she likes to watch TV shows and listen to music. Never miss a new release! Sign up for Talia’s newsletter: https://taliaellison.weebly.com/newsletter.html

Book preview

Chapter 1

I STRODE DOWN A BUSY street, and one part of me was hoping I’d spot Theo in the crowd, even though that was impossible, because I knew he’d left the city. Since he’d officially become the head of the Bellandini family, he had probably gone back to his family home. I wished he hadn’t disappeared while I’d been sleeping and that we could’ve talked before he had made a drastic decision such as to leave and break up with me. Deep down, I could understand what he had done, because I’d seen how troubled he’d looked whenever his gaze fell on the scar on my stomach—the one I’d been left with after he shot me—and not even my forgiveness could change that.

Of course, his mother had sent him a letter begging him to come home and telling him who knows what, so it wouldn’t surprise me if she had found a way to manipulate him or force him to leave me for some reason. Still, he could’ve told me the truth. I couldn’t deny that I was annoyed, because I’d thought we were past that. There was only one thing I was sure about—I was going to find him and talk to him, and if after that he didn’t change his mind about us, then I’d have no choice but to move on.

But first, I had to meet with my ex-boyfriend and the leader of the Crystal Skulls, Max. He’d helped me save Theo in exchange for a favor, and now, it was apparently time for me to return it. I had no idea what he wanted, but I couldn’t fight off the uneasy feeling in my stomach. Years ago, when I’d been a member of the Skulls, a small, secretive gang, they’d mostly been into petty theft, but sometimes they’d steal or smuggle something bigger.

My mind flew back to the time when I was a teen who wanted nothing more than to find a place for herself in the world. The Skulls were the first ones who had truly accepted me for who I was—I’d been a Goth girl who didn’t make friends easily—and then there was Max. I’d been stupid enough and crazy in what I thought was love, and let him pull me deeper into his world. Alcohol, drugs... I’d been on a downward spiral, but then Max had gotten shot, and his brush with death had been a much-needed wake-up call for me. I was so glad I’d gotten out of that mess.

I made my way down the alley where Max had asked me to meet with him. He was lounging against the wall of one of the buildings, his short black hair carefully combed, his blue eyes regarding me with curiosity.

It’s good to see you, Chiara, he said. Did you dye your hair? It looks amazing.

I frowned, because my long hair was as black as it had always been. No. Why do I have a feeling you’re going to ask me to do something I won’t like?

Oh, come on. It was just a compliment.

I crossed my arms. Well, I’m here now, so tell me. What do you need?

Your help with a job. Like good old times. We’re going to borrow something.

Borrow? You mean steal.

Shh. He lifted his fingers over his lips as he leaned toward me, the corners of his lips quirking up. No one can know about it.

Yeah, I know. I took a step back because I had no desire to stand so close to him. If I help you, then my debt to you will be repaid and after that I’m done. You’ll never ask anything like this of me ever again. I wouldn’t put it past him to try to trick me into coming back for more than one job, so I wanted to make sure he understood exactly what we had agreed on.

I’m well aware of our deal.

Good. So what are we going after? I wanted to know just how much danger I was going to be in, because I was sure Max wouldn’t have wasted the favor on some nonsense he could’ve gotten himself. If he needed me too, then whatever he wanted to steal was very important to him or to the Skulls.

You don’t have to worry about that. Your task will be to keep watch.

Okay, but who will I be watching out for? The cops? A gang? A mafia family? You can’t say that it doesn’t matter.

Everyone. We have to be quick and can’t let anyone catch us.

He wasn’t going to tell me anything, was he? I didn’t like that in the least. When and where? Maybe I could investigate it on my own.

Just come to the Fiera Cafe this Saturday at 9 p.m. I’ll be there. You’ll find out more about our plan once we’re all together. There might be some last minute changes, so I don’t want to say anything yet.

Right. Why did I have a feeling he was going to tell the Skulls everything and then bring me in while revealing as little detail as possible to me? Although, I was no longer their member, so I could understand why they didn’t trust me. But if they wanted me with them, then I should have enough info to be able to help them. Maybe Max really thought I’d disapprove of his plan, so he wanted to make sure there was less chance I’d back out of our deal. It couldn’t be that bad, though, could it? All I wanted was to no longer be in his debt anyway.

Don’t be late, Max added. If we want to succeed, our plan has to go smoothly.

Yeah, okay.

You don’t sound very enthusiastic. He narrowed his eyes at me. The Chiara I knew wouldn’t have been able to wait for some action.

The Chiara you knew is gone.

Are you sure about that? If my memory serves me correctly, you needed my help with a powerful mafia family.

I offered him a forced smile. If he thought he was going to convince me to join the Skulls again, he was wrong. That was different.

We’ll see.

Is there anything else you want to say to me or is this it? You could’ve just called.

No one must know about what we’re planning to do or where we’re going to meet. His face grew serious. Do you understand that?

Yeah, the Skull’s secrecy vow applies. I get it.

Good. See you then.

I gave him a brief nod and headed away from there. My phone rang when I was two blocks away from my apartment. My pulse quickened, because I thought it might be Theo, but when I pulled out my phone and saw the number on the screen, I was almost disappointed. It was my best friend Vix.

Hey, what’s up? I said, pretty sure I knew exactly what she was going to ask.

Hey. You didn’t respond to my text. I was worried something might’ve happened to you.

No, nothing happened. I’m fine. Okay, fine was definitely only referring to my physical state. Sorry, I had to do something.

Why did Theo take his father’s place? I thought he wasn’t interested in doing that.

Yeah, me too. But something came up. I’m not sure what. He didn’t tell me. I plan to find out. Do you maybe know if he’s at his family’s house?

Wait, are you saying you don’t even know where he is? Didn’t he tell you anything?

No, he just left me a breakup note.

What? Vix’s voice was so loud that I cringed. After everything you’ve done for him and...

Yeah, yeah. I know. You don’t have to tell me.

How could he have done that to you? It’s... I don’t know what to say.

He’s always been a complicated man. I bet he thinks he’s doing the right thing. So, do you know where he is? Or should I give the Cobras a call?

Yeah, he’s at his house. Please don’t tell me you’re planning to go to him. He’s the one who should be running after you and begging you to take him back.

Believe me, if we were talking about someone else, I wouldn’t even consider it. But it’s Theo. He probably has some misguided reasons for doing what he did, so if he really wants to break up with me, he’ll have to say it to my face.

Vix sighed. Alright. If there’s anything you need, let me know.

Thanks.

Oh, and if you convince him to change his mind, don’t forget to think about the possible dangers of being a Bellandini’s girlfriend. If Theo decides to follow in his father’s footsteps...

He’s nothing like his father, and yeah, I’m aware of the risks. But I didn’t want to overly concern myself with that before I got to talk to him. What would be the point in that if he stuck to his decision? I didn’t think breaking up with me was something that he really wanted or would do if the circumstances were different, but what if I was wrong? No, I couldn’t let the worm of doubt get in my head so soon.

Power can be seductive.

Can we continue this conversation after I talk to him? You’re depressing me.

"Ah, so you are hoping he’ll change his mind," she teased.

Stop it. How could I not hope? He and I had been through so much together, and I didn’t want to lose him.

Okay, but don’t forget to call me. Good luck.

I won’t. I really hoped that the next time I spoke with her, our conversation would be much more cheerful.

Chapter 2

I INHALED DEEPLY AS I stood right across from the house that not so long ago had been my prison. Why Theo had decided to come back here was still a big mystery to me, but maybe I’d finally get my answers. The guards were everywhere, and as soon as I approached the gate, one of them pointed his gun at me.

Hey, I said, lifting my hands up.

This is private property. You can’t be here, he said.

I came to talk to Theo Bellandini. Can you tell him Chiara’s here?

The guard blinked at me. He didn’t look familiar, and I wondered if the men who’d helped keep Theo and me captive here and who’d survived still had a job. Another guard stepped forward as he walked away, probably to contact Theo. I didn’t intend to go anywhere until Theo talked to me, so I hoped he wouldn’t get a crazy idea to refuse to see me.

Yes, sir, she says her name’s Chiara, I heard the guard repeat. Looking up at the nearest camera, I waved. A few moments later, the guard made his way toward me and opened the gate.

This way, please, he said, extending his arm. I followed him down the stone path. A shudder ran down my spine as we crossed the threshold. I really didn’t like being back here, but at least Franco Bellandini was gone forever, so my safety wasn’t something I should worry about.

The guard led me down a hallway and into a large living room, where I hadn’t been before. Four black leather sofas were at the end of the room. A shelf full of books completely covered one of the walls, and in the corner was a desk with three chairs and a cabinet with drinks. My heart accelerated as my gaze fell on Theo, who had his back turned to me and appeared to be looking through one of the big windows.

Leave us, he said, and the guard hurried to the door, closing it behind him. Theo’s dark brown eyes narrowed at me as soon as he turned around. His short black hair was just the right amount of messy, and the white dress shirt and dark blue jeans that he was wearing fit perfectly to his lean and strong body. I wanted to cross the room and kiss him, but I remained rooted to the spot.

Hey. I gave him a small smile when I realized he was hesitating.

Why are you here? I told you not to look for me, he said quietly.

First, I didn’t have to look for you, because I knew where you went. Second, leaving me with a breakup note is so not cool. And third, I deserve to know what’s going on.

He sighed. I’m sorry. I thought it would be easier for you if...

"You mean easier for you."

He leaned against the desk, scratching his head. Yeah. For both of us.

Is your mother here? I made a few steps toward him.

His gaze was on me, his hands clutching at the desk as if he was afraid to let go. No, I sent her away. She’s at one of my family’s vacation residences.

I know she sent you a letter. What did she say to convince you to do this?

She only told me what I should’ve known. I’m a Bellandini, and I always will be no matter what. I can’t and won’t drag you into this life with me.

And who cares about what I want or what you want, right? We should just let others dictate our lives.

It’s not that simple. If we were together, your life would always be in danger because of me. The last thing I want is for you to live your life while constantly having to look over your shoulder. You deserve so much better than that.

What makes you think I wouldn’t be willing to take that risk so I could be with you? Why did you come back here? I know you never wanted this, so what has changed? Help me understand. I inched closer to him, which seemed to make his breath hitch.

His eyes met mine. There are a lot of people who’d love to get their hands on all this. He spread his arms.

Would that be so bad? You don’t want any of it anyway. Or at least I thought he didn’t.

It’s not about what I want. No one can truly take over until I’m dead, because there’d always be a threat of me changing my mind and coming back to take what’s mine. And to get to me, they’d go after you. We’d never be free and we’d always be in danger, no matter where we went. Or if you were here by my side, there’d always be someone who’d want to see me fall and they’d use you to get what they want. Is that the life you’ve always dreamed of?

What’s with all the doom and gloom? I made a face. Are those threats you keep mentioning real or did your mother convince you they exist? If you know who they are, deal with them.

I already have with two of them. They came at me as soon as I set my foot in here. That’s why others will lie low for now. They’ll wait to get to know my weaknesses and me. And if they find out about you... Worry filled his eyes. I don’t know how long it’ll take for me to weed them all out or who else might get ideas to attack me. My father had plenty of enemies. I’m sure they’ll be coming for me too. Maybe not immediately, but... I don’t want anything to happen to you.

I was standing a breath away from him, and