The Deliverance of Dilan (The Syndicate #4) by Kathy Coopmans Page A

life better than most of us. They’ve lived it, breathed it. Alina wanted out of it. And here every single one of us stands, preparing for the biggest battle of our lives. But nothing will prepare any of us for what’s in store. I’m not stupid. I know an empire is about to crash. It’s going to be tough. There isn’t any room for failure.
    As I take in the likes of my family and friends around me tonight, one thing is for damn sure: these women are as badass as their men. And I’m about to go get my own woman.
    I say goodnight to my parents. They look at me with emotions galore. Love, respect, and support. I nod in the direction of Aidan and Cain then walk out of the room, shutting my phone off as well as the bitch’s, who won’t have fingers to even dial the motherfucker by the time we’re through with her.
    It takes me one minute to stomp the phone into pieces. I yank out the device before I pick up what’s left of it and shove the shiny, cracked pieces into the garbage. For tonight, they can think she’s here. Tomorrow, this fucker will be buried at the muddy bottom of the Hudson River.
    Right now, though, I’m heading to the room of the woman I need to protect. We may all be caught up in this shit, but Anna has no idea the good and the bad that will come out of what she did tonight. She not only saved me, she made it possible for me to be with her. Whether she likes it or not, Anna now has a bodyguard.

CHAPTER FIVE
    ANNA
     
     
    “You’ve hardly touched your food, sweetheart,” mom whispers in my ear. “I know.” I’ve been pushing it around my plate, taking small bites here and there, hoping no one will notice. After that entire scene happened, I lost my appetite along with wanting to be here. I’m bitter, hurt, and angry. Dilan never said a word to me, acted as if he didn’t know me at all. A part of me wants to believe he did it to protect me from her. But why? And now he’s gone. Cain and Aidan came back in shortly after, but no Dilan and no John.
    An instinct in my stomach I cannot ignore, weighs heavily on me. Something I cannot explain. Dilan is in trouble, or he’s about to be. I’m angry, because I want to help him when I shouldn’t care at all. I’m bitter, because no one will tell me what the hell is going on. I’m stuck in my own head. It’s inhabited by him, and I’m tired of it. I’ve been hesitating at the approaching yellow light for too long, deciding if I should stop or go. Every time I make the decision to go, I’m hit by a big truck. It’s maddening. How many times do I have to remind myself he doesn’t want me?
    “I’m going to my room for a bit. Give me a little time,” I tell my mom as I toss my napkin on the table, excusing myself. “Anna,” she calls out, gently placing her hand over the top of mine when I stand. “Please come back. Don’t let this ruin your night.” Her expression showcases how worried she is. “Just a little time, mom. Don’t worry.” I grab my clutch and head for the door. I sigh the minute I escape. Guilt washes over me for leaving. I have no intentions of returning. All I want to do is lie in bed and cry myself to sleep. It’s weak of me to do so. Especially when that’s all I did for months after he left.
    My feet carry me to the elevator, my heart dropping the minute the doors shut and I’m finally alone. Pressing the button for the eighth floor, I sag against the wall. The need to strip out of this dress burns away at me. I hate this. All of this was for him. And he didn’t even notice. Bastard.
    I step off of the elevator. No need to hold my head up any longer. I feel defeated. Angry. Bitter. And so damn mad at myself. By the time I make it down the hall to my room, retrieve my key card out of my clutch and slide it in, the tears hit full force. I open the door, closing it behind me, and I cry as I sink my ass down on the cold tile floor. This makes me even angrier. I cry for what was never mine in the first place. I cry