Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 69945 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69945 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
I’d known there was a chance one of the men guarding us was a spy, but Roberto had been with Lucien for years.
“That’s a serious accusation. A deadly one.”
Warren swallowed hard. “Yes, sir, but it’s the only explanation, and he’s telling us there’s no trail. He’s right—except for the one that leads back to where he was supposed to be positioned.”
“Get Nate and bring in Roberto.”
“Yes, sir.”
“You’d better be right about this. I’m still deciding how to deal with you for this neglect.”
“Yes, sir. I should’ve seen this earlier. I regret that I didn’t.”
“As well you should.”
When they returned, it was obvious Roberto hadn’t been easy to subdue. His hands were cuffed behind him, and he was struggling to free himself from both men. One of his ankles was either badly sprained or broken, but that was the least of his concerns.
“Talk,” I said, looking at him.
“This is all wrong. Let me go. I didn’t do anything.”
“Really? Then why would Warren, at risk to his own life, accuse you?”
Tears began to roll down his face. “I didn’t have a choice.”
I pressed my gun underneath his chin, forcing his head up. “Tell me everything you know, and I’ll make this quick. That’s the best deal you’re going to get.”
“I don’t want to die.”
“That’s not an option you have anymore. Die quick or slow—that’s up to you.”
“She has my daughter.”
Damn she’d moved fast. “Who?”
“You know.”
“Say it,” I growled.
“Your ex-wife.”
“What’s your daughter’s name, and where is she being held?”
“Her name is Daisy, and I don’t know where she is. If your ex-wife finds out you killed me, then she’ll kill Daisy too. Please.”
Roberto wouldn’t get sympathy from me, but no way in hell would I let Lisa harm his daughter. I pulled out my phone and made a call.
X answered immediately. “If you’re calling to complain again—”
“I’m not. I have a guard who’s turned on me.”
“Don’t tell me you need my help dispatching him.”
I snorted. “Of course not, but Lisa has his daughter. She’s…” I looked down at the Roberto. “How old?”
“Six.”
“Six years old, and her name is Daisy. He doesn’t know where she is. I want her found and saved.”
“I’m on it now,” X said.
“Thank you.” I ended the call and focused on Roberto again. “I swear to you, I will do everything possible to find your daughter, keep her safe, and make sure she has a chance at a good life. Where is her mother?”
“I sent her to New York to stay with her cousin.”
“Her cousin’s name and location?” He told me. “I will find her too.”
“Thank you.”
He closed his eyes, and I shot him in the head. He was dead before he hit the ground.
The other men kept neutral expressions, but I knew they were wondering if they’d be the next to die. “You will return to whatever you were doing before being assigned to me at reduced pay. Do better and get this cleaned up.”
They’d gotten off lightly. Now I’d have to call Lucien and get better guards. I had no doubt Lisa knew where Corey was. X would likely say Corey needed to be moved, but I had no intention of letting him go anywhere else unless I went with him. No one knew how Lisa thought as well as I did. No one else could protect Corey as well as I could.
As well as an old man with a limp and a hand that only works some of the time?
I picked up the glass I’d been drinking from and threw it across the room. It shattered against the wall, and I watched the liquid drip down to the floor.
I wasn’t going to let her win again. This time, she would be the one left to die, and I would make sure I got the job done.
Corey was going to be safe. He was my responsibility. I would stop her. I had to because this was all my fault. I should have killed her the moment I realized she’d betrayed me.
That’s not the only reason you want to protect Corey.
Yes, it is. It has to be.
What happened in the gym, then? Was that about keeping him safe?
I’d fucked women since I’d recovered, but I’d never undressed in front of them. I hadn’t wanted anyone to see me, and I still didn’t. I needed to get off, but I also needed to keep distance between me and whoever I was fucking.
When Corey had taken hold of my arm and eased the pain, I felt…warm, alive in a way I hadn’t in forever. That got me confused.
It got you hard.
It had. For Corey.
You would have kissed him.
I can’t have an identity crisis now. I have to end Lisa’s plans. If I live through that….
I’ll dedicate more time to being part of Val and Vito’s lives. That’s enough. I don’t need anyone else.