Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33088 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 165(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33088 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 165(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
“Yes, boss.”
Dom hits the end button and tosses the phone back to me. “Where have you heard his name?”
“My informant that led me to Walsh. He said that Gordon wanted Walsh to be there to handle something. He sent Mariana there to be snatched up.”
Gripping my bicep, he squeezes it and stares into my eyes. “Take a motherfucking deep breath and get your shit together. Tomorrow, you go get your girl, and then we’ll deal with that fucker.”
“I need her to be safe,” I breathe out, letting him know where I stand.
“I understand what you’re going through more than anyone. You just have to convince her that you’re not as crazy as you look.” He tugs on the lapel of my suit jacket with a chuckle.
“That’s gonna be a hard one.”
“For sure, but I’ll let Aria take a crack at it if you need her.” His wife would be a great help, but I don’t want to overwhelm Mariana since she’s probably already scared of me and who I am. Hell, she doesn’t even know my name, only that I’m deadly.
“Not right away, but I need her to get supplies that women need in the house by ten in the morning.”
“Okay. I’m sure my wife will be chomping at the bit when she finds out.” He walks toward the door and then turns back to add, “And get some rest—you look like shit.”
“Not all of us get to go home to the warmth of a good woman.”
“I know.” He grins from ear to ear.
Having my cousin’s support reassures me that things are going to be just fine. Now all I have to do is abduct my future wife.
The night is long as I devise my plan and the way I’m to capture Mariana, although half my plan involves fucking her brains out, which only sends me on a tangent, beating off like a fucking crazed man with her panties in my hand. In fact, I think I’ve officially gone off the deep end.
It’s well into the middle of the night, and sleep just won’t come. I get up and work out, bench pressing more than my weight until I’m bone tired, and then I hit the shower. Once I land in my bed, ass naked, I pass out with dreams of Mariana filling my head.
****
The sun’s peeping through the windows like a stalker as the last bit of sleep escapes my body. I wake up with a purpose as my phone pings loudly. Sent Tony D. to watch your prized possession. Get your lazy ass up.
I check the time, and it’s nearly ten. Fuck. I get up and dress as fast as humanly possible. Instead of my normal suit, I go with a pair of blue jeans and a black tee that hugs my muscles. I need to be ready to snatch her up easily, and a suit just won’t work.
I open the door and nearly collide with Aria and Domani. “Mom’s got the baby, so we’re bringing these in for your woman. Get going already.”
“Don’t keep her from me too long,” Aria says, smacking my chest.
“I’ll do my best.” I wink and leave them in my house. Domani has keys and can lock up after he’s done.
I’m about to get in my car when Tony D sends me a message. She’s on the move. Following a bit behind.
On my way.
He responds a moment later. Just a block from the shelter. A local restaurant.
Get a coffee and see what she’s up to. Don’t talk to her.
Understood.
I fly down there, but it takes me thirty-eight minutes. She’s no longer in the restaurant, but back at the shelter. Tony and I meet outside the shelter, just away from the lot in case they’re monitoring it. “Sorry. She just stayed long enough to fill out an application. She didn’t grab a bite or anything.”
“No. Thanks. I got this. You can do whatever else you have left.”
“Cool. She’s pretty, and in the wrong neighborhood.”
I don’t let it bother me because Tony’s just stating the obvious risk. “Don’t worry. I’ll fix that soon.”
“I’m sure you will.” He smirks because it’s obvious I’m a lost cause when it comes to her.
My phone rings just as Tony takes his leave. It’s Dom. “What’s going on?”
“I just got a call from Enrico. He says someone just pulled her tags.”
“What? I’m right here, and there ain’t no cops around.” I have a bullet with those motherfuckers’ names on them.
“Exactly. That means they’re on the hunt for her. Make your move soon. I’ll see who pulled it and find out who they’re on the take with.”
“Thanks.”
“That’s what family is for.” Damn right. We work together to protect our family and Mariana’s my family now.
I tuck away my phone after he ends the call, and I scope out the shelter.
I have to get my hands on her, and I tell myself it’s to make sure she’s kept her mouth shut. It’s been twenty-four hours since I saw her beautiful eyes full of fear and curiosity. I want to see pleasure shining through them as I make her mine.