Page 103 of Wicked King

Squirming out of my dress shoes with the laces still tied is no easy feat, but minutes later, I’ve done it. Only to have to repeat the painstaking procedure with my socks. The tight dress socks prove much more difficult to remove and twenty minutes later my shirt is soaked through with sweat, and I’m cursing like a madman. But my socks are finally off.

I don’t even want to consider what I’ll do if I actually manage to get the ropes off. Swim to shore? From the looks of it, I’m miles away from the nearest landmass. Something to deal with later. Just get the damned glass, coglione. My annoying inner voice sounds a lot like my twin, which now has me questioning my sanity.

Do I have heat stroke?

Am I too dehydrated?

I have no idea how long I’ve been on this damn deserted island.

None of that matters. Just free yourself from the ropes.

“I’m trying,” I shout at my non-existent brother.

Stretching my big toe, I trap the sea glass and lift it toward me. Somehow, after multiple attempts, I manage to drop the makeshift weapon in my lap. Now what? My hands are still bound behind me, and I have to figure out how to get the glass within reach of my fingers.

The rumble of a motor jerks my attention to the horizon. A glistening white speedboat races toward the island, and that dangerous hope blossoms once again. The glass is still between my thighs as I turn my chair so I’m facing my approaching captor.

Dark, wavy hair billows on the breeze as a familiar form begins to take shape.

The fucking housekeeper. Unbelievable.

Blanca Alvarez appears atop the boat in nothing but a bikini and sarong along with two burly men. I size up all three of them before they set foot on shore. I can take two of them easily, the third person would be the problem, and given that the third person is a woman, doubly so.

Not a gentleman, I remind myself.

You’re a husband, and your duty is to get home to your wife.

“Where’s Jia?” I bark the moment Blanca’s bare foot hits the sand.

“Relax, Mr. Rossi, your bride is just fine.” She saunters closer, guards flanking her sides. Each has a gun holstered at his waist, but neither of them is holding it. They don’t think I’m a threat. Or they hadn’t expected me to be awake and moving around, more likely.

“Prove it,” I growl.

“You’re not really in any position to make demands.”

“On the contrary, I’m fairly certain I hold all the power. Why else would you go through such lengths to capture me?” I shoot her a cocky smirk, the one I’ve perfected over the years.

Her lips twitch, and I already know I’ve got her. “I hope you’re enjoying our lovely tropical weather.” She stops a few feet in front of me and cocks a dark brow.

“I’d enjoy it a hell of a lot more if I wasn’t tied to this damned chair.”

“I’m sure you would. But I rather enjoy breathing, and I’m afraid you wouldn’t allow that if I set you free.”

“Try me. I’ve become an incredibly patient and understanding man since becoming a husband.”

A sharp cackle parts her ruby-red lips. “I bet you have.”

“What do you want, Blanca? Why am I here?”

“I want many things, Mr. Rossi, and I think you can help me attain them.”

“As I said before, I’d probably be more willing to hear you out if I wasn’t so damned uncomfortable.” I struggle with the binds, wincing for added effect. “And I still haven’t seen proof that my wife is alive and well at home in Manhattan. Without that, you don’t get merda.”

Blanca ticks her head at one of the big guys at her side. “Llama la.”

Luckily, I can pick up a lot of Spanish with Italian being my mother tongue. The guard takes his phone out and starts dialing. Then he flashes the screen in front of my face and presses the speaker button.

“Hello? Who is this?” Jia’s voice rings out across the line, and I can suddenly breathe again.

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