Page 94 of Forever Mine

“Queridaget out of there!” I shout. “I’m coming. Liam is too. Just go hide somewhere safe!”

“No.”

“What?”

“I need … hold on. I’ll call you back.”

“What the fuck? No! Monica, don’t you dare hang up this phone!”

When she doesn’t respond, I look at the screen to see she’s ended the call. I’m still fifteen minutes away. I call Liam, and he doesn’t answer. I can feel my blood pressure rising with my anxiety as I try Monica’s phone again, and she doesn’t pick up.

“Fuck!” I roar as I pull up to a red light. I don’t have time for this. Myqueridaneeds me … but not nearly as much as I need her.

After blowing through three consecutive yellow lights, I blatantly run a red light before entering the interstate. Parts of Colorado interstates are seventy-five miles per hour, which I’m thankful for now. I’m also grateful for the lack of state patrol on the interstate today. I hit over one hundred before getting to the exit I need. They can fucking mail me a ticket. I don’t care. I need to get to Monica.

Pulling up to an abandoned warehouse a few miles south of Colorado Springs, I see Liam’s patrol car in my rearview mirror. He comes to a screeching stop beside me and holds his hand out, motioning for me to stay in my car. Fuck no, man. My girl is in there. I shake my head and get out, running to the door.

“God dammit, will none of you people ever listen to me?” I hear Liam grumble behind me as he grabs his gun and follows me inside.

Neither of us is prepared for what we find.

Three men are tied up in varying positions, and Monica sits atop the largest one while filing her nails. I actually rub my eyes, convinced this is a mirage my mind is making up. I glance at Liam, who stares at Monica with disbelief.

“Fucking awesome, crazy girl. You managed this?” he says as a grin spreads.

Monica looks up and gives us a beaming smile. “I did! You’d be amazing what you can accomplish once you tase someone.”

I cock an eyebrow at Liam, and he shrugs. “I gave her a taser last week. We decided not to tell you.”

Monica jumps off the largest guy, who groans as she accidentally kicks him in the stomach. She has all three guys tied in the same way, with their hands and feet bound in one giant bundle, but one of the guys is bowed backward. It looks painful, and I’m so fucking proud of her.

“Are you okay?” I ask softly as she stands before me. My hand cups her cheek as I stare into her eyes.

“I’m okay,tesoro. I knew you were coming,” she whispers before standing on her tiptoes to place her lips against mine. She lets out a blissful sigh as my arms wrap around her, picking her up so I can deepen the kiss.

“You’re never leaving my side again,” I mutter as I bury my head in her neck.

“I know,” Monica whispers.

Liam motions for me to come to stand by one of the guys. “He’s muttering something about your dad, Monica.”

Monica’s head whips in the direction of the guy.

“He’s not dead. Not yet, at least,” the guy murmurs.

“Why did you tell me he was?” Monica asks.

“Figured I could use it against you. Get you to do what I needed.”

“Why the fuck would you think that? I haven’t talked to the man in fifteen years. If he’s dead, so be it,” Monica says.

“You may not have talked to him, but he’s always known where you are and what you’ve been doing,” the guy says.

“Hold up. My father has kept tabs on me?” she bellows.

“Yes, Monica Rose. I have kept tabs on you,” a deep voice says from behind. I turn to find five Italian men lined up behind us.

“Holy shit,” Monica breathes.

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