Page 120 of The Merciless King

Her.

Which I have.

“No,” she whispers, and I part my lips to speak.

But what is there to say?

Her face crumples as Frank screams. “Get her out of here now!”

She struggles as the armed man grabs her, and I reach for my gun, completely out of instinct. No man touches her.

She’s mine—

“I wouldn’t.” Dante warns, and I see the second gun point toward my head.

She’s not mine.

“I’m sorry,” I say quietly, but I doubt she hears over her crying. Hatred and pain line her face as we stare at one another until she disappears.

Someone could have killed me, and all I was focused on was Gianna. I almost don’t care. But it's time to face the music.

I turn to the mafia boss and wait.

“My daughter thinks you’re not to be trusted.”

What?

He laughs at my visible response.

Fuck you.

“Is Gianna in charge now?” I ask, knowing it will hurt his Italian pride.

“One word from me and your life is over. Watch your words.” Frank steps closer.

“And give up five billion dollars? I don’t think so.” I shake my head. “Your daughter is cock struck. I broke her heart. Not my first or my last.”

I realize my error when I slide my eyes over to Dante. But again, he says nothing. And I doubt he believes me.

“Or she’s right,” Salvatore says. “If you are who you say you are, get your buyer on the phone. I want proof. You’ve seen the produce. Now it’s time for you to show us your cards.”

Fuck.

My phone rings, startling us all and more guns lift.

“You want to talk to him?” Slowly, I raise my hand and Frank nods. It’s obviously not my buyer—but I’m hoping it’s a white knight in the form of the US Marine or two.

“Hey.”

“Head down, Brax,” Mack says in my ear as I hear the first pop, pop, pop.

Fuck.

I drop to the ground as gunfire surrounds me.

“You motherfucking traitor!” Frank Baldassare screams as he’s immediately surrounded by his soldiers and goes crashing to the ground.

“Goddamn you,” Dante says, and when I look his way, he has his Glock pointed directly at me as black-clad men pile into the room and bullets fly.

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