Page 112 of Scarred Hearts

“Take her,” Tyler ordered, and Luke and Carmine pulled me under the ropes.

“Gentleman!” Tyler’s voice suddenly came through the speakers, and I glanced over my shoulder to see him with a microphone as I was being dragged away. “Ladies! We have a very special afterparty in the neighboring warehouse. Please join my family and I as we celebrate tonight’s match with our guests of honor, the Mussolini and the Pivovarov families!”

“What’s he doing?” I jerked away from Luke, but he seized me, dragging me to Ian’s office.

I didn’t know much about the Mussolini family, but I knew the Russians would never turn down being the guest of honor at any party. It was their weakness. Is Tyler about to sacrifice himself? Oh no! He’s going to give himself to them. I could feel it.

“Awe, Ivan,” he taunted. “Help Ivan out over here, and let’s get him next door.”

Luke slapped his hand over my mouth, putting his lips next to my ear. “It’s a setup. I’m getting you to safety.”

“We got her.” Giovanni Rovati and Valentino Greco appeared out of the sea of people exiting the warehouse.

“Thank you,” Luke replied with Carmine at my side, then turned to me. “They’re taking you to Ian and Jenna’s house where the others are, and hanging out until we get there.”

I wiped the blood from my face. “I don’t want to leave Ty. I can help!”

“I know, and you already have, more than you know,” he replied before lifting his gaze to Valentino and Giovanni. “Text me when you get there.” He exchanged a quick handshake with them, then patted my shoulder before sprinting away.

“LUKE!” I bellowed, but he didn’t turn back around.

27

EXECUTION

TYLER

The plan that had been brewing in my mind was about to be executed. The Mussolini’s had wreaked havoc on all of our lives for so long, but the Russians were the ones who took away my child and kept Giovanna from me. There could be no forgiveness for that. Tonight, would be the night of reckoning.

I carefully went over my detailed plan once again with Ian, Luke, Angelo, and Frankie, as well as Nico and Ice Man. I made sure every possible scenario was covered, and contingency plans were in place. Jacob had been brought into the fold, double-checking that all surrounding roads were clear, and no trains would be passing through during our operation.

Giovanni and Valentino were given strict instructions to watch over Amber, Aurora, Giovanna, Jade, Kirsten, and Nadia at my sister’s house for their safety and remain there until we returned. Though they were both in charge of their own families, we needed top tier protection for the evening, and though they were both bosses of their own families, they were happy to assist. Ian hadn’t wanted Jenna anywhere near the fight since he was working at the event. It was one less thing for him to worry about.

Our allies were all quietly instructed to leave the premises as soon as the fight ended, while we ushered our enemies to the neighboring warehouse. I shoved an earpiece into my ear, waiting for security to alert me that the final person had safely vacated, and he was leaving.

Some of our friends worked swiftly to set up the pretend party. Fake palm trees were adorned with glittering lights, casting a warm and inviting glow over the space. It transformed the once-drab warehouse into a lavish Vegas party, complete with neon lights and vibrant colors. The tables were filled with platters of decadent food and an array of sparkling drinks, giving the scene an air of luxury.

The casino section of the warehouse was also filled with a variety of lights, mimicking the atmosphere of a Las Vegas casino. Plush red area rugs strategically placed covered the floor, hiding any remnants of the gruesome massacres that took place here. The tables were decorated with sleek poker chips and ornate decks of cards, ready for their targets.

Nico positioned himself outside the warehouse, his keen eyes scanning each special guest as they filed into the building. We needed to make sure none of our drunk or high friends made it into the afterparty.

Ivan, still struggling to walk straight after our fight and his face unrecognizable, was supported by his brawny bodyguards, who helped him inside. I kept a watchful eye on him from a distance as the crowd dispersed around us. One by one, members of the Mussolini family arrived at the door, being allowed inside.

Not wanting to raise any suspicion, I quickly made my way back to Ian’s office, hastily changing back into my suit. I joined Angelo, Frankie, and Bruno, while Ian remained with Luke, Declan, Chance, and Ice Man. Standing in the center of the warehouse that had brought us so much trouble and heartache over the years, I smiled, knowing that this would be the last time I ever set foot inside its walls.

Ekaterina sauntered up to me, her stride oozing with confidence and a hint of menace. Her face was adorned with a smug expression as she spoke, “You broke the rules, Tyler. Tsk tsk.”

“I did no such thing, Kat,” I countered coolly. “Your brother played a very dirty game with my fiancée, and I had no choice but to respond the way I did. You would’ve done the same.”

Ivan hobbled over, still being supported by other men with an ice pack pressed against his bruised face. He lowered it, coming to a stop in front of me. “I want to murder you.”

“The feeling is mutual, Ivan,” I retorted with a sardonic smile as Ian approached.

“But,” Ivan continued through gritted teeth, “a deal’s a deal, and I will reluctantly play by your rules for now. But mark my words, we have a world of problems between us in the future.”

“Ah,” I let out a laugh, “I really look forward to that.”

Ian stepped in calmly, sensing my rising anger, and attempted to diffuse the situation. “Tonight, can we please call a temporary truce and enjoy a great night of entertainment and drinks together?” I was sure their suspicions would rise at Ian’s sudden calm and friendly demeanor since their last exchange had been heated.

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