Page 28 of Hunt

This is way to fucking easy. As we make our way across the casino floor, I catch a pair of familiar golden eyes. Silas watches me, his shock of silvery white hair stands out in the dark room. The look on his face is predatory as he glares at Gino’s arm slung around me. I wink at Sai. Dante must be around here somewhere too, watching me from some darkened corner. Possessive alphaholes.

Gino leads me out a side door and down a dimly lit hallway, his hand heavy on my lower back. We reach an ornate door at the end of the corridor and he produces a key card from his pocket, swiping it through the lock. The door swings open to reveal an opulent private suite, all plush velvet and glittering chandeliers. A well-stocked bar lines one wall, and floor-to-ceiling windows offer a stunning view of the glittering city skyline.

"Welcome to my little home away from home," Gino says with a smirk, ushering me inside. "Make yourself comfortable, baby. I'll fix us some drinks."

As he heads to the bar, I take in my surroundings, mentally mapping potential exits and scanning for security cameras. I perch myself on the edge of the lush king-sized bed, crossing my legs slowly. Gino turns back to me with two crystal tumblers of amber liquid, his eyes darkening as he rakes his gaze over my body.

"A beautiful cocktail for a beautiful lady," he rumbles, handing me a glass before settling beside me. He raises his own in a toast. "To a night neither of us will forget."

I clink my glass against his with a sultry smile, watching as he takes a deep swig of the potent liquor. I bring my own glass to my lips but don't let the liquid touch my tongue. I need to keep my wits sharp tonight.

Gino tosses back the rest of his drink and pours himself another generous measure. In no time, he's drained that one too, the alcohol hitting his bloodstream with swift efficiency. His pupils blow wide and his cheeks flush with intoxication.

"Now then," he slurs, setting his empty glass aside and turning to me with a sloppy grin. "Where were we?"

He reaches for me but I quickly dance out of his grasp, moving to stand behind him. I run my hands over his broad shoulders, feeling the tension coiled in his muscles. He relaxes under my touch, his head lolling back against my stomach.

"Mmm, I knew you'd be a feisty one," Gino chuckles lowly. "I like that in a woman."

My lip curls in disgust that he can't see. I slowly slide one hand into the slit of my dress, wrapping my fingers around the hilt of my knife. In a single swift motion, I whip the blade out and draw it across Gino's throat in a vicious slash.

He makes a wet, gurgling sound of shock as a red smile blossoms under his chin. His hands scrabble at his neck, trying fruitlessly to stem the urgent flow of lifeblood pouring from the wound. Crimson spills down the front of his crisp white dress shirt, blooming like macabre flowers against the fabric.

Gino pitches forward, the force of his fall sending him crashing into the bar. Cut crystal tumblers and expensive liquor bottles shatter on impact, sharp shards and pungent alcohol spraying across the plush carpet. Gino twitches and writhes in the glittering mess, choking on his own blood. His movementsslow and still as the life fades from his eyes, leaving them glassy and empty.

I stand over his prone form, chest heaving and knife dripping. Savage satisfaction surges through my veins. Another job done. Another reassurance that Mama will be safe and protected.

I quickly scan the room, making sure the scene looks like a tragic hit—a power player who partied too hard and pissed off the wrong person.

I retrieve Gino's key card from his pocket and swipe a monogrammed handkerchief from the bar, using it to thoroughly wipe down the hilt of my knife and door handle. Can't leave any trace of my presence.

The ivory silk comes away streaked with scarlet, Gino's life force forever staining the pretentious square of fabric. I slip the handkerchief into a plastic bag to dispose of later and sheath my blade, hiding all evidence of it beneath my dress once more.

I slip out of the suite and into the empty hallway, the click of the lock echoing behind me. I keep my stride purposeful but unhurried as I make my way back through the ornate casino, the pounding beat of music and flashing lights washing over me. I feel the adrenaline still singing in my veins, my heart thudding against my ribs with the thrill of the kill. The camera are down until midnight thanks to one of the De Luca pack hackers. It's the only reason I'll get away without a trace.

I weave my way through the throng of patrons, the cloying scent of perfume, alcohol and desperation thick in the air. Designer heels and polished loafers flash on the garish carpet as hands clutch drinks and slot machine levers. No one spares me a second glance, too caught up in their own hedonistic pursuits to notice a lone woman on a mission.

I keep my face carefully neutral, not letting the savage satisfaction show. To outside eyes, I'm just another patron,perhaps heading out for a smoke break or some fresh air. I resist the urge to break into a run, to put as much distance as possible between myself and Gino's cooling corpse. Patience and poise are key.

I finally reach the gilded front doors and step out into the cool night, the clamor of the casino muffling behind me. I pause to take a deep breath of crisp city air, the metallic tang of blood still sharp in my nose.

I force myself to maintain a leisurely pace as I stride down the sidewalk, blending into the bustling crowds of the city that never sleeps. Neon signs flicker overhead, bathing the streets in a kaleidoscope of color. The air is thick with the pungent aroma of greasy food carts, exhaust fumes, and stale beer wafting from the dive bars dotting the block.

I duck into a narrow alley, the towering buildings on either side blocking out the harsh artificial lights. The click of my heels echoes off the damp bricks as I fish a pack of cigarettes from my clutch. Just another clubgoer looking for a smoke break, nothing to see here.

I'm just about to round the corner when a large, rough hand clamps down on my bare shoulder, yanking me backwards. A yelp escapes my lips as I'm spun around and slammed against the alley wall, the cold stone biting into my back. A hulking figure looms over me, his features obscured by shadow.

My heart hammers against my ribs as I reach for the knife strapped to my thigh, but my attacker easily pins my wrists above my head in an iron grip. I thrash against him, but he just chuckles darkly, pressing his hard body against mine to keep me immobile.

"Easy there, Princess," a familiar deep voice rumbles in my ear. "You'll hurt yourself struggling like that."

I tilt my head back to glare up at Hector's smug face, barely illuminated by the distant street lights. Silas and Dantematerialize out of the shadows behind him, their eyes glinting with predatory intensity.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I hiss, still straining against Hector's hold. "I had everything under control."

Hector scoffs, his grip on my wrists tightening. "Sure didn't look like it from where I was standing, sweetheart. You let that slimy bastard put his hands all over you."

White hot anger lances through me and I bare my teeth. "It's called doing my fucking job, you neanderthal. How else was I supposed to get close enough to take him out?"

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