Page 88 of Salvatore

“How the hell was it supposed to go down?when you’re pitting every last boss against you?”

Vin pauses. He knows I’m pissed. That doesn’t stop the words that shoot out of his mouth. Because he’s scared and because he’s not God damn here to take care of his own business?because he fucked up yet again?he plays the boss card, and he plays it hard. “Devan has the jeep for you. Ammo and the pieces you need are in the glove compartment. You’re going to go to the compound, you’re going to back-up Lucca, and you’re going to take care of whoever threatens my position. Do you understand me, Sal? You need to do this.”

“You motherfucker,” I bite out.

The silence on the other line is like a death warrant itself. He didn’t just set me up, he put everyone I love in danger. If Vin was standing in front of me, I swear to Christ I’d choke him with my bare hands.

“I’m not asking you,” he says, making like I didn’t call him what I did. “I’m telling you, do this.”

He disconnects. It takes all I can not to tear this room apart.

He wanted me here for backup. He knew?knew?I wouldn’t just hop on a plane and leave the country. So, he sweetened the opportunity by inviting my family.

Rage quivers my hand. It’s Aedry’s sweet voice that forces me to get it together. She knocks lightly on the door. “Salvatore? I’m sorry to interrupt, but the appetizers are ready.”

I don’t answer, wrestling with whether to snag her and my boys and get the hell out of here or do what Vin asks. If I try to escape, Vin will put a hit on me to keep face. No, that asshole won’t do it himself. He hasn’t got the balls. But the shit he’s sending me to do . . . no way in hell will I get out of this alive without blowing someone’s head off.

“Salvatore?” Aedry calls once more.

I swipe at my face, not realizing how bad I’m sweating until then. “Give me a minute, babe,” I tell her. From the years and shit I’ve been handed, I shouldn’t be surprised how steady I keep my voice. It comes with practice. But with Aedry and my family in danger . . . that’s trouble I never counted on?not out of the country?not away from where I can protect them.

Right now, I don’t have a choice. Right now, I’m Vin’s bitch and he damn well knows it.

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