Page 22 of Ivory Legacy

“I know, I know. We’ll find her, bro. Just sit tight for now, okay? Don’t do anything stupid.”

I grunted, ending the call. Sitting tight wasn’t my strong suit.

I signaled for the check, tossing some bills on the table. As I stood, a prickle ran down my spine. Something felt off.

Outside, I scanned the street. Nothing looked out of place, but years in this business had honed my instincts. The hair on the back of my neck stood up.

A black SUV idled across the street. Tinted windows. I casually adjusted my jacket, feeling the reassuring weight of my gun.

Was it the Carusos? Those bastards had been pushing into our territory lately. If they caught wind of Jade...

I quickened my pace, ducking into an alley. My mind raced. I needed to get somewhere safe, regroup. Figure out my next move.

One thing was certain – I wasn’t about to let anyone or anything stop me from finding Jade. Not the Carusos, not the cops, not even my own family. She was out there, carrying my child. And I’d burn this whole city down if that’s what it took to bring her home.

My phone buzzed. Marco again.

“What?” I snapped, pacing the alley.

“Calm down, man. Remember what the detective said – stay put.”

I kicked a trash can. “Fuck that. I can’t just sit around while Jade’s out there.”

“I get it, but we gotta play this smart. You go off half-cocked, you could blow the whole operation.”

I leaned against the brick wall, scrubbing a hand over my face. “I know, I know. It’s just...she’s pregnant, Marco. My kid’s out there.”

“I know, but…well, do you want me to call Dad?”

“Fuck no. Leave Dad out of this. I can handle myself.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure!” I replied.

“Okay. In that case, you have to calm down. Take a deep breath. I need you to trust me, alright?”

I took a deep breath. “Yeah. Okay.”

“Good. Now go home, get some rest. I’ll call if anything comes up.”

I hung up, my jaw clenched. Every instinct screamed at me to act, to do something. But Marco was right. I had to play this smart.

Back at my penthouse, I paced the office like a caged animal. Jade’s face haunted me – her smile, her eyes. The way she’d looked at me the last time I saw her.

“Fuck!” I slammed my fist into the wall.

I couldn’t sit still. Couldn’t think straight. My mind kept spinning through worst-case scenarios. What if the Carusos had her? What if she was hurt? What if–

No. I couldn’t go down that road. I had to stay focused, stay sharp. For Jade. For our baby.

I collapsed into my chair, head in my hands. How the hell had I let this happen?

I was Dante fucking Moretti.

I ran this city.

And I couldn’t even protect the woman I loved.

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