Page 39 of Taboo Flames

Then, I shoot a text to Fiore asking him to meet me at the mall with some of my other men before I grab my car keys and head out.

It’s only when I’m about to drive out that I remember to text Aurora about my absence. I tell her I’ll be back in no time before I burn rubber out of the compound.

As the distance between my house and the mall gets eaten up, my anger rises to the surface. My anger is like a sharpened blade, and it’s willing to cut down anybody in its path.

Luckily, I know how to wield it and keep it sheathed until it’s needed.

When I get to the mall, my men are already parked in the parking lot, looking like they are ready to go to war.

I nod at Fiore in acknowledgment and walk past my other men into the building. The useless mall security try to stop our entrance but then they take one look at the expression on my face and wisely tuck their tails and flee.

“Get them,” I order. I have no plans of letting them walk free after they let harm come to my woman.

They clearly don’t know their job descriptions and obviously need someone to teach it to them. Well, I’m more than willing to give them a crash course they won’t forget in a hurry.

As some of my men disperse to chase after the fleeing security, the rest join me as we walk deeper into the building.

Most of the shoppers see us and turn in the opposite direction, while others hide their children behind their backs. Good for them. If anybody comes in my way, whether by accident or not, I won’t fail to shoot my way through them.

“Where’s the manager’s office?” I ask Fiore.

“Up there.” He gestures at a door on the second floor, and we make our way there.

I take the stairs one after the other while my men dash up. I’m halfway up the stairs when they burst down his door and flood in. By the time I’m standing at the top of the stairs, they’re pulling out the little sniveling weasel.

“We meet again.” My smile is stiff and humorless.

He glares at me, gathering a little bit of bravado. “What do you think you are doing? This is against the law. I’ll have you know that?—”

“Fiore,” I cut him off, “I want all the footage from today combed through carefully until you find that bitch.”

“Yes, boss.”

“You can’t do that,” the manager roars. “You don’t have the authorization to?—”

“As of twenty-two minutes ago, this building became mine, so yes, I do have the authority,” I tell him. “But you should save your protests for when I’m taking you apart, one bone at a time.”

I signal at one of my men, and he grabs the manager by the underarms and begins to drag him toward the nearest staff bathroom.

“Help me, help me!” the manager screams as he’s being dragged away.

Everybody who passes by ignores him, keeping their faces carefully averted. They are wise enough to know there are some issues one doesn’t poke their nose into if they don’t want to get in trouble.

One of my men passes me my brass knuckle ring while another holds the manager in place.

“What’s your name?” I ask softly.

He stares at my hands in terror. “Please. I had nothing to do with what happened to Miss Vitale. She’s a loyal customer, and I respect the Vitales?—”

“That’s not what I asked you. Keep Aurora’s name out of your mouth,” I snap.

He swallows nervously. “Elijah.”

“Elijah, I’m feeling gracious. Benevolent, if you will.” I say. “So I’ll give you one chance to tell me everything you know. I’ll bring it out of you one way or the other, but you can choose whether you’ll remain recognizable or not.”

“I don’t know anything,” he says desperately.

I pull my fist back and bring it down in an uppercut to his jaw. His jaw makes a crunching sound, and blood pours out the side of his mouth.

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