Page 72 of Red

Ian’s jaw clenched. “And Nico is fucking helping him because if he does, he could get the girl and possibly take over his family businesses.”

“It would be a slap in the face to his men who’ve been with him forever, but seeing as Nico comes from old family ties, they’d accept him,” Ash agreed.

“And having him hand deliver Melinda will only work to gain favor with the rest of his crew.” Erik’s muscles balled into tight fists throughout his body. They weren’t moving fast enough. He needed to get to Melinda.

“Peter will meet us at Bertucci’s.” Ash looked up from his phone.

“Then let’s get moving.” He had a man to kill and his woman to save. And a brother to deal with.

Chapter 26

The scent of lilacs dominated the room. Melinda sat on the narrow bed in the corner, staring at the bowl of potpourri perched on the end table. Other than the bed and the table, the dank room was devoid of furniture. No lamps, only one bulb hanging from the ceiling in the middle.

It reminded her of the secret basement at home. Cinderblock walls, concrete floor, and a steel toilet in the corner. It was a prison cell, not a room.

The drugs pumped into her to sedate her were still working their way out of her system, leaving her limp and drowsy. It had taken most of her strength to prop herself up against the wall when she first woke. Time ticked along as it normally did, she was sure, but she couldn’t tell. Nothing moved or changed in her cell. No windows to let in sunlight. It could have been one day or three since she left home with Nico.

Tears stung her eyes. Nico had betrayed her and his family. He’d brought her straight to Bertucci and handed her over with a virtual bow attached. She vaguely remembered him asking about her when she was dragged away, and again later she heard his voice. Maybe he was the one who’d put the sweet-smelling flower petals in the room to cover up the stench of dried blood and death.

Metal scraped against metal, echoing in the small space. She shoved herself farther into the corner of the bed, pulling her knees up to her chest and hugging them. Her initial response was to bolt, but her legs wouldn’t hold her—they were too heavy, her mind too foggy. The door swung open, and Nico walked in carrying a tray.

Food.

He’d brought her food, not salvation.

Bertucci followed him, his hands in his pockets and his lips pinched together in a deep frown. The door was pulled shut from outside. Her guard, maybe.

She kept her eyes trained on Bertucci while Nico moved the bowl of potpourri and slid the tray onto the table.

“Just a sandwich and some water, but you should eat,” he said in his usual calm manner. Like they were at home, having lunch in the kitchen, and Marianne was nearby making him a batch of sweet tea.

“Why am I here?” she questioned.

Nico turned away from her and moved behind Bertucci. The perfect lap dog hiding behind his master. Betrayal nauseated her. Seeing it on his face, a shred of remorse, of uncertainty made the rolling waves in her stomach sharper.

“Because you’re useful here.” Bertucci shrugged.

“Useful how?”

“I’m expecting a visitor soon,” he answered.

“What does that have to do with me? With Nico?” She raised her voice, regaining some of her strength.

“Melinda, be patient,” Nico warned. “Do what you’re told. Don’t fight. It will be over soon enough.”

Melinda scooted to the edge of the bed and pressed her feet to the floor, testing the power of her legs before standing. She wobbled and stumbled back until she could hold the wall to keep herself upright.

“What will be over soon enough?” she asked, her patience cracking under the pressure.

“Your—”

“No.” Bertucci sliced his hand in the air, cutting off Nico’s words. “She’ll find out when I’m ready.”

“You’re an idiot. Both of you!” Her temper shoved the last of the drug induced fog from her mind. “Erik will find me. He’s not going to just let me walk away. He’s going to look for me.”

“I’m sure he will, but he won’t find you.” Bertucci slipped one hand from his pocket and ran it across his face. “I’ll send someone when it’s time for you to make your appearance. Until then, get comfortable. This may be the last few days you have.”

Nico’s head snapped toward Bertucci with his words, but he didn’t question him.

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