Page 101 of Naughty Santa Daddy

When I turn to my right, I see him in a hand-to-hand fight with a man who looks familiar. I race across the porch and down the steps, but before I can get any further, strong arms wrap around me from behind.

“Get off me!” I shout, flailing my arms and legs like crazy.

“He can take care of himself.” Big John’s voice takes a minute to register, and as soon as it does, I settle down. The man sets me on my feet. “I can see why the boss likes you so much,” he says, humor in his tone. “You’re a little hellcat.”

Big John lifts his arm and inspects the long cut that’s oozing blood.

“Did I do that?” I ask, and when he nods, I continue. “I’m so sorry.”

His eyes narrow, and his expression hardens. “Don’t you ever do that.”

“Do what?”

“Show weakness by apologizing for protecting yourself.”

“I…” Heaving a sigh, I shrug. “It’ll never happen again.”

“See that it doesn’t.”

I whip around at Massimo’s dark tone. He’s grinning, but the sight is a stark contrast to the bloody man dangling from his grasp. It’s then that it sinks in: the gunfire has stopped.

Emilio walks toward us from the side of the cabin, his expression a mask of fury. “Pretty sure the sniper’s on the move.”

Massimo and Big John simultaneously twist their heads to look around the property. I do the same, having no clue what I’m actually looking for other than a man with a gun. The problem with that is I don’t know who’s friendly and who’s foe beyond the three men I’m standing with. And I’m not even sure about them.

“Recognize him?” Massimo asks, using one of his hands to lift the limp man’s head so I can see his face.

My breath catches in my chest, and I stumble backward as if kicked in the stomach by a raging bull.

“I’d say that’s a ‘yes,’” Emilio comments.

“Who the fuck is he, Hadley?” Massimo demands, anger flowing through the words.

Before I have a chance to respond, Big John grabs the man by his shirt and yanks him out of Massimo’s hold. “Does he remind you of anyone, boss?”

Why would a devil from my past remind Massimo of someone? How is this all connected?

Massimo sweeps his gaze over the man, and his eyes narrow. “Looks like an older version of Gio.”

Unable to remain silent, I blurt, “His name is Gaspare Marino.”

“Marino?” Massimo snaps. “As in Gio Marino?”

I shrug. “I guess.”

Gaspare begins to mumble incoherently as he regains consciousness, and when he lifts his head, his eyes widen the second he spots me.

Big John shakes him. “How are you and Gio related?”

“Put him in the back of the SUV,” Massimo orders. “Use a tranq on him if you have to.” As Big John drags Gaspare toward the mutilated vehicle, Massimo locks his gaze on me. “Go inside, Hadley. Emilio and I will handle the rest.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” I snap.

His shoulders stiffen. “Yes, you are. I don’t have time to argue wi—”

“Then don’t.” I lift the knife. “I can handle myself.”

“She might be able to get more answers than we can,” Emilio adds, his tone lacking the confidence it normally holds.

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