Page 51 of Naughty Santa Daddy

Keeping my bulk pressed against the wall as I shift within range, I spot Carlo. He’s standing over a motionless Dante. The door to my right opens with an unwanted surprise, and I have to bite my tongue to keep from cursing aloud.

As a soldier steps out, I slam the heel of my hand into his nose, crushing it. I swiftly follow my hit with a new blow to his neck and hear it snap. My adrenaline is insane at the moment, so I manage to catch the guy before he falls. The last thing I want is Carlo knowing we’re inside. Quietly, I lay the dead guy on the floor and shove him against the wall so he’s out of sight from anyone below. Motioning to Miller, I move along the catwalk, getting into a better position to take out Carlo. I can’t see Alex from my spot, and I don’t know who’s with her. This is not what I expected to deal with when I headed here for this fucked-up showdown.

I shift, adjusting until I’m finally able to see my little elf. My blood goes cold watching Enzo tie her to a chair. Witnessing the look on his face while he gazes up at her from between herspread thighs has my vision going red with rage. As I continue to take in the scene below, I realize my woman’s tougher than I initially gave her credit for. The fact that Enzo’s bleeding tells me Alex got a hit in.She’s my good little elf. Fuck, she has me so worried. I hate this shit.

Catching Miller’s eye, we use a few of our old hand signals to communicate what needs to be done. The way Enzo and Carlo are arguing below brings one word to mind.

Amateurs.

Abrupt shouting and new gunfire have everyone on edge as the sounds come from outside. My brothers who remained behind would take down anyone who attempts to escape this fucking dreadful building, along with anyone else standing in their way.

My mind’s already made up as I move my position again. Carlo and Enzo are going to die screaming. I should wait for the cavalry before rushing in; however, it just isn’t my style. I can’t hold off any longer, not with my woman and unborn baby in grave danger. After evaluating the situation, I’m counting on Miller to cover me.

Dropping onto a large crate, it’s a miscalculation on my part as my weight crushes the old wooden boxes. I feel the sting of the first bullet as I tumble out of the splintered wood. Half crawling, half running, I move behind another stack of barrels. Taking a chance, I peer around the barrels and see Enzo’s got Alex out of the chair and is using her as a human shield.

This motherfucker.

“Goliath, if you want Alex to walk out of here…alive, you’ll toss your gun out and then step into view.”

My eyes immediately shoot up to Prez, only to find him already shaking his head no. I hope he can read the emotion in my stare and know I appreciate everything he’s done for me. That I wish things could be different.

Tossing out my gun first, I move, holding my hands up and stepping into view.

Enzo appears a little too smug. He’s so sure of himself it makes me smirk.Come closer, pigeon.I can’t help but mockingly think, knowing he’s not a goddamn eagle.I’m ready, anticipating his movements when he finally reaches me. He’s surprised as I immediately yank him away from Alex.

It’s just in time too, as a bullet pierces his heart.

Another shot’s fired, except this time it’s not Miller. He’d fired the initial blast, which we needed to take out the threat. This time, it’s Alex.

I take my eyes off of her to stare down Carlo. He’s still holding his gun out as if he was going to shoot but was too slow. Deep red spreads across his crisp white dress shirt, and I watch as he first drops to his knees, then collapses face down onto the concrete floor.

Rushing for Alex, my first instinct is to make sure she’s okay, but she’s already yelling for me to check on Dante instead. She’s nuts; there’s no way I’m leaving her side. Ever. “Let me untie your hands. Miller’s checking on him.”

Before I can say anything else, her arms move around my neck, and her lips land on mine.

Thank Christ.I needed to have her against me, tucked safely to my chest before I could take a proper breath.

“God, I love you so much.”

Her words make me smile. Still, she’s in trouble, but that can wait until we’re home in bed. Then I’ll make sure she knows who makes the rules and who listens to them, no matter if I have to wear a Santa suit and spank it into her. I will. She’s far too important otherwise. “I love you back.”

Catching Miller’s eye for an update, he shakes his head no. Dante’s deceased. This will tear my sweet woman apart.

“Alex, baby, Dante…”

“He’s dead, isn’t he?”

“I’m sorry.”

I can’t help but peer down at Enzo. I thought he would always be by Alex’s side and that he’d eventually help her take her rightful throne. It looks like he’d been nothing but a placeholder until I showed up in my woman’s life. She keeps her head high as she stares me down, stealing my attention back on her. I’m looking into the eyes of my heart. I know it, and she knows it.Alex is endgame for me.

My elf’s the one and only.

“How did you know I was here?” she asks, peering up at me like I’ve hung the fucking moon, and it fills me with warmth all over.

“I didn’t. I came for Wash and Rabbit.”

Commotion behind us has me immediately glancing over my shoulder. It’s not Miller, but instead, it’s Rabbit. “Isn’t this sweet?” he comments with a smile too wide for his face.

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