Page 28 of The Devil's Pawn

I open my eyes and find Joelle, a stripper from the club, in Enzo’s clutches. She’s the one Carlito and the rest of the Palermo men love to play with. I guess my brother wants to take their girl away. Not surprising, knowing how much he likes her, even when he pretends she means nothing.

From athletes to celebrities, Joelle brings in the most expensive clients. The Bianchis are not only going to lose their club, but their favorite girl too.

Once we’re in the van, they lay me down across the bench seat in the back. A minute later, we’re rolling down the street, and I still have no idea what I’m going to tell Raquel.

CHAPTEREIGHT

RAQUEL

“Ma’am, wake up,”someone calls to me from somewhere far away.

It’s like a dream I can’t seem to grab hold of.

“We need your help. Wake up,” the same voice says again.

My eyes pop open, and that’s when I find two of Dante’s men standing over me. At least that’s who I hope they are, or I’m in some serious trouble.

“Wha…” I sit up, my eyes darting from one to the other. “What’s going on?”

“The boss needs you, ma’am. He got hurt tonight. A robbery.”

“What are you talking about? Where is he?”

I rush to my feet, thanking myself for not wearing short shorts to bed and deciding on some loose black pajama pants and a black tank top instead.

“He’s in the kitchen. He was working late,” the tall man informs me. “He was coming out to his car when he was shot.”

“Shot? What?!” I jog down the steps, wondering why the hell he isn’t in a damn hospital.

“Yeah,” the man goes on, keeping up with me easily. “They took whatever cash was in his wallet, then put a bullet in his arm when he tried to chase after them.”

“Fucking idiot!” I grate in frustration as we descend down the final step. “Everyone knows not to chase after the criminal.”

“I’m sorry, beautiful wife,” Dante says from a distance. “I’ll remember that for next time.”

That’s when I see him, the light in his eyes set to a dim as he slumps in a chair beside a table, a white shirt covered with a small red stain enveloping his arm.

“Seriously, Dante?” I throw my hands in the air once I approach. “The first night we’re married, and you’ve already managed to almost die?”

“I did say I was sorry.” He smirks, but it’s weak, like he’s in a lot of pain.

Shit. I’m such a jerk, talking to him about this while he’s hurting.

The doctor bag he bought me is already on the table, waiting for me.

“Dante, I hope you realize I can’t do much here. Why didn’t you just go to a hospital?”

“Would you believe me if I said I don’t have insurance?” He grins, his teeth gritting now as though every word is a struggle.

“I don’t know what the hell you’re hiding, and I don’t think I want to know, but I can’t help you. What if the bullet is really deep in there? I can’t remove it here without risking more damage.”

If he doesn’t want to go to the hospital, there has to be a reason. It’s not like a robbery was his fault, unless he’s lying about what happened.

Who is he really? What did I get involved in?

“It’s a flesh wound, baby. You’re all I’ve got, so you either let me die or clean me up. But leave a nice scar so I’ll have a good story for the ladies.”

“What ladies?” I arch a brow as I draw near, deciding I’ll do my best to help him, since it’s obvious he won’t be going anywhere.

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