Page 81 of Filthy Little Games

“How did you...”

“I found her.”

If he says anything else, I don’t hear him. I’m too captivated by the images and especially, the videos with the sound of her happy squeals even from some distance away.

Once I’ve replayed every video at least three times, I lift my drenched face and stinging eyes to Creed. “I’m sorry to be blubbering and all, but I haven’t seen her in over a month. She’s grown so much!”

“We’re going to get her tonight.”

“Tonight?”

“Why does everyone suddenly question my every word?” he mutters.

“Sorry, it’s just…that’s so soon. Are you sure you’re ready?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t know, Creed. I don’t want her to get hurt during ashootout. Or for you to get caught by Emilio’s men. There are at least four, right?” I saw the big burly dark-haired men in the photos as well.

“It won’t come to a shootout,” my husband says. “And I didn’t see Emilio or any of the Rovinas today, just two nannies and four guards, so that shouldn’t be an issue.”

“How can you be so sure? About the shooting, I mean.”

“We’re going to have our guns on us, but we’ll use stun guns on the guards.”

“And the women?”

“What do you think we should do with them?”

“Don’t kill them,” I exclaim. Then, realizing that sounded like an order, I add, “Please. They probably don’t know who they work for, or that he took her from me for one failed drug test.”

“Okay, we’ll leave them alone if we can.” Leaning forward, he kisses my cheek and says, “I know it doesn’t seem like a great, well-thought-out plan, but we knew it was going to be risky, regardless. And we expect casualties — the guards, I mean. If you can’t handle that, then we can call it off. We could try to wait...”

“No. Do it. If you think it’s safe for you and Oriana, then I trust you.”

“Good.”

“The guards…” I start when I have an idea.

“You don’t want me to kill them either?”

“I was just wondering if maybe you should question them first, see if they know anything about Emilio being involved in the club raid with Izaiah.”

“That’s not a bad idea. I doubt they’ll know anything, but it’s possible his guards rotate and aren’t assigned solely to watch over Oriana.” I nod my head as he continues, “I’m going to go get changed.”

“Wait.” I stand up with him and grab the front of his suit jacketto stop him. I throw my arms around his neck, holding him tight. “Thank you. And please be careful. If it’s too dangerous…”

“It won’t be. Oriana will be safe, I promise,micetta mia.” Creed gives me a quick kiss on the lips before he walks away.

What I meant was that I wanted him to be careful and not get hurt. But it doesn’t seem like he’s concerned about his own safety.

26

Creed

In my office, I decide now is the time to meet with Lorenzo, Dre, and Tristan and tell them the whole truth before asking them to risk their lives.

“First off, Dre, I’ve got news for you. Emilio has picked out a venue, so we’re just waiting for a date.”

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