Page 91 of Sweet Deception

I almost messed up earlier when I stormed into the office after Rafael called me to tell me what happened.

"Let's head out." I turn the lights off in the office before locking the door.

I thank Frankie for coming in and providing coverage.

As soon as we settle into the escalade, Gio asks, "Rome's house?"

I nod, still pissed at the change of plans. Grabbing my phone, I text Kylie and tell her it will be much later before I can come get her. When she doesn't respond right away, I put my phone away and turn to stare out the window while I seethe. That's when I remember I didn't have anyone on Kylie.

"Fuck." How could I forget?

I bring my phone back out and dial Joseph to ask him to cover Kylie at her apartment until I get there. Ending the call, I check to see if Kylie has texted back yet.

Still nothing.

Knowing Kylie, she's got loud music playing while she packs her things. I decide right then to buy her a smart watch so she'll immediately know when I call or text her, no matter what she's doing.

After we arrive at Rome's house, I step out of the Escalade and straighten my jacket as I wait for Gio to come around the car. The front door opens the minute we step onto the first stair. Leo's personality is a lot like Gio's. Most of the time,he's fooling around, always trying to get a laugh. But not now. Now, his face is devoid of any humor as we approach.

Without a word, Leo opens the door wider and waves us in. I walk straight to Rome's office.

My gaze sweeps the room to find Rome. "Do your men have Robert?"

"Not yet." Rome stands from the couch and waves to the chair beside him. "Come in, have a seat."

I'm about to demand an explanation when Rome holds up his hand.

"You're angry and I get it, but you need to calm down, cousin. Rafael and I have talked and we need your clear head."

He's right. This is too huge. I take a calming breath before moving to sit.

"Good, Gio, my man. Come. Sit. No need to stand by the door." Rome sits back down next to Rafael and waits for Gio to get settled before explaining, "We have to play this smart. I've got men following Robert and Lisa. The plan is to nab him right before we hit the enemy. I'm having Lisa followed to see if she contacts anyone, but as we agreed, I won't take her into custody unless necessary."

"Will the plan work if you execute it tonight?" I ask.

Rome runs his hand through his hair as he stares down at the blueprints. "I'm still waiting for confirmation of everyone's whereabouts. We picked tomorrow based on rumors of a meeting at this location at midnight." He shakes his head, then looks at me. "Without most of them in one location, we'll be spread thin. The risk will be too high."

"Alright. I get it." And I do. I just don't like it.

Rome nods. "Good. Keep doing what you normally do. Don't give these guys any clue that this afternoon was more than you just firing a couple of employees. They already know you're planning this trip to Miami for business."

The glint in Rome's eyes tells me he can't wait to play and a part of me wishes I'd be right by his side when he does.

"Promise me this ends tomorrow night." I demand.

"I promise, cousin. When you return from Miami, this will all be settled. No one will dare come at us again. I promise you that."

We clasp hands in solidarity.

"You got any whiskey?" Scrubbing a hand down my face, I work on calming down. I want to return to Kylie without this anger inside of me.

Chapter thirty-eight

Kylie

After being jostled around, I struggle to wake. "Not yet." I tell Luca. I have a horrible headache and I've never been this exhausted. All I want is to fall back to sleep.

My next conscious thought comes when I feel my arms being tugged. Then the odor hits me. My stomach roils and I vomit. Someone is cursing, but I can't stop. The smell is so bad.

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