Page 114 of The Boss

“There are reports the man is dead, killed by his own son. He was involved in the artistic community one day then disappeared. Rumors started flying in the Armenian neighborhoods.”

I turned my head slowly in my brother’s direction. “So Davit could have full access to all the power, wealth, and influence.”

Havros grunted. “I think we underestimated the prick.”

“Maybe. Christos, have a few of our men shadow Davit. I want to know what the fucker is doing at all times.”

“I’m already ahead of you on that task,” he told me. “Davit went back to his estate and hasn’t left.”

“Keep watch. Don’t have him killed. I want to talk to him. After the plan goes down.”

“Are you certain Willow is still up for doing this? She was rattled by the shooting.”

Yes, she was. She’d remained quiet, only answering yes or no to questions. My concern had me leaning toward cancelling at least tonight. “She’ll be fine.”

My little dove was important and I was determined nothing would happen to her.

Nothing.

As soon as Nico rushed into the room, I sensed things had been turned upside down. “What now?”

“Willow. She’s gone. Your mother said she was anxious and suddenly, she walked out.”

CHAPTER 29

Twenty minutes earlier

Willow

“Answer the phone,” I said out loud. As if commanding my brother to answer his goddamn phone was going to work. I was pacing the garden, trying to keep my wits. The rings continued and I sensed his voicemail would come on. At least hearing his voice would provide some sense of false comfort.

I was right, yet his voice and message were different than before. Guarded. Or fearful.

“Leave a message.”

At first, I almost thought I’d dialed the wrong number but after a quick glance at the screen, I knew better. Did that mean he was still alive? Now I had to perform the best acting I’d ever done.

“Shane. It’s Willow. I need you. I must talk with you. Only you can help me. I was abducted by Dimitrios Nomikos. He’s holding me against my will. He’s going to force me to marry him. I can’tdo it. I can’t spend the rest of my life with a killer. Please help me. I’ve found a way to escape his clutches. Please call me back. I have a friend here who’s going to help me. She’s coming to get me. She knows a safe place. Please. Mommy and Daddy are dead. Dead! You’re the only one I trust. Just… please.” I was sobbing at the end, my heart racing.

Exhaling, I held the phone against my chest, constantly scanning the landscape. The noise from the gathering filtered toward me adding to my anxiousness. I adored Dimitrios’ parents, but a party? There was music playing, food and liquor. It just didn’t seem right.

It was time to leave whether or not Shane returned my call. What if he was watching? What if he’d been spying on me the entire time?

What if he didn’t care what happened to me?

I was terrified, my heart aching as much as the night I’d returned to the villa. Nothing made sense any longer.

Think clearly. Breathe. You can do this. You can escape.

The lingering little voice inside my head wasn’t helping as much as I’d hoped. Everything felt out of hand. But this was required. I wanted to live my life as I determined.

After taking several scattered breaths, I shifted to the edge of the property. I’d found another way of getting past the guards. I could do this. All I had to do was to take one step in front of the other.

Guests were outside, enjoying the deck surrounding the pool. I kept close to the trees, doing my best not to make a single sound.With every step closer to the outskirts of the estate, I said a silent mantra. It managed to give a boost to my resolve.

Hearing laughter, I eased into the shadows, the early evening sun providing enough cover.

Or so I hoped.

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